Examining student perceptions about smartphones to understand lack of acceptance of mobile-assisted language learning

Problematic smartphone usage has been widely recognized (e.g. AlBarashidi, Bouazza, & Jabur, 2015; Chóliz, 2012). However, few researchers have investigated the relationship between students’ feelings towards their smartphones and their acceptance of Mobile-Assisted Language Learning (MALL). This exploratory study of thirty-six Japanese high-school students sought to understand their overwhelming reluctance to use the popular language-learning application, Duolingo. Fewer than half of the students used the application, with several failing to even install it on their device. Small group interview discussions were conducted to clarify and gain insight into the participants’ feelings and motivations about the use of their smartphones.