Abstract:
Use of mobile computing devices and the social media in Higher education is one of
the substantial topics during this era. There are huge number of researches on the role
of Learning Management System (LMS) Computer Assisted Language Learning
(CALL) and Mobile Assisted Language Learning (MALL) in ESL settings. In this
recent years WhatsApp has become one of the most conspicuous networking site (SNS)
while there are number of facebook groups actively involve in virtual teaching and
learning English language among professionals and students. Researchers found that
although CALL is much preferred by many adult learners, there are many factors
hamper in CALL in developing countries like Sri Lanka such as lack of technology,
connectivity, infrastructure families, non-availability of free materials, etc. Meanwhile
some researchers found that many students use their devices for academic activities and
the mobile devices are important to their academic success regardless their place. The
main objective of this study is to explore the students’ perceptions on the role of social
media in English language learning and investigate the South Eastern University of Sri
Lanka students’ experiences in using WhatsApp application and facebook groups in
learning English Language. 10 Focus group discussions and 40 semi-structured
interviews (Qualitative method) were adhered in this research among undergraduates
in two faculties namely; Faculty of Islamic Studies and Arabic Language and Faculty
of Arts and Culture. This reach found that Social Media Assisted Language Learning
(SMALL) is very much effective in learning English Language. This research also
found that almost all the undergraduates prefer social media such as Facebook and
WhatsApp in order to share language learning material regardless their boundaries and
create a very strong networking among language learners. This reach also coined new
terminology known as “Social Media Assisted Language Learning” (SMALL).
