The impact of smartphones on the development of English listening comprehension

Abstract

Mobile-learning hand in hand with the enormous evolution of mobile devices has opened up many possibilities for the learning of a foreign language, placing new demands and considerable challenges on educators. In consequence, smartphones have been incorporated into English education, particularly for developing listening comprehension. In the framework of Cuban higher education, the integration of mobile devices also means an alternative solution to the material challenges in the training of the listening comprehension skill in the English language learning. Thus, this paper aims at explaining the impact of smartphones on the development of university students´ listening comprehension in the English courses. Noticeably, mobile devices have become legitimate and necessary tools for the instruction of English listening comprehension in the current local context. Smartphones enhance and diversify the practice of this language skill, leading to more positive students´ learning outcomes; in harmony with contemporary methodological trends, and the current policy for improving the English language teaching in Cuban higher education.