scholarly journals Mobile-Assisted Writing Instruction: Affordances, Challenges, and Future Directions

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (10) ◽  
pp. 194
Author(s):  
Xiaodong Zhang
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Writing Instruction ◽  
Mobile Devices ◽  
Mobile Technology ◽  
Meaning Making ◽  
Systemic Functional Linguistics ◽  
Related Issue ◽  
Future Directions ◽  
English Writing ◽  
Mobile Assisted Language Learning

<p>Mobile-assisted language learning (MALL) is popular worldwide. One related issue under discussion is how to effectively harness mobile devices to help English writers. This paper first unpacks writing as a meaning making process from the perspective of systemic functional linguistics. It then summarizes the major MALL-based studies on writing instruction, including the affordances and challenges of MALL-based writing instruction. This paper then discusses how to address challenges as identified in the existing studies on MALL-based writing instruction, centering on writing as a meaning making process. The paper ends with pedagogical tips for educators who are interested in using mobile technology to comprehensively improve students’ English writing construction across different contexts.</p>

scholarly journals Learners’ Perceptions of the Use of Mobile Technology in a Task-Based Language Teaching Experience

2016 ◽  
Vol 9 (12) ◽  
pp. 120 ◽  
Author(s):  
Simone L. Calabrich
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Mobile Devices ◽  
Mobile Technology ◽  
Web Search ◽  
Learning Experience ◽  
Teaching Experience ◽  
Mobile Assisted Language Learning ◽  
Positive Attitudes ◽  
Language Classroom ◽  
Language Schools

<p class="apa">This research explored perceptions of learners studying English in private language schools regarding the use of mobile technology to support language learning. Learners were first exposed to both a mobile assisted and a mobile unassisted language learning experience, and then asked to express their thoughts on the incorporation of mobile devices into the language classroom. The mobile assisted tasks involved learners posting a review online based on a real past experience, as well as using web-search engines to gather enough information to plan a hypothetical trip. Findings revealed overall positive attitudes amongst the students surveyed. Arguments in favour of the incorporation of mobile technology in the language classroom included: the possibility of having access to a range of materials superior in both quality and quantity when using mobile devices to access the Internet, among others. However, a significant amount of scepticism towards Mobile Assisted Language Learning emerged. Arguments against suggested that the format of presentation, rather than the type of task, seemed to constitute a motivational factor that played a psychologically significant role to some of the learners.</p>

scholarly journals Mobile-assisted Language Learning (MALL) for ESL Learners: A Review of Affordances and Constraints

2017 ◽  
Vol 9 (1-5) ◽  
Author(s):  
Harwati Hashim ◽  
Melor Md. Yunus ◽  
Mohamed Amin Embi ◽  
Nor Azwa Mohamed Ozir
Keyword(s):  
Second Language ◽  
Learning Styles ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Mobile Devices ◽  
Mobile Technology ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
English Language ◽  
English As Second Language ◽  
Mobile Assisted Language Learning ◽  
Esl Learners

Nowadays, mobile technology is changing the landscape of language learning and is seen as the next frontier being researched for its potential in enhancing the teaching and learning of English language.  The portability of mobile devices is believed to bring new methods that can shape learning styles and pedagogies which could become more personalised and allow learners to learn on the move; thus, enhance English language teaching and learning.  This creates the potential for significant change in the teaching and learning of English as Second Language (ESL). Taking mobile learning as the setting within which developments in Mobile-assisted Language Learning (MALL) may be understood, this paper offers reflections on what Mobile-assisted Language Learning (MALL) has potentially offered and the constraints that might be faced by the English as Second Language (ESL) learners when using MALL.  Above all, it was a challenging issue to cover learning tasks by using a mobile device particularly in learning English as Second Language (ESL).  Nevertheless, mobile devices which are popular among students are motivational tools to be used in education as well as various learning activities.  This was proven by many researchers who have shown the positive outcomes.  Hence, we should admit that mobile devices are finding their way into classrooms in the student’s pockets, and we have to ensure that educational practice can include this mobile technology in effective and productive ways particularly for English as Second Language (ESL) learning.

Mobile-Assisted Language Learning From Language Instructors' Perspectives

2019 ◽  
pp. 60-87
Author(s):  
Brenda I. Lopez Ortiz ◽  
Mara J. Luna
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Mobile Devices ◽  
Mobile Technology ◽  
Language Skills ◽  
Geographic Location ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Mobile Assisted Language Learning ◽  
Personal Use ◽  
Research Questions ◽  
Listening And Speaking

This chapter explores instructor use of MALL in EFL/ESL classrooms. It begins with a discussion of instructor ownership as well as personal use of mobile technology. The chapter includes a discussion of overall perceptions and/or reported educational use and benefits and barriers (not tied to specific language skills.) The chapter goes on to describe how instructors use mobile devices while teaching reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills. This is followed by a brief discussion of mobile devices in situations that integrate all four skills. For each language skill, the authors also discuss perceived and/or reported benefits and barriers. Thereafter follows a discussion of trends in the focus of research questions, research methodologies, geographic location of studies, and a brief comparison in trends between earlier and later studies. The review ends with a conclusion that provides directions for future research and reminds the reader of the utility of this literature review.

Chinese Students' Perceptions of Using Mobile Devices for English Learning

2015 ◽  
pp. 1687-1700
Author(s):  
Bin Zou ◽  
Xinxin Yan
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Mobile Devices ◽  
Mobile Technology ◽  
Mainland China ◽  
Chinese Students ◽  
Handheld Devices ◽  
English Learning ◽  
Mobile Assisted Language Learning ◽  
Strong Motivation ◽  
Students Attitudes

The advance of mobile technology has turned portable, handheld devices into an integral part of students' daily life, and also paved the way for the rise of mobile assisted language learning. This study focused on how Chinese students perceive the use of using mobile devices for English practice in and out of class, in order to see whether they are interested in mobile-assisted language learning (MALL) and how they construct the technology with regard to English learning. One hundred and one students from eighteen universities in mainland China participated in this study. All of them completed an anonymous questionnaire and 20 randomly selected students were interviewed. The results illuminate a strong motivation among students for learning English via mobiles, and diverse types of m-learning activities were discovered. The results also revealed that students' attitudes toward mobile learning can be impacted by their regions or more specifically their surroundings.

scholarly journals The Use of Keyword Video Captioning on Vocabulary Learning Through Mobile-Assisted Language Learning

2017 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
pp. 1 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hassan Saleh Mahdi
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Mobile Devices ◽  
Vocabulary Learning ◽  
Test Results ◽  
Video Captioning ◽  
Mobile Assisted Language Learning ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Post Test ◽  
Key Aspects ◽  
Teaching Pronunciation

Video captioning is a useful tool for language learning. In the literature, video captioning has been investigated by many studies and the results indicated that video captioning may foster vocabulary learning. Most of the previous studies have investigated the effect of full captions on vocabulary learning. One of the key aspects of vocabulary learning is pronunciation. However, the use of mobile devices for teaching pronunciation has not been investigated conclusively. Therefore, this paper attempts to examine the effect of implementing keyword video captioning on L2 pronunciation using mobile devices. Thirty-four Arab EFL university learners participated in this study and were randomly assigned to two groups (key-word captioned video and full captioned video). The study is an experimental one in which pre- and post-tests were administered to both groups. The results indicated that keyword captioning is a useful mode to improve learner’s pronunciation. The post test results indicate that there was no statistically significant difference between the two modes of captioning on vocabulary learning. However, learners at keyword video captioning performed better that full video captioning. 

Mobile Technology and Learner Autonomy in Language Learning

2015 ◽  
pp. 194-212 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zineb Djoub
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Mobile Technology ◽  
English Teachers ◽  
Learner Autonomy ◽  
Classroom Context ◽  
Learning Space ◽  
Mobile Assisted Language Learning ◽  
New Learning ◽  
Learning Modes ◽  
Language Content

Mobile-Assisted Language Learning (MALL) provides learners with the chance to experience new learning modes that go beyond the classroom context, offering them more flexibility, learning choices in terms of language content, ways of its delivery, learning space, and time, thereby enhancing their learning autonomy. But how are English teachers using MALL? In the attempt to answer this question, a survey is carried out with a sample of 42 English teachers. The results show that the limited use of such devices is not likely to help the learners develop autonomy since it does not go beyond the objective of enhancing their knowledge of this language. This study also reveals learners' difficulties in using these devices, the skills needed, and the kind of support these teachers require. In light of these findings, a list of recommendations is suggested to enhance MALL.

Students' Perspectives on Using Online Sources and Apps for EFL Learning in the Mobile-Assisted Language Learning Context

2018 ◽  
pp. 328-344 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bin Zou ◽  
Xinxin Yan ◽  
Hui Li
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Mobile Devices ◽  
Mobile Apps ◽  
Learning Context ◽  
Chinese College Students ◽  
Mobile Assisted Language Learning ◽  
Class Context ◽  
Students Attitudes ◽  
Online Sources ◽  
Efl Learning

Mobile-assisted language learning (MALL) has been developed rapidly and integrated into language learning in various levels in recent years, particularly for the young generation. Many previous studies reveal that young learners have autonomous learning in using online sources or apps in the MALL context. However, not many studies in China have examined Chinese students' use of MALL. Therefore, this chapter investigates how Chinese college students perceived their use of mobile devices for English as a foreign language (EFL) learning. It was based on two small studies and focused on using online sources and mobile apps for EFL learning on learners' mobile devices. Participants were 166 students from 21 universities in China. Research tools consisted of questionnaires and interviews. The findings demonstrate a high motivation among the participants in using online sources and apps for EFL learning on their mobile devices. The results also showed the impact of different regions on students' attitudes toward MALL. Mobile apps that are related to EFL class context could enhance students' EFL learning.

Mobile-Assisted Language Learning

2016 ◽  
pp. 69-93 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katharine B. Nielson
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Mobile Technology ◽  
Second Language Learning ◽  
Learning Strategy ◽  
Language Instruction ◽  
Workplace Training ◽  
Mobile Assisted Language Learning ◽  
Language Learning Strategy ◽  
K 12

This chapter outlines practical findings from the emerging body of research on Mobile-Assisted Language Learning (MALL). After briefly situating the conversation within a framework of how best to use technology for language instruction, the chapter opens with a review of what we know about how to use mobile technology for language learning. Then, the discussion turns to how to best apply these findings in various instructional contexts, including K–12, higher education, and workplace training. By the end of the chapter, students will have both a solid understanding of how mobile technology can facilitate second language learning as well as concrete examples of how to develop and execute a mobile language learning strategy in various educational contexts.

Mobile-Assisted Language Learning from the Student Perspective

2011 ◽  
pp. 93-110 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daryl L. Beres
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Mobile Devices ◽  
Research Literature ◽  
Student Perspective ◽  
Conceptions Of Learning ◽  
Beliefs And Practices ◽  
Learner Beliefs ◽  
Mobile Assisted Language Learning ◽  
Learning Research

This chapter seeks to refocus the conversation about mobile-assisted language learning (MALL) from the instructor’s perspective to the student’s. I argue that mobile “teaching” does not need to be located within a course, but that we are “m-teaching” whenever we encourage or enable learners to use mobile devices “to facilitate, support, enhance and extend ... [their] learning” (Attewell, Savill-Smith, & Douch, 2009, p. 1). This chapter will explore important concerns related to this definition, including conceptions of learning, blurred boundaries between personal and educational lives, the affordances and limitations of mobile devices, and learner autonomy. A look at the m-learning research literature will show students’ perceptions of MALL running the gamut from skeptics to believers. Finally, the chapter reports on the long-term investigation of learner beliefs and practices of MALL which is underway at Mount Holyoke College, and offers five initial conclusions.

Mobile Technology and Learner Autonomy in Language Learning

2015 ◽  
pp. 291-309
Author(s):  
Zineb Djoub
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Mobile Technology ◽  
English Teachers ◽  
Learner Autonomy ◽  
Classroom Context ◽  
Learning Space ◽  
Mobile Assisted Language Learning ◽  
New Learning ◽  
Learning Modes ◽  
Language Content

Mobile-Assisted Language Learning (MALL) provides learners with the chance to experience new learning modes that go beyond the classroom context, offering them more flexibility, learning choices in terms of language content, ways of its delivery, learning space, and time, thereby enhancing their learning autonomy. But how are English teachers using MALL? In the attempt to answer this question, a survey is carried out with a sample of 42 English teachers. The results show that the limited use of such devices is not likely to help the learners develop autonomy since it does not go beyond the objective of enhancing their knowledge of this language. This study also reveals learners' difficulties in using these devices, the skills needed, and the kind of support these teachers require. In light of these findings, a list of recommendations is suggested to enhance MALL.

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