INTEGRATING MOBILE-ASSISTED LANGUAGE LEARNING (MALL) IN LOW-RESOURCE CLASSROOMS

This exploratory action research examines how mobile phones can be used to support vocabulary learning in low-resource English as a Foreign Language (EFL) classrooms in rural Uzbekistan. In environments where access to computers, internet connectivity, and instructional technology is limited, mobile devices offer a promising, cost-effective alternative. The study investigates current patterns of mobile phone use for English learning outside class, and implements simple Mobile-Assisted Language Learning (MALL) strategies—such as vocabulary games, audio recordings, and SMS tasks—to improve vocabulary retention. Findings show that students were highly engaged with mobile-based activities, and vocabulary retention improved over a four-week intervention. The results highlight the potential of mobile phones to supplement formal instruction and provide personalized learning support, even in resource-constrained environments.