A Leap with Mobile Technology: the Impact of Social Media Sharing on Mobile-Assisted Language Learning
A Leap with Mobile Technology: the Impact of Social Media Sharing on Mobile-Assisted Language Learning
The present study aims to investigate the impact of social media sharing on Mobile-Assisted Language Learning (MALL) using activity theory to better understand the characteristics and mechanisms of social media sharing behaviors and their potential to facilitate English learning on mobile platforms. Utilizing a mixed-methods analysis approach, the study analyzed survey data collected from a sample of 350 university students in Shanghai, categorizing them into user and non-user groups based on their engagement with mobile social media’s check-in function, and employed a descriptive survey and a four-level Likert scale to assess learning habits, opinions, and attitudes toward MALL.The findings offer new insights into the profound value of MALL. The findings suggested that as a widely adopted language learning method, MALL indicates a public display of learning through sharing progress on social media, where learners are greatly motivated by the visibility of their efforts. The correlation between personal characteristics and the effectiveness of “check-in” is also verified that female, longer-term, language major, younger learners are more likely to engage in “check-in” activities. These findings carry the important implications for both educators, and language learners, underscoring the crucial role of MALL in fostering active participation in language learning.
X. Chen
