Investigating Students and Teachers' Perceptions on the Use of Smartphones to Develop Learners' Autonom

Abstract

With the rapid proliferation of smartphones and their widespread integration into various aspects of daily life, it becomes increasingly pertinent to examine their potential impact on educational practices. This thesis explores the perceptions of students and teachers regarding the utilization of smartphones as a tool for enhancing learners' autonomy. The study adopts a mixedmethod approach using an online questionnaire with 57 students of English and semi-structured interview with 7 teachers at Bordj Bou Arreridj University. The data collected were analyzed using statistical and content analysis. The research findings showed that students have a positive perception of using smartphones to develop learner autonomy. They believe in taking charge of their learning and see smartphones as valuable tools. Students report relying on smartphones consistently for educational purposes, which they believe enhances self-directed learning and skill development. Although some students experienced negative instances, many employ strategies to manage distractions. Teachers use diverse approaches, such as educational apps and promoting independent research, to integrate smartphones into the classroom. Smartphones also serve as communication tools and facilitate cultural exchanges. These findings highlight the importance of promoting selfregulation and providing guidance to optimize the educational benefits of smartphones.