An Introduction to a New Taxonomy of Apps for Vocabulary Learning

Abstract

With the rapid development of science and technology, the availability and popularity of technology-enhanced learning is increasing in recent decades especially in fields like m-Learning, MALL (Mobile-Assisted Language Learning), CALL (Computer-Assisted Language Learning), etc. Lots of previous studies have researched how high-tech devices (like smartphones, tablets, etc.) and mobile apps facilitate learners’ language learning. However, very little has been published on the features of mobile apps for vocabulary learning, and there is a lack of a well-developed framework and taxonomy for mobile apps in this area. Therefore, the present research reviews previous studies on language learning apps and codes the vocabulary learning apps available on the market, aiming to identify what features these apps possess and to provide a taxonomy of these features. The article also presents a framework for viewing the features of these apps from two dimensions (app features focusing on different aspects of word knowledge and app features focusing on the functions of the apps). In the end, the article implies the direction for future research.