MALL

 

Mobile phones and other portable devices are beginning to have an impact on language learning process. Nowadays, the interest of the scholars and educators in the Mobile assisted language learning is rapidly increasing. Some studies refer to the specific effects of MALL within the areas of second language acquisition. The findings of research show that mobile technology use in different aspects of language learning support the hypothesis that mobile technology can enhance learners’ second language acquisition. The technology is being integrated into teaching and learning, as many educators want to learn more about the effects of the new methods and materials provided through mobile devices. Ogata and Yano (2005) refer to the main characteristics of mobile learning, which can be summarized in permanency, accessibility, immediacy, interactivity, flexibility, low cost, small size and user-friendliness.

These technology devices that are used to assist in teaching-learning process include any kind of handheld mobile devices such as cell phones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), smart phones, pads, and pods. Laptops are not considered to be mobile in this context. Some researchers state that “computer assisted mobile learning uses lightweight devices such as personal digital assistant (PDA), cellular mobile phones, and so on” However, there are also obvious disadvantages, that can be referred as small screen size, and dependence on networks that may not always provide very high transmission capacity and may be subject to disturbances of many kinds. Despite these limitations, technology devices continue to attract the interest of language learners and educators. Moreover, mobile phones have special options and capacity in integrating language skills, and creating collaborating activities. I have already used some of these options in my ESL/EFL classrooms, such as taking the picture of the text and then transmitting it to a text, using the voice recorder to record the speaking of the students inside or outside the classroom, using the text messaging for circular writing, using it for micro blogging on twitter, and using the mobile phones for listening activities. In addition, there are still many activities can be done by using the mobile phones or any other mobile devices. We can learn about it and get inspired through watching some videos such as, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5igaZe7gDLM. As MA TEFL professionals, we need to learn more about the advantages of the mobile devices and try to implement it our classrooms. Personally, I would like to try the free programs to make flashcards for mobile phones, www.flashmybrain.com. Reading may also be interesting if the screen is big enough to see the words clearly. Finally, using new devices in our teaching may increase the enthusiasm and the motivation of eth learners specially the teenagers.