The Role of Smartphones in Learning English as EFL for Students of Department of English Language Education (Universitas Islam Negeri Ar-Raniry Banda Aceh)

In the industrial era 4.0, technology and information are needed by most people in the world, especially for education. Smartphones are one of the most popular technologies for learning English. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to examine the role of smartphones in learning English. The data were obtained from 7 students of English Education (Universitas Islam Negeri Ar-Raniry Banda Aceh) through semi-structured interviews. In this study, qualitative research is used as an approach to this research. The information gained from the interviews was transcribed and analyzed. In analyzing the data, three steps have been used: copy the data obtained by the interview, coding the data based on the interviewees' answers, and describe the data on the role of smartphones in learning English. The results showed that every student stated that they were highly helpful and easier in learning English. Smartphones have a big influence on improving students' English skills.