Use of Language-Learning Apps as a Tool for Foreign Language Acquisition by Academic Libraries Employees

Abstract

Language-learning apps are becoming prominent tools for self-learners. This article investigates whether librarians and employees of academic libraries have used them and whether the content of these language-learning apps supports foreign language knowledge needed to fulfill library-related tasks. The research is based on a survey sent to librarians and employees of the University Libraries of the University of Colorado Boulder (UCB), two professional library organizations, and randomly selected employees of 74 university libraries around the United States. The results reveal that librarians and employees of academic libraries have used language-learning apps. However, there is an unmet need for language-learning apps that cover broader content including reading comprehension and other foreign language skills suitable for academic library work.

Between traditional and mobile language learning

“…Narrowing the view to the main objective of the LanGuide project, namely, to the design of a mobile app for language acquisition, it needs to be observed that "there are apps for all aspects of language learning, but very little consideration has been given to the pedagogical premises that underpin the design of mobile apps" (Brick and Cervi-Wilson 2015, 24). These apps provide a multifaceted capability that offers time and space flexibility and adaptability that facilitate the changeable environment favoured by a variety of self-learners from students to professionals (Ibacache 2019), but the convenience of virtual learning and "the ubiquity of mLearning options affect the manner in which one learns as language learning intertwines with users' daily life activity and work" (Kukulska-Hulme 2012, 10). Enhancing motivation of self-regulated learners still seems to require a wellorganized design, relevant content and clear scope (Broadbent 2017), as well as a learner and knowledge centred approach.…”

Background to LanGuide Language-Learning Framework

“…Narrowing the view to the main objective of the LanGuide project, namely, to the design of a mobile app for language acquisition, it needs to be observed that 'there are apps for all aspects of language learning, but very little consideration has been given to the pedagogical premises that underpin the design of mobile apps' (Brick & Cervi-Wilson, 2015, p. 24). These apps provide a multifaceted capability that offers time and space flexibility and adaptability that facilitate the changeable environment favoured by a variety of self-learners from students to professionals (Ibacache, 2019), but the convenience of virtual learning and 'the ubiquity of mLearning options affect the manner in which one learns, as language learning intertwines with users' daily life activity and work' (Kukulska-Hulme, 2012, p. 10). Enhancing motivation of self-regulated learners still seems to require a well-organized design, relevant content and clear scope (Broadbent, 2017), as well as a learner and knowledge centred approach.…”

“…The LanGuide project seeks to exploit and advance the insights proposed by the current research (e. g. Ibacache, 2019;Elbabour & Head, 2020) by focusing on exploration of the new affordances of eLearning resources, as well as drawing on new possibilities for acquisition of foreign languages as a self-study life-long learning practice embedded in mobile technology (e. g. Viberg & Grönlund, 2012;Kukulska-Hulme et al, 2015;Bernacki et al, 2020). The LanGuide Mobile App as an open-source package offers any user an opportunity to enhance language knowledge of English, Croatian, Italian, Romanian, Slovenian and Spanish at any time and everywhere by just tapping on the mobile device.…”

University Students Using Mobile Application as Self-Directed Learning Tool for Learning Chinese

“…Some studies show how language mobile apps are becoming prominent tools for selflearners. Librarians and employees of academic libraries have used language-learning apps [2]; The existing educational mobile applications, which could be also exploited in learning English by elderly [3] Leaners use the mobile apps to learn the language skills and focus more on learning them both inside and outside the classroom [4]. Learning Chinese via smartphone application has influenced their language performance; task accomplishment and personal study positively.…”