## 1 Introduction  
In many countries in Latin America, students are taught English as a second language (L2) throughout their primary, secondary, and higher education. However, at the end of their studies, the vast majority of students are unable to communicate with others in English, even less with native English speakers [1]. English is a universal language; it is the most learned language worldwide as an L2 [2]. Learning this language allows people to have access to more complete education and greater interaction with a huge amount of academic information [3]. In addition, it is fundamental to access new cultures, travel around the world and achieve personal and work goals [2]. It is for this reason that, nowadays, being able to communicate correctly in this language has become a necessary skill. Currently, there are multiple ways to learn English (courses, educational platforms, MOOCs, web apps, and mobile apps). However, the characteristics of mobile learning, the high penetration of mobile devices, and their use among students have allowed this tool to become one of the most used as a support for L2 teaching [4]. The new generations of students live immersed in technology and grew up with access to mobile devices, the Internet, and social networks [5]. For them, the use of mobile devices is not only a tool to watch videos, play games, and have social contact with others, but it is also used as support in academic subjects [1]. Due to the lockdown caused by the pandemic in 2020, the need for a digital transformation in all aspects of society arose. In the educational field, many educational institutions opted for the use of emerging technologies for teaching practice [6]. That is why mobile learning, as an emerging technology, has become an important tool in the teaching-learning process. Currently, to improve motivation and interactivity in their classes, educators have used free applications offered by mobile technology. In the case of teaching English as an L2, there are innumerable applications to reinforce the knowledge that students receive in face-to-face or virtual classes [7]. The COVID-19 pandemic led the whole world to a new way of life where education had to adapt to the use of information technologies [8]. Teachers and students had to use emerging technologies to engage in this new teaching-learning model, which became the backbone and support of the entire educational system [9]. Education was forced to innovate through technological tools that facilitate the learning and teaching process in virtual classrooms [10]. Teachers were faced with the need to apply this new knowledge, using virtual classrooms, and embark on this new technology journey. Likewise, students had to develop new learning skills and start building critical and autonomous knowledge. It has always been said that education should be built by the students, but today, due to the pandemic, this is a reality [11]. Virtual interaction means that teachers cannot supervise their students in group and individual activities, as they did in face-to-face classes. Each student is responsible for his or her learning, and the teacher can send homework or activity to corroborate if the learning has been effective and acquired [6]. Although virtual classes have made life easier in terms of space, cost of transportation, infrastructure in educational institutions, and time, social interaction will always be essential and important [12]. Today's generation of students grew up fully exposed to digital and portable technology, and their skills and knowledge, in many cases, are even greater than that of their teachers [13]. Teachers face a great challenge. The tools used in class must be creative, innovative, and new, so they need to take advantage of the benefits that technology provides to teach classes. In addition, they must begin to cultivate autonomous students and motivate them to develop meaningful, responsible, and fun learning [8]. This research contributes to the literature on mobile learning and its use in teaching English as an L2.