Title: Mobile social networking in language learning: a transformational tool

Authors: Saleh Al-Shehri

Addresses: School of Education, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia

Abstract: Most EFL (English as a Foreign Language) contexts have been characterised as traditional teacher-directed language learning setting. This indicates the need for a practical incorporation of more student-centred approaches. Mobile social networking is relatively new to the fields of study investigating different student-centred practices. This study investigated the potential of mobile social networking in maintaining an effective learning environment and in creating meaningful learning opportunities that cater for students' needs and promote student-centeredness and collaborative learning. The study concluded that mobile social networking played a major transformational role and enhanced the shift from a traditional teacher-directed EFL instruction to a more collaborative, enjoyable, and above all, student-centred instruction.

Keywords: language learning; mobile networking; student-centred learning; collaborative learning; social media; social networking; networks; mobile technologies; transformational tools; EFL; English language; foreign languages; teacher-directed learning; teachers; learning environments; learning opportunities; student needs; King Khalid University; Saudi Arabia; universities; higher education; mobile learning; m-learning; mobile phones; cellphones; online learning; e-learning; electronic learning; online learning; internet; world wide web.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMLO.2011.045322

International Journal of Mobile Learning and Organisation, 2011 Vol.5 No.3/4, pp.345 - 359

Received: 10 Dec 2011
Accepted: 24 Dec 2011

Published online: 18 Feb 2015 *

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