Learning L2 Through the use of Technology Outside Class

With the development of information and communication technologies autonomous learning is increasingly a self-initiated process that is taking place in informal contexts not mediated by and without the knowledge of teachers. Thus, the current discussion on supporting structures for freedom of action demands a greater understanding of the complexity of learners' autonomous learning beyond the classroom. This paper explores student self-initiated language learning practices and their attitude towards out of class learning in order to support their foreign language learning process as well as their more general attitude towards out-of-class language learning. Since current research on computer-assisted language learning (CALL) has suggested a number of technological opportunities for language acquisition, students benefit from being encouraged to use technology for language learning on their own outside class. Therefore, the use of technology outside of the classroom by Japanese university students to self-initiate their language learning is investigated by this paper. A questionnaire was sent to 150 students over the internet and followed up by 20 targeted in person interviews. The responses revealed that most students were actively engaged in the use of technology, however there were differences among the students including in their skills of language acquisition. Findings in turn leads to a better understanding of students' actual practices and learner use of English outside class to provide opportunities for teachers, policymakers, and the wider community to gain insight into this phenomenon for fostering learner autonomy in the EFL context.