TITLE:
Jeddah University Students’ Attitude toward Using Telegram to Support Their EFL Learning
AUTHORS:
Amal Alharbi
KEYWORDS:
Attitude, Mobile Assisted Language Learning (MALL), Telegram Application, EFL Students
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Access Library Journal,
Vol.11 No.7,
July
23,
2024
ABSTRACT: There has recently been much interest in mobile technology in education. Both instructors and learners can use mobile technology to achieve various educational purposes. Therefore, English language learning Apps encourage students to practice English Language skills without limiting time, place, or cost. This quantitative research project explores Jeddah University/Khulais branch students’ attitudes toward using Telegram to support their EFL learning. Due to the specificity of the study, non-probability and convenience sampling were selected, which means that only those readily available students were chosen to participate in the study. This research project consists of 53 EFL students enrolled in the English Language and Translation Department at Jeddah University in Saudi Arabia/Khluais branch. The instrument used to gather data from the participants was an online questionnaire. In addition, the data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics using SPSS 24. version. The findings of this research project indicate that students’ attitudes were positive toward the Telegram application because of its easiness and convenience in the learning process. Moreover, the findings indicated that the respondents’ overall perception is positive that using the Telegram app can develop English language skills: reading, writing, listening, enriching their vocabulary, and developing grammar competence. However, students did not favor the Telegram application in developing their speaking skills. The reason behind this critical statement is the importance of effective utilization and supervision by an instructor. Therefore, the researcher recommended that more research is needed to understand better how experienced EFL learners use Telegram application in their learning and establish best practices for using Telegram in EFL teaching and learning in Saudi classrooms.