The Effect of Study Abroad on Informal MALL Acceptance and Usage in Japanese Higher Education

2018 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 17H07252
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Research Activity Start-up
• Allocation Type: Single-year Grants
• Research Field: Education
• Research Institution: Ritsumeikan University
• Principal Investigator: Mills Daniel 立命館大学, 経済学部, 准教授 (60802907)
• Project Period (FY): 2017-08-25 – 2019-03-31
• Keywords: Study Abroad / Mobile Learning / Satisfaction / Instructor Intervention

Outline of Final Research Achievements

The aim of this research project was to examine how a study abroad experience affected usage of technology, especially digital devices, for the purpose of learning. Several studies were conducted in order to investigate different aspects of this theme. The results of the research showed a positive correlation between study abroad and usage of mobile-assisted language learning (MALL) among Japanese university students. In addition, the factors of international posture and ideal L2 self were seen as determinants of MALL. Research regarding identity negotiation in social media demonstrated that experience with study abroad changed the way that participants used the technology and also identified Japanese cultural characteristics, such as fear of flaunting, as a potential barrier to use. Tensions were shown to arise when Japanese students attempted to communicate with non-Japanese interlocutors through social media.

Free Research Field

Computer Assisted Language Learning

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

Through active participation in conferences and publication of my work, I have been able to share my ideas with fellow academics and the general public. In addition, I have formed relationships with researchers in Japan and abroad with whom I will continue the projects I have started.