An Investigation of Chinese Older Adults' Self-Directed English Learning Experience Using Mobile Apps

Yangting Wang and M. Sidury Christiansen
Additional contact information
Yangting Wang: University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, USA
M. Sidury Christiansen: University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, USA

International Journal of Computer-Assisted Language Learning and Teaching (IJCALLT), 2019, vol. 9, issue 4, 51-71

Abstract: A majority of research on mobile-assisted language learning focuses on traditional English language learners: thus, little attention has been paid to older adult learners. The purpose of the study is to explore the learning experiences of Chinese older adults using the free and popular English learning mobile apps, Duolingo/Hello English, Baicizhan, and Liulishuo, in a self-directed learning (SDL) context. A 17-week sequential mixed-methods study was designed. 55 older adults from age 45 to 85 participated. The informed grounded theory was used and Saldana's coding techniques for qualitative analysis. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and paired sample t-tests. Findings demonstrate that older adults persisted in learning using mobile apps for 17 weeks and increased their vocabulary significantly. Finally, a transformational learning model called MISAPP was created based on the empirical data and the SDL theory.

Date: 2019
References: Add references at CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

Downloads: (external link)
http://services.igi-global.com/resolvedoi/resolve. ... 8/IJCALLT.2019100104 (application/pdf)

Related works:
This item may be available elsewhere in EconPapers: Search for items with the same title.

Export reference: BibTeX RIS (EndNote, ProCite, RefMan) HTML/Text

Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:igg:jcallt:v:9:y:2019:i:4:p:51-71

Access Statistics for this article

International Journal of Computer-Assisted Language Learning and Teaching (IJCALLT) is currently edited by Bin Zou

More articles in International Journal of Computer-Assisted Language Learning and Teaching (IJCALLT) from IGI Global
Bibliographic data for series maintained by Journal Editor ().