Abstract:

It is undeniable that technology is part of our lives, and everyday there are hundreds of ways in which teachers can make use of any of these innovations into their classrooms. The aim of this study is to determine whether or not the use of a game app will help students who are learning English as a Foreign Language (EFL), to practice English outside the classroom. This study was conducted in a public university in Ecuador, where the infrastructure may not fulfill the desired technological requirements. However, the students in this study had access to Internet connection devices at home and other proper conditions that helped to the development of this research. The subjects used a free game app and a checklist to complete specific actions in the game to meet the course requirements. They also completed a survey on an educational platform with the purpose to obtain their perceptions regarding the topic. As part of the findings, it is worth to mention that EFL educators should take advantage of the technology at their disposal to create more activities that encourage students to practice English outside the classroom specially when their learning environment is not the most suitable, technology wise.

Keywords:

Technology-enhanced learning, Mobile learning, English as a Foreign Language.