The Role of Smartphones in Enhancing English Language Learning: A Case Study of Second-Year EFL Students at the University of Ain- Temouchent

Abstract

As mobile technologies continue to permeate every aspect of modern life, smartphones have emerged as powerful educational tools capable of transforming traditional learning environments. In the context of language education, their integration offers new avenues for enhancing learner engagement, autonomy, and performance. The objective of this study is to examine the role of smartphones in enhancing English language learning among second-year students in the Department of Letters and English Language at BelhadjBouchaib University, Ain-Temouchent.This research addresses three main aspects:first, it explores the extent to which smartphones contribute to learners’motivation and improvement in language performance; second, it investigates students’ perceptions and attitudes toward the integration of smartphones into their educational experience. Third, it evaluates how instructors perceive the impact of smartphone use on student engagement and learning outcomes in the EFL classroom. To achieve the aims of this study, a mixed-methods approach was employed, combining a questionnaire administered to second-year students with semi-structured interviews conducted with EFL instructors to gain professional insights into the educational implications of smartphone use. The findings indicate that students generally view the use of smartphones positively in the context of English language learning. Furthermore, the results suggest that smartphones, when used appropriately, can effectively promote motivation, vocabulary development, and learner autonomy. Instructors also acknowledged both the benefits and challenges of incorporating smartphones into language instruction. This study offers practical recommendations for leveraging smartphone technology to enhance EFL learning in Algerian higher education settings.