The Impact of Mobile Application on Iranian Advanced EFL Learners’ Learning of English Vocabulary

Mobile devices have increasingly grown toward becoming tools for education and language learning, and all its users from teachers or students are getting used to this environment to make education as ubiquitous as possible (Wishart 2009). Moreover, it also supports the retention and utilization of newly-acquired skills whenever they are required. Through mobile participation in short exercises and tasks, learners are able to keep their linguistic talents sharp while reducing the risk of degradation of valuable knowledge, skills and abilities. Bachmair, Cook, and Pachler (2010) state that MALL deals with the use of mobile technology in language learning. Students do not always have to study a second language in a classroom. They may have the opportunity to learn it using mobile devices when they desire and where they are. As learning English considered a main factor for professional success and a criterion for being educated in many communities, providing more convenient environment for people to learn English is one of the strategic educational goals towards improving the students' achievement and supporting differentiation of learning needs.Consensus among the limited literature and studies available specifically about MALL indicate that the demand for it will only increase – along with the demand for second language acquisition and learning flexibility. Predicted growth is reinforced by the overall decrease in free time. With people working longer hours, the time necessary for formal, traditional classroom-based or even standard online courses will decrease. Cellphones will be an ideal solution to busy students and professionals seeking to acquire one or more new languages.