3D Talking-Head Mobile App

Author(s):  
Ahmad Zamzuri Mohamad Ali ◽  
Wee Hoe Tan

The 3D talking-head mobile app is a type of mobile app that presents the head of a computer generated three-dimensional animated character that can talk or hold a conversation with human users. It is commonly used for language learning or entertainment, thus the quality of the mobile app is determined by the accuracy and the authenticity of lip synchronization and facial expressions. A typical 3D talking-head mobile app is structured by six key components, i.e., animated 3D head model, voice over scripts, background audio, background graphics, navigational buttons, and instructional captions and subtitles. When the app is meant for educational purposes, the integration of these components requires proficiency in creating an animated 3D talking head, authoring a mobile app, and understanding pedagogical principles for mobile assisted language learning. The mastery of scientific knowledge in these areas is essential to keep abreast with the advancement of mobile technologies and future research direction.

Author(s):  
Muhammad Sabri Bin Sahrir ◽  
Mohd Firdaus Yahaya ◽  
Taufik Ismail ◽  
Muhamad Azhar Zubir ◽  
Wan Rusli Wan Ahmad

<p>The explosion use of various mobile gadgets such as PC tabs, smartphones, I-Pads and so on has tremendously affected learning process and delivery of content and messages faster and faster including the creation of a new field of research that relates to language learning and mobile technologies called Mobile Assisted Language Learning or MALL. The mobile technologies are suitable for distance learners as well such as traveller’s guide and backpackers who need to communicate in certain language in a country. This paper is focusing on the development and evaluation of a mobile language guide application in Arabic language for Mutawwif (Umrah Tour Guide) via smart phones in Android supported platform. The development process was done based needs analysis process among 100 mutawwif and the evaluation on user testing session was conducted among 50 respondents and who are purposively selected from 30 mutawwif and 20 learners in Baitul Mal Professional Institute under the specialization of Diploma in Hajj and Umrah Management from 26 March until 20 April 2017. However, this paper will only be discussing the scope of development and evaluation phases in the shed of ADDIE instructional design model. Overall results indicated that his interactive mobile app prototype satisfied the users’ on their language learning for traveller’s purpose by helping the Mutawwif to communicate in Arabic more effectively. </p>


ReCALL ◽  
2020 ◽  
pp. 1-18
Author(s):  
Hongying Peng ◽  
Sake Jager ◽  
Wander Lowie

Abstract This study employed a narrative review and a meta-analysis to synthesize the literature on mobile-assisted language learning (MALL). Following a systematic retrieval of literature from 2008 to 2017, 17 studies with 22 effect sizes were included based on predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria. By categorizing the characteristics of the studies retrieved, the narrative review revealed a detailed picture of MALL research in terms of the language aspects targeted, theoretical frameworks addressed, mobile technologies adopted, and multimedia components used. The qualitative review helped to contextualize and interpret the results found in the meta-analysis, which revealed a large effect for mobile technologies in language learning, identified three variables (i.e. type of activities, modality of delivery, and duration of treatment) that might influence the effectiveness of mobile technologies, and confirmed the existence of a redundancy effect and a novelty effect in MALL practice. Implications for future research and pedagogy are discussed.


10.28945/3703 ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 13 ◽  
pp. 037-057
Author(s):  
Kham Sila Ahmad ◽  
Jocelyn Armarego ◽  
Fay Sudweeks

Aim/Purpose: To develop a framework for utilizing Mobile Assisted Language Learning (MALL) to assist non-native English migrant women to acquire English vocabulary in a non-formal learning setting. Background: The women in this study migrated to Australia with varied backgrounds including voluntary or forced migration, very low to high levels of their first language (L1), low proficiency in English, and isolated fulltime stay-at-home mothers. Methodology: A case study method using semi-structured interviews and observations was used. Six migrant women learners attended a minimum of five non-MALL sessions and three participants continued on and attended a minimum of five MALL sessions. Participants were interviewed pre- and post-sessions. Data were analysed thematically. Contribution: The MALL framework is capable of enriching migrant women’s learning experience and vocabulary acquisition. Findings: Vocabulary acquisition occurred in women from both non-MALL and MALL environment; however, the MALL environment provided significantly enriched vocabulary learning experience. Future Research: A standardised approach to measure the effectiveness of MALL for vocabulary acquisition among migrant women in non-formal setting


2022 ◽  
pp. 217-231
Author(s):  
Chenxiang Elaine Ji

After mapping dimensions and directions of experience in applying mobile technologies to Chinese language learning, another key task is to measure different levels of experience in terms of its dimensions and directions of learners' experience in leveraging mobile technologies, mobile learning apps in particular. Equipped with the proposed 6E-r framework of mobile experience, this chapter provides indicators and criteria in measuring mobile learning experience in applying mobile technologies to Chinese language learning around the world. This chapter also developed an online questionnaire for future research reference in order to successfully gauge the different levels of experience in applying mobile technologies to Chinese language learning. Ultimately, this chapter attempted to resolve the research question, that is, how mobile learning experience is enhanced by narrowing the gap between the normative experience and the empirical experience.


2022 ◽  
pp. 67-89
Author(s):  
Shanru Yang

In a mobile society where information and knowledge become accessible to anyone, anywhere, and anytime on the internet, online education has been transformed fundamentally. By the end of 2020, Mandarin Chinese was taught to over 20 million people in over 180 countries around the world. By critically reviewing 15 recent studies from 2013 to 2021 on mobile-assisted language learning (MALL) in teaching and learning Chinese as a second or foreign language (CSL/CFL), this chapter emphasizes the need for pedagogical diversity in goals, practices, and context. In the second theme of ‘connectivity', the new theory of online education connectivism is applied to evaluate the official Chinese language learning mobile app named ‘e-Learn Chinese'. In the final theme of ‘sustainability', it demonstrates an ecosystem of MALL through an ecological perspective based on a critical discussion of the mostly reviewed ten mobile language learning apps, which could innovate sustainable pedagogies in a life-long learning society.


2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 317-321
Author(s):  
Mariia Viktorovna Drygina

In our modern world mobile devices play an important role in the learning process and provide more opportunities for access to educational resources. The use of mobile devices in the learning process is a promising direction that attracts researchers all over the world. Although mobile devices are widely used and they are accessible means of studying, they are still not perceived as means of foreign language learning. The use of mobile technologies will make it possible not only to induce the learning process visibility, divisiveness and interaction, but also to improve the quality of education, and to expand the possibilities for both students and teachers. The paper presents a systematic review of resources on the problem of mobile assisted language learning. The results of the research have shown that this method is widely used by researchers in Scandinavian countries. The classification has been made on the basis of the existing concept of mobile learning. In addition, the paper describes main technical, pedagogical and psychosocial factors which influence the development of modern resources for mobile learning of foreign languages.


2022 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 92-100
Author(s):  
Norah Alghamdi

This study aimed to explore EFL teachers’ perceptions regarding mobile-assisted language learning (MALL) in elementary schools in Saudi Arabia, including their attitudes, levels of proficiency, and challenges they experienced regarding the use of MALL. The study also sought to investigate whether EFL teachers’ backgrounds have any significant impact on their perceptions of MALL. To this end, survey data were collected from 123 EFL teachers who have worked in elementary schools in Saudi Arabia. The results revealed teachers’ positive perceptions of MALL, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Overall, participants stated that mobile learning is beneficial and has the potential to support and enhance EFL teaching. Most EFL teachers reported that they did not have a sufficient level of skills/abilities required to develop MALL activities and cited some challenges they faced. The results also indicate a significant difference among participants’ perceptions of MALL based on their professional development and teaching experience, but no difference based on their gender was found. These results indicate that placing a greater emphasis on offering professional development in MALL for Saudi EFL teachers could cultivate both greater proficiency and the ability to overcome challenges. This study concludes by providing recommendations on how to improve MALL implementation as well as directions for future research.


Author(s):  
Anke Berns ◽  
Iván Ruiz-Rube ◽  
José Miguel Mota ◽  
Juan Manuel Dodero ◽  
Edson Castro ◽  
...  

New technologies are changing the way of learning foreign languages. However, one of the main challenges for software developers and mobile assisted language learning designers remains the creation of learning environments for students’ language immersion in and outside the classroom. This paper describes the design and evaluation of a VR-based mobile app called Let’s date!. The app enables Common European Framework of Reference for languages (CEFR) A1 level German language learners to interact with an immersive environment and to practise several language skills. The results have proven that the use of 360° videos based on realistic situations and combined with a conversational agent is suitable to reinforce students’ foreign language competencies.


This study examined the mobile-assisted language learning studies published from 2007 to 2016 in selected journals from the aspects of adopted mobile devices, mobile learning systems/resources, and the benefits and challenges of utilizing mobile devices or learning systems/resources. The results revealed that the traditional mobile devices (e.g., Personal Digital Assistants, PDAs) and the current popular mobile devices (e.g., smartphones and tablet PCs) were frequently adopted for language learning in different time periods, while wearable devices have not been adopted by any language learning research so far. In addition, most of the studies used researcher-developed learning systems/resources, while the use of educational affordances of free applications or resources needs to be promoted. Furthermore, the abundant benefits of using mobile devices or mobile learning systems/resources for language acquisition were found in many studies, such as providing substantial chances for learning, and providing or building authentic environments for learners’ meaningful knowledge construction; on the other hand, the studies also reported several challenges (e.g., insufficient practice time and the lack of effective learning strategies) to be overcome in the future. Finally, several suggestions are provided for researchers or practitioners to conduct their future work.


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