Students’ Opportunities, Challenges, and Strategies in Using Smartphones While Learning the English Language

Abstract

This study explores the opportunities, challenges, and strategies experienced by university students when using smartphones to learn the English language. The research was conducted with eight English major M.Ed. fourth-semester students from two campuses affiliated with Tribhuvan University and Mid-West University, Nepal. A qualitative method was used, and data were collected through semi-structured interviews and reflection notes. The results showed that students found smartphones useful for flexible learning, quick access to information, and improving their language skills through various apps and online resources. However, they also faced several challenges such as distractions from social media, weak internet connections, small screen sizes, and a lack of motivation for self-study. Students also reported missing teacher support and peer interaction when relying only on smartphones. To address these issues, they developed strategies including setting personal study goals, utilising educational apps, disabling notifications, limiting non-academic use, and integrating smartphone learning with traditional classroom methods. The study suggests that with proper guidance and balanced use, smartphones can be effective tools in learning English.