Designing a TEFL Mobile Application for EFL Teachers: An Empirical Study

Abstract

This paper provides a description of designing the KFS TEFL mobile application that provides a new alternative learning material for EFL teachers. The researcher followed the ADDIE Model for instructional design in producing the application. Before designing the application, a semi-structured online need analysis questionnaire was given to 124 participants with diverse nationalities and academic backgrounds to identify the necessity for developing university TEFL courses. Moreover, the most needed topics to be addressed in the application were selected. The data collected by the need analysis questionnaire were analyzed and used as a basis for designing the application. The application is a comprehensive course that includes six main topics covered with varied material: written explanations, video lectures, quizzes and reference books. The researcher employed three programs for designing the application; namely: Microsoft PowerPoint 2010, iSpring Suite Version 9.3.2 and Website 2 APK Builder Version 2.2. Designing and producing such applications meet the increased demands on online learning after COVID-19. In addition, authentic mobile applications can be published on Google Play to reach a huge audience and be financially profitable for their authors. An evaluation questionnaire was administered to a sample of twenty-seven participants who used the application for six weeks.