Developing and Piloting an App for Managing Self-Directed Language Learning: An Action Research Approach

Paper-based tools such as self-evaluation activities, learning plans, reflective journals and learning logs are commonplace for managing Self-Directed Language Learning (SDLL). Such tools not only promote ownership over learning and provide a sense of achievement to learners, but they also promote reflection and raise awareness of learning processes. Paper-based tools ("modules") for SDLL have been used successfully at a small university in Japan since 2003, but with the gradual introduction of student-owned iPads, the authors explore how technology tools have the potential to enhance the SDLL experience for learners. In this paper, the authors outline the rationale and process of adapting paper-based modules to create an iPad app. The paper then gives an overview of the research approaches that were chosen to systematically gather and analyse ongoing input from users. Finally, the authors share some of the preliminary findings from the pre-pilot and pilot phases of the project. [For full proceedings, see ED564162.]