How Instagram as a MALL tool impacts EAP learners' technical vocabulary learning and perceptions in an electronic...

Area of Science:

• Educational Technology
• Applied Linguistics
• Language Pedagogy

Background:

• Mobile-assisted language learning (MALL) is increasingly explored for its impact on language acquisition.
• English for Academic Purposes (EAP) requires specialized vocabulary, posing challenges for learners.
• Social media platforms offer potential as MALL tools for targeted vocabulary development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effect of Instagram as a MALL tool on the technical vocabulary knowledge of Iranian EAP university students.
• To assess student perceptions and attitudes toward using Instagram for learning academic English vocabulary.
• To evaluate Instagram's efficacy in an online learning environment (Adobe Connect).

Main Methods:

• A quasi-experimental pretest-posttest design with 60 intermediate EAP students (physical education major).
• Random assignment into a control group and an experimental group using Instagram for vocabulary tasks.
• Data collection via pre/post vocabulary tests and a post-study questionnaire on perceptions.

Main Results:

• The experimental group demonstrated significantly greater improvement in technical vocabulary knowledge compared to the control group.
• Repeated-measures two-way ANOVA confirmed the effectiveness of Instagram-based learning.
• Questionnaire analysis indicated positive student perceptions and attitudes toward Instagram as a supplementary learning tool.

Conclusions:

• Instagram is an effective and accessible MALL tool for enhancing technical vocabulary acquisition in EAP contexts.
• EAP instructors can leverage Instagram to supplement traditional teaching methods and engage students.
• The study highlights the potential of social media platforms in specialized language learning environments.