Implications for smart learning in English education in South Korea by comparison of mobile device usage in 2008 and 2014

This research aims to provide useful implications for smart learning in English education through the design of a creative comparison methodology to analyse the usage of various university student devices used in South Korea in 2008 and 2014. We found that mobile phone and smart phone multi-purpose devices were ranked highest in terms of possession and portability, but were not used significantly in English learning. In contrast, single-purpose devices such as portable multimedia players (PMP) and e-dictionaries were highly used in English learning, although they scored low on metrics of possession and portability. In summary, it is necessary to encourage students to select suitable learning content and to consider how to embrace single purpose devices, in smart learning.