TECHNOLOGY AND LANGUAGE LEARNING: VOCATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATE STUDENTS’ PERSPECTIVES ON TOEIC TEST

Purpose of the study: This study aims to investigate graduate vocational high school students' perspectives on the use of technology in language learning (e.g., iPad, Personal Data Assistant, computer tablet, and smartphone) for international language testing. Based on the test-takers' data from 2017-2018, the results of the TOEIC score showed continuous descending or unstable performances. Methodology: It is mixed-method research as the design by involving twenty-five graduate students of vocational high schools situated in Surakarta city. The convenience sampling was taken to cope with the different English proficiency. Open-ended questions and questionnaires become the primary instruments applied to get comprehensive data from them. Main Findings: The result of this study shows that a self- study and fun condition are achieved by using mobile learning technology to enhance TOEIC language learning. Conducive learning is created, as stated by 92% of graduate students, to project mobile learning to be able to facilitate them in learning TOEIC language proficiency test. Applications of this study: These findings from this research bring benefits for the vocational high schools, both state and private, as the reference for a further policy of conducting the instructional process in TOEIC language proficiency test to gain projected score required by related workings industry especially in Surakarta city and Indonesia. Novelty/Originality of this study: As most of the instructional process of TOEIC learning implemented by speech and teacher-centered in the class, the inclusion of technology brings new perspective and paradigm not only effective and efficient way of achieved passing grade score but also allow them to be independent, confident and gain more their problem-solving skill.