Abstract

This paper investigates the efficiency of using mobile technology in English as a Foreign Language (EFL) reading classroom of 30 male students at Preparatory Year, Najran University. Specifically, the study aims to explore the role of this new integrated method in enhancing the EFL learners’ reading practices. Integrating Freebody and Luke’s (1990) four resources model of reading practices within Mobile Assisted Language Learning (MALL), a mix-method research design was used in this study. The reading class was allowed and encouraged to implement specific mobile features and applications. A pretest was employed to construct the baseline data. During the treatment, WhatsApp group, self-reflection journals, posttest, and semi-structured interviews were used. The findings revealed that using mobile WhatsApp, online and offline dictionaries, mobile camera, online resources, and memos remarkably improved the participants’ code breaking practices and text participation practices; text using and text analyzing practices were slightly improved. Participants used the aforementioned tools and features to share images, photos of summaries and mind maps and to look up for new vocabulary, pronunciations and parts of speech. The study recommends further investigation on the effect of WhatsApp on writing practices.

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