The effectiveness of smartphone and tablet PC apps for Japanese language learning

The emergence of smartphones and tablet PCs in the second decade of the 21st century has furthered possibilities for mobile learning. The characteristics of smartphones and tablet PC devices such as affinity, portability, accessibility and the availability of low cost applications (apps) with various functions have transformed these devices into a realistic means of learning. In fact, it has been reported that many second language (L2) learners have used such language learning apps and evaluated them positively. The adaptation of mobile apps for L2 language education and training has been actively implemented by not only individual users but also educational and business sectors in many countries. Thus, this study explores the effectiveness of smartphone and tablet PC apps for Japanese language learning, focusing on learners of Japanese at a university in Australia. The types of Japanese language learning apps that students have used and their usage are examined, in order to investigate the effectiveness of such apps. This study aims to provide helpful information to L2 educators and learners about the adaptation of mobile devices to assist their language teaching and learning.