University of Nizwa Graduate Presents Groundbreaking Research at SQU's 12th Student Research Conference
Aisha Al Mazruii
A recent graduate of the French Language and Translation program at the University of Nizwa, Aisha Salah Al Mazruii, participated in Sultan Qaboos University's 12th Student Research Conference on Language, Linguistics, Literature, and Translation (SCLLLT). Al Mazruii, along with Associate Professor Cécile Gabarre from the University of Nizwa's Department of Foreign Languages, presented their research on the transformative potential of tablet devices like iPads in facilitating foreign language acquisition, active learning, and the development of lifelong learning skills.
The comprehensive study, which spanned over twelve months and employed a case study methodology involving self-reflective journals and interviews with learners, revealed the pivotal role iPads can play in foreign language education at the graduate level. The findings highlighted the iPad's versatility, owing to its compact design and all-in-one features that enable portability, accessibility, and adaptability critical for ubiquitous and active language learning.
Al Mazruii's full-length oral presentation, titled "Improving Active and Lifelong Learning Skills in Foreign Languages with iPads," outlined specific applications like GoodNotes and Speechify, identified as instrumental in facilitating language acquisition for graduate students. The research revealed that integrating tablet devices can sustain active learning skills by allowing for individualized language acquisition through self-paced learning, online speaking sessions, peer tutoring, and annotation features.
Moreover, the study uncovered the iPad's value in cultivating lifelong learning skills that will benefit graduate students in their future careers, such as organization through note-taking and planning capabilities. Discipline, motivation, and digital autonomy emerged as crucial factors in maintaining a consistent learning journey, motivating students to set and pursue their own goals.
Al Mazruii expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to present her research at such a prestigious national conference, stating, "It was an honour to share our findings on the potential of iPads in graduate-level foreign language education. This experience has been invaluable for my academic and professional development, and I hope our research will inspire innovative approaches to language learning in Oman and beyond."
The SCLLLT conference aims to provide graduate students with a formal academic gathering experience, introducing them to the concept of research, its components, and the rewards of pursuing answers to questions and sharing their findings with others. Al Mazruii's groundbreaking research has certainly contributed to this goal and is expected to inspire other researchers and educators alike.
