An investigation into the validity of mobile technologies as a support structure for first year students studying German as a foreign language in a South African context

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The high penetration rate of mobile devices all over the world, and especiallyin South Africa, has significantly increased the relevance of Mobile AssistedLanguage Learning (MALL). The objective of this study is to ascertain theviability of incorporating MALL technology to enhance the language learningexperience of South African university students who are studying a foreignlanguage. The students enrolled for the beginners' German course atStellenbosch University served as participants in this study, and surveys andinterviews were used to establish their exposure to mobile devices, as well astheir experiences in relation to the incorporation of Short Messages Service(SMS) into their German course. The results indicate that although the vastmajority of students are mobile device owners, only a few students willembrace the idea of using these devices to improve their language skillswithout any incentive. Without constant motivation and encouragement to usemobile technologies, and the willingness from everybody involved in bothteaching and learning a foreign language, mobile technology as a supportstructure cannot be implemented successfully.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University