Evaluation of English Listening Mobile Application for Iranian Intermediate level students: Based on Hubbard’s Framework

The Rapid development of computer technology in recent years has presented broad opportunities for its use in variousfields, including the field of language teaching. At present, a number of tools, including a vast variety of languageteaching applications, is readily available on the market. This study evaluates five English listening mobile applicationsto be used by intermediate level students to supplement their learning in listening. To examine the current mobile appsfor English vocabulary learning, 10 apps were first searched and selected on Google Play. The researcher limited theselection by choosing top 5 android apps for English listening 1) English listening and speaking 2) learn Englishpodcasts 3) learn English listening 4) listening English with BBC 5) English radio IELTS/ TOEFL and they were thenanalyzed according to the Hubbard’s framework of evaluation. In analyzing the five selected applications, this studymodified Hubbard’s framework as the main evaluation criteria in this study. The modified analytical framework hasfour main categories:1) procedures and approach 2) technological features 3) content design target. The results of theresearcher’s evaluation show that learn English podcast generally fulfilled the criteria of the most appropriate app forstudents. The novel and enjoyable ways of learning would have a great potential to increase learning motivation andencourage lifelong learning habits. More research will be needed in the field of mobile apps in order to suggest theright direction to effective language learning.

Keywords:

Mobile Application , Hubbard’s Framework , Intermediate level