Learning Vocabulary through Text Messages: Help or Distraction?

AbstractIn foreign language learning, vocabulary is the initial move of the leaners and teachers. Practitioners have made use of various techniques so as to teach words more effectively and long-lastingly. Mobile phones are part of this endeavor and their use evoked mobile learning. Today, teachers want to benefit from the time that students spend with their mobile phones. The effect of the mobile learning and learners⿿ attitude towards this technology is researched in this study. To meet the purpose of this research, mixed-method design was followed. Quantitative data was gathered by pre, post, recall tests and an attitudinal questionnaire. The participants also answered two open-ended questions for qualitative data. The findings of the t-tests indicated that mobile foreign language learning environment could expand the students⿿ vocabulary knowledge and help the students to learn the target words more permanently. Moreover, participants of the study perceived vocabulary learning through text messages more resourceful, fun and motivating than printed version