Mobile-driven Motivations Perceived by Iranian EFL Learners

Mobile learning, with its features of ubiquitousness and flexibility, enables users to learn in any appropriate place and at any appropriate time. This emerging way of digital learning will be the future trend. Two hundred and fifty Iranian EFL learners participated in research into why they use mobile devices to learn English. Drawing on a questionnaire followed by an interview, the interview data, and a questionnaire facilitated by the preceding interview, the paper examines Iranian EFL learners’ perceptions of their motivations and needs in deploying Mobile-Assisted Language Learning (MALL), most of whom were aged 25-86. All had experience of online and distance education and most worked in education or training. The study revealed some motivations and reasons of why they prefer to use their mobile devices to learn English, a selection of which is reported in this paper. The paper links the findings to wider debates about the changing relationship between learners and educational institutions and the role of mobile devices in enabling individuals to engage in learning conversations. Data are provided on why mobile devices were used by the learners to create and distribute learning materials and resources and the paper explores the implications of these findings for educators.