Listening Learner’s Needs: How Learners Utilize Technology to Learn English and Why?

Abstract

The use of technology to aid in the learning of English as a second language has grown in popularity in recent years. These tools, such as online language learning platforms, mobile apps, online dictionaries and translation tools, audio and video resources, and social media and online communities, offer a number of benefits to learners, including the convenience of being able to learn from any location with an internet connection, the ability to engage with the language through various mediums, and the option for personalized learning. However, using technology for language learning also comes with its own set of challenges. These can include access to technology, technical issues, a lack of personal interaction, limited flexibility in learning, and the potential for distractions. This paper presents the results of a study that looked at the perceptions of English language learners who use technological tools for their learning. A qualitative approach was used in this research project to gather and analyze data on the effectiveness of using technologies to learn English as a second language. In-person and online semi-structured interviews were conducted with 30 subjects, ranging in age from 20-26 and hailing from various regions in Indonesia. The research examined their experiences, the challenges they faced, and their preferences for using technology as a means of learning English.