Learner Autonomy: Enhancing Language Skills of EFL Learners Using Applications

EFL learners consider learning a target language as not only a matter of pride but also a challenge. However, heavy curriculum, time constraints and traditional ways of teaching dampen their spirits. It is imperative for teachers to provide innovative and interesting ways and offer an effective autonomous learning platform to train EFL learners to be responsible for their learning. In the digital age, using Applications is one of the best options to promote learner autonomy. This study investigated the effectiveness of using twelve Language Applications by EFL Learners to self-regulate their learning process. The sample comprised ninety students pursuing a CALL course at Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University. These 12 language Applications were chosen to make EFL learning process flexible, and cater to individual needs. An Application evaluation instrument was designed to evaluate these twelve Applications for their technological, pedagogical, user-friendly and individualization features to support EFL learning a mixed-methods approach was adopted to collect and analyse data qualitatively and quantitatively. The results indicated that the learners became more responsible and improved their language skills to a great extent. The results further revealed that automated feedback and comments motivated the learners to take up learning tasks and tests independently. The results reflected that learning through Applications was a good learning strategy that can be used by the EFL learners in the fast progressing digital age to have confidence, a sense of autonomy and independence. Thus, eventually leading to enhancement of their language skills.