스마트폰 앱 활용 학습이 EFL대학생들의 성별에 따른 영어 말하기와 인식에 미치는 영향

Abstract

The present study investigated the effects of English study using smartphone applications (apps) on the speaking performance and perception of EFL university students concerning gender difference. Forty-seven students participated and were required to practice English outside of the classroom using apps for a 10-week period. All participants took pre and post narrative speaking tests based on a series of eight pictures and answered a questionnaire. The findings of the study are as follows. First, there was no significant difference between the male and female students in speaking performance in the post-test. However, statistically significant differences were found between the pre- and post-tests in both groups. Second, the participants responded positively that the practice using an app was interesting and helpful for decreasing anxiety toward English with no significant gender difference. Finally, the students chose an app, ‘Cake’, as the most preferred one as it included a variety of useful English expressions regularly on various topics. Most participants replied positively about using the apps as a means for speaking practice due to accessibility. The findings suggested that smartphone apps could be useful to provide opportunities for both male and female university students to practice English in an EFL context.