A Systemic Review (2014–2023) on the Mobile-Assisted Blended Learning for English as a Foreign Language Education with a Focus on Empirical Studies

Qing Zhou; Harwati Hashim; Nur Ainil Sulaiman

doi:10.3991/ijim.v17i24.42019

Authors

Qing Zhou Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6765-5341
Harwati Hashim Faculty of Education, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia
Nur Ainil Sulaiman Faculty of Education, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3991/ijim.v17i24.42019

Keywords:

Mobile learning, Blended learning, Mobile-assisted blended learning, English as a Foreign Language (EFL), Sustainable education

Abstract

Over the past two decades, due to the rapid development of information and communication technologies (ICT), mobile learning (M-learning) and blended learning (BL) have emerged as new trends in sustaining English as a foreign language (EFL) education. The tumultuous COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted traditional teaching and learning, but it has also accelerated the integration of technology in EFL education. Mobile-assisted blended learning (MABL) combines mobile-assisted language learning (MALL) and BL into a single framework that effectively addresses their individual limitations when used in isolation. However, reviews of MABL, particularly in the context of EFL education, are scarce. Sourced from two major databases, namely Web of Science and Scopus, and two supplementary databases (Education Resources Information Center and Mendeley), 25 studies were extracted out of 205 in the latest decade, using specific exclusion and inclusion criteria. This review aims to shed light on the trend of utilizing advanced and effective pedagogy and teaching tools to benefit stakeholders in the sustainable development of English as a foreign language.

Author Biographies

Harwati Hashim, Faculty of Education, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia

Harwati Hashim is an associate professor at the Centre for Innovation in Teaching and Learning, Faculty of Education, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM). Her areas of concentration are ESL, language learning strategies, mobile learning, mobile-assisted language learning (MALL), and technology acceptance, as well as language pedagogy and the use of technology in teaching English as a second language (ESL).

Nur Ainil Sulaiman, Faculty of Education, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia

Nur Ainil Sulaiman is a senior lecturer at the Centre for Innovation in Teaching and Learning, Faculty of Education, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM). Her areas of concentration are ESL, language learning strategies, language pedagogy and teaching English as a second language (TESL).