Learning English with Second Screen Platforms: A Mixed Method Cross-National Study

Contemporary world has set new stages of technology-driven transformations. Education calls special attention in this matter as digital environments are defining new forms to expand knowledge. Blended learning methods using multiple screens have emerged as new paradigms for facing recent new media appropriation and advancing the learning process in this digital scenario. A study was carried out with 59 students from the penultimate year of high school in Chile and Brazil to address this challenge. For two weeks, they participated in a flipped classroom for practicing basic English, experimenting with Digital Television and smartphone use. Results showed improvement of English skills among students comparing the pre and post-test periods. Also, it was observed that during the activity the students of both countries were mostly focused; however, the percentage of focused students decreased during the second half of the interaction period with the video in Digital Television inside the classroom. It should be mentioned that it was not the aim of this study to compare both countries, but to validate this strategy in two culturally different contexts. The study showed how practicing languages can be benefited with Digital Television use with multiple screens in flipped classrooms situations, being students affected by technology not only in the improvement of their learning but also because it opens opportunities to break down structures rooted in the teaching profession. Future works would be improved by conducting further sessions, amplifying the observation of students’ content and characteristics.