An Autoethnographic Study of the Use of Mobile Devices to Support Foreign Language Vocabulary Learning

• Main Author: Mark Osborne
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Kanda University of International Studies 2013-12-01
• Series: Studies in Self-Access Learning Journal
• Subjects: foreign language learning; vocabulary learning; mobile phone; word cards; autoethnography
• Online Access: http://sisaljournal.org/archives/dec13/osborne

This autoethnographic study involved the author in the dual role of researcher and subject in a self-study language learning episode. The paper describes a foreign language learning experience of using a mobile phone (Apple iPhone) word card application to learn Italian vocabulary. Data from diary entries were analysed and categorised, and the findings show that learning strategies, content, motivation and interface design are prominent themes. The significance of these themes is addressed in the discussion, and suggestions for further research are made. The findings are of value in order to inform the design, development and deployment of mobile device-based vocabulary learning resources for language learners, and are therefore of interest to language educators, mobile device materials designers, developers and publishers, as well as researchers.