Classification and Evaluation of mobile applications for Learning Turkish as a Foreign Language and Students' Opinions Regarding their Benefits

The current study deals with identifying and classifying of the mobile Turkish learning applications developed to be used in smart phones and tablets as a sub-branch of computer-assisted foreign language learning and discussing their contributions to support linguistic skills of learners. The study was designed in exploratory pattern within the framework of its purpose and quantitative data were used as the research method. It consisted of two parts: 1) Collection of the applications/games intended for teaching Turkish as a foreign language, released in virtual stores (Google Playstore, Apple Appstore); classifying them according to a software assessment chart and evaluating their linguistic and cultural contents. 2) Identifying the use of such applications in terms learning Turkish by foreign students in Turkey and finding out their opinions about the outcomes of these applications. The data of the first section involving the applications/games for learning Turkish as a foreign language being available in Android Playstore and IOS AppStore virtual stores and that were downloaded by at least one thousand learners until 28/10/2018 were identified. These applications were classified by the evaluation chart in parallel with the content analysis method and were presented in a descriptive manner. The data of the second section were obtained through survey forms that were completed by the foreign students learning Turkish in Turkey. As the result of the study, the quantitative data obtained were presented after being analysed with SPSS 23 and M. S. Excel software. The study reveals that students have a positive approach to the use of mobile applications for learning Turkish as a foreign language and the development of their language skills through mobile applications.