The Use of Formal English Language and ICT Input Sources among Japanese University Students

This pilot study has investigated the difference in the use of formal English language by Japanese university students when using ICT input sources. Results demonstrate that students were more likely to use formal English expressions when using the input source of emails on a physical keyboard in comparison to social networking applications (SNS) on a mobile device. Results indicates that students who wrote emails on a device with a physical keyboard spent more time composing their email, checked their composition using a spell checker or online translation device, and wrote longer compositions. Further results highlight that when using SNS applications students overwhelming use a mobile device. This shortens the time and composition length. In addition, students indicated that SNS applications were casual in comparison to emails and thus did not include more formal English structures. The significance of these findings for ICT use in language education will be discussed, and suggestions made for educators ICT use.