Utilising Mobile Phone Applications to Enhance Arabic Language Communicative Skills among Islamic Studies Undergraduates in Ekiti-State University, Nigeria

Mobile-phone, Arabic aspect, undergraduate Islamic Studies students, Ekiti State University

Abstract

This paper extensively explored students’ aptness to mobile learning and their perceptions about their application and difficulties of using mobile phone applications in Islamic Studies communicative skills. The participants are undergraduate students studying Islamic Studies at Ekiti State University Ado Ekiti. To collect data, a questionnaire is used on whether Arabic students use their mobile phones as educational tools while learning, reading Arabic aspect of Islamic Studies and how they give the interpretation. The results showed that, the use of mobile phone is gradually becoming popular among undergraduates of Ekiti State University. Learners used a variety of applications as educational tools outside the classroom. However, the results indicated a lack of adequate support on the part of many teachers who either do not allow the use of mobile phones in class or provide limited guidance for using mobile applications in independent learning. Results also showed that students use a variety of mobile applications to support their learning Arabic aspect of Islamic Studies although they mostly use them informally without their teachers‟ direction or guidance, and sometimes face technical and functional challenges. The results showed that many Islamic Studies students have a generally positive attitude toward using mobile-phones in aspect of Islamic Studies. Based on the findings, it was suggested that, in order for Islamic Studies students to take advantage of the available mobile phone applications, Teachers should be more involved in guiding the students on reliable applications and helping them in effective use of these Arabic applications.