The motivation of Arab EFL university students towards using MALL applications for speaking improvement

Abstract

MALL could be applied to improve English speaking of EFL students. One of the important issues related to the use of MALL applications is the motivation towards using these applications by learners. The main aim of this study is to identify the motivation of using MALL applications by Arab EFL students for English speaking improvements. A conceptual model was proposed based on Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). The proposed model presents seven research hypotheses to test the relationship among three layers of variables. The independent variables include the external reasons to use MALL applications such as accessibility, availability, and variety of learning styles. The motivational factors of using MALL applications (mediating variables) include such as usefulness and ease of use. The third model layer is the actual use of MALL applications (dependent variables) such as the attitudes toward using MALL applications. A questionnaire survey was conducted with 152 students at Al-Anbar University in Iraq. The data analyzed using SEM through AMOS tool. The results showed that the students are motivated to use MALL application for speaking improvements due to the ease of use and the usefulness of these applications. The students' motivation is supported by many reasons such as MALL accessibility, availability, enjoyment, variety of learning styles, and flexibility in learning.