The goal of this thesis is to find out how often language learning apps are already used and to analyze their potential for the upcoming years, i.e. whether they might be able to supplement or even replace traditional language classes one day. The study presented in this thesis consists of two parts: an analysis of the term language learning app, their user numbers and their teaching methods in order to be able to find their strengths and weaknesses and a survey conducted among students of the University of Trier in which they were asked about their past usage of language learning apps, as well as their attitudes and opinions towards language learning apps in general, including their opinions about the potential of language learning apps.
Not long ago, mobile phones were only a means of communication and it was hard to imagine that one day they could fulfil literally hundreds of tasks. Today, thanks to mobile apps, they can be a map, a book, a video game and even a spirit level all at once. One of their most valuable new features, though, are educational apps. They allow users to learn anything from coding to chemical elements to languages and have been changing the educational landscape ever since.
Language learning apps have been especially disruptive. No other type of educational apps is used as often as they are. Today, apps like Duolingo and Babbel have more than 100 million active users, with their numbers increasing by the day. They offer courses in languages from Spanish to Hawaiian and are no longer limited to vocabulary teaching only.
Table of Contents
- 1. Introduction
- 2. Theoretical Background
- 2.1 Mobile Apps
- 2.2 Language Learning Apps
- 2.3 Methodological Approaches of Language Learning Apps
- 2.4 Advantages and Disadvantages of Language Learning Apps
- 3. Methodology
- 4. Results
- 4.1 Past Experience with Language Learning Apps
- 4.2 Requirements for a Good Language Learning App
- 4.3 Potential of Language Learning Apps
- 5. Discussion
- 6. Conclusion
- 7. Bibliography
Objectives and Key Themes
The objective of this bachelor thesis is to investigate the current usage of language learning apps and analyze their potential for future development. The study aims to determine whether these apps can supplement or even replace traditional language classes. This involves analyzing the characteristics of language learning apps, their user numbers, and teaching methods to identify their strengths and weaknesses, and surveying students about their experiences and attitudes towards these apps.
- The prevalence and usage patterns of language learning apps among university students.
- The key features and characteristics of effective language learning apps.
- The perceived advantages and disadvantages of language learning apps compared to traditional classroom instruction.
- The potential of language learning apps to supplement or replace traditional language teaching methods.
- Student attitudes and opinions towards the integration of language learning apps into language education.
Chapter Summaries
1. Introduction: This chapter introduces the rapid rise of mobile apps and their impact on education, particularly focusing on the significant growth and widespread use of language learning apps such as Duolingo and Babbel, each boasting over 100 million active users. The chapter establishes the thesis's central goal: to investigate the current usage and future potential of language learning apps, exploring whether they can act as a supplement or even a replacement for traditional language classes. The study's methodology, encompassing both an analysis of language learning apps and a survey of university students, is also outlined. The introduction highlights the potential for widespread adoption among students, given their familiarity with technology and the rapid growth of these apps.
2. Theoretical Background: This chapter provides a foundational understanding of mobile apps and their evolution, starting from the definition of an app and its usage across various devices (mobile and desktop). The chapter then delves specifically into language learning apps, examining their methodological approaches, comparing various language acquisition theories and highlighting the advantages and disadvantages of using language learning apps. It lays the groundwork for understanding the apps' functionality and potential limitations before the empirical investigation.
3. Methodology: This section, likely describing the research methodology employed in the thesis, would detail the methods used to gather and analyze data regarding language learning apps. This could include the design of the student survey, sampling procedures, and the statistical or qualitative techniques employed to analyze the collected data. It would clarify the approach taken to ensure the study's validity and reliability.
4. Results: This chapter presents the findings of the survey conducted among University of Trier students, focusing on their past experiences with language learning apps, their requirements for a successful app, and their opinions on the potential of language learning apps. It would present statistical data and analysis, illustrating usage patterns, preferences, and attitudes towards the apps as a teaching tool. The data would likely include visual representations such as charts and graphs to illustrate the findings effectively.
5. Discussion: This chapter would interpret the results presented in Chapter 4, analyzing the data in the context of the theoretical framework established in Chapter 2. It would likely discuss the implications of the findings for the field of language education, comparing the strengths and weaknesses of language learning apps to traditional language instruction. The chapter would potentially explore limitations of the study and suggest areas for future research.
Keywords
Language learning apps, mobile learning, educational technology, language acquisition, survey, student attitudes, app usage, effectiveness of language learning apps, traditional language teaching, blended learning.
Frequently Asked Questions: Language Learning Apps - A Comprehensive Analysis
What is the main focus of this academic paper?
This bachelor thesis investigates the current usage of language learning apps and analyzes their potential for future development in language education. It aims to determine if these apps can supplement or replace traditional language classes.
What topics are covered in the Table of Contents?
The Table of Contents includes an introduction, a theoretical background on mobile apps and language learning apps, the methodology used in the research, the results of the study, a discussion of the findings, a conclusion, and a bibliography.
What are the key objectives and themes of the study?
The study explores the prevalence and usage patterns of language learning apps among university students, the key features of effective apps, the advantages and disadvantages compared to traditional methods, the potential for supplementing or replacing traditional teaching, and student attitudes towards app integration in language education.
What is covered in the chapter summaries?
Chapter summaries provide an overview of each chapter's content. The introduction sets the stage, the theoretical background provides context on mobile and language learning apps, the methodology details the research approach, the results present survey findings, the discussion interprets the results, and the conclusion summarizes the overall findings.
What kind of methodology was used in this research?
The methodology section details the research methods employed to collect and analyze data on language learning apps. This likely includes a description of a student survey, sampling procedures, and the statistical or qualitative techniques used for data analysis.
What are the key findings presented in the results chapter?
The results chapter presents findings from a survey of University of Trier students, focusing on their past experiences with language learning apps, their requirements for a successful app, and their opinions on the apps' potential. Data is presented statistically and visually (charts and graphs).
How are the results discussed and interpreted?
The discussion chapter interprets the results in the context of the theoretical framework. It analyzes the implications for language education, compares the strengths and weaknesses of apps to traditional methods, explores study limitations, and suggests areas for future research.
What are the keywords associated with this research?
Keywords include language learning apps, mobile learning, educational technology, language acquisition, survey, student attitudes, app usage, effectiveness of language learning apps, traditional language teaching, and blended learning.
What is the overall conclusion of the study?
The conclusion summarizes the key findings and their implications. While not explicitly stated in the provided text, the conclusion would synthesize the research and offer concluding remarks on the potential of language learning apps in the context of language education.
- Citation du texte
- Luca Diehl (Auteur), 2019, Usage and Potential of Language Learning Apps, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/512898
