چکیده:
With the rapid expansion of deploying mobile instant messaging applications
such as Telegram for the purpose of language learning, it is quite apparent that
language research in this regard is lagging behind the trend. This study addressed
the matter by exploring how language learners utilize a Telegram group for the
purpose of language learning. In this regard, the activities of a Telegram
language learning group with 74 active members was observed and recorded for
a week. To capture the patterns of utilization of the group, a thematic analysis
was conducted on the compiled corpus of approximately 45000 words gathered
by recording the messages posted by the group’s members. The analysis
indicated that the themes of utilization of the Telegram language learning group
were discussing content-based topics, seeking and sharing resources,
recommending conversation opportunities, sharing learning strategies, and
giving corrective feedback on each other’s language. The findings of this
research illustrated the potential of mobile messaging applications for creating
opportunities for self-initiated and collaborative language learning
خلاصه ماشینی:
"More generally, these results are in line with the previous research on the use of technology in language learning, which considers it to be a feasible way of promoting meaning construction and various types of peer interaction (Peterson, 2009; Swain & Lapkin, 1998; Van Lier, 1996; Watanabe, 2008).
The results of this study suggest that mobile messaging applications like Telegram can provide various opportunities for self-initiated language learning.
Longitudinal studies on the effects of self-initiated language learning through mobile messaging applications on learners’ proficiency development, exploring learners’ perceptions of these groups, and investigating the language learning potential of the other features of these applications such as channels or private chats are among the vast language research possibilities that remain open for investigation in future work.
In the present study, by examining a corpus of approximately 45000 words from 74 participants, different codes were initially generated to categorize a week of a Telegram language learning group’s activities, and eventually the codes were summarized into five main themes including discussing content- based topics, seeking and sharing resources, recommending conversation opportunities, sharing learning strategies, and giving corrective feedback on each other’s language.
The observed diversity in students’ use of a Telegram group was considerable in that it designated the potential of a mobile messaging application for promoting self-initiated and student-centered learning in a situation where formal language instruction, especially in Iran, is yet largely teacher-centered (Abednia & Izadnia, 2013)."