Researching Mobile-Assisted English Language Learning Among Adult Distance Learners in China

2020 ◽  
pp. 180-209
Author(s):  
Qian Kan ◽  
Jinlan Tang
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Mobile Devices ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
English Language ◽  
Education Institution ◽  
Mobile Assisted Language Learning ◽  
Daily Schedule ◽  
Research Findings ◽  
Informal Setting

Guided by the conceptual framework for next generation designs for mobile-assisted language learning (MALL) in informal setting, our study investigates how mobile devices impact the learning practices and habits amongst adult distant learners of English at a higher education institution in China. Data sources include quantitative data of 148 completed responses to an online survey and qualitative data from follow-up email interviews. The study demonstrates that students' main motivation for engaging in mobile assisted English learning is to fill in the gaps in their daily schedule in order to maximize available time, and the majority use mobile devices to support formal course learning. The skills and knowledge areas practiced with mobile devices are listening, followed by speaking and pronunciation, vocabulary, reading, and translation. Our study also reveals that teachers play a very limited role as perceived by students, while students expect more support from teachers for their out-of-class hour mobile assisted language learning. The research findings bear significant pedagogical implications in terms of integrating MALL into language learning curriculum, learner support and the need for continuous teacher training.

scholarly journals Researching Mobile-Assisted English Language Learning Among Adult Distance Learners in China

2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 1-28 ◽  
Author(s):  
Qian Kan ◽  
Jinlan‎ Tang
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Mobile Devices ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
English Language ◽  
Education Institution ◽  
Distance Learners ◽  
Mobile Assisted Language Learning ◽  
Daily Schedule ◽  
Research Findings ◽  
Informal Setting

Guided by the conceptual framework for next generation designs for mobile-assisted language learning (MALL) in informal setting, our study investigates how mobile devices impact the learning practices and habits amongst adult distant learners of English at a higher education institution in China. Data sources include quantitative data of 148 completed responses to an online survey and qualitative data from follow-up email interviews. The study demonstrates that students' main motivation for engaging in mobile assisted English learning is to fill in the gaps in their daily schedule in order to maximize available time, and the majority use mobile devices to support formal course learning. The skills and knowledge areas practiced with mobile devices are listening, followed by speaking and pronunciation, vocabulary, reading, and translation. Our study also reveals that teachers play a very limited role as perceived by students, while students expect more support from teachers for their out-of-class hour mobile assisted language learning. The research findings bear significant pedagogical implications in terms of integrating MALL into language learning curriculum, learner support and the need for continuous teacher training.

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.

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. 

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 Teaching Communicatively in a Classroom with Mobile-sourced Materials

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (5) ◽  
pp. 23
Author(s):  
Rupert Walsh
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
English Language ◽  
Classroom Teaching ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Self Directed Learning ◽  
Shared Experience ◽  
Mobile Assisted Language Learning ◽  
Material Sources ◽  
Directed Learning ◽  
Student Reactions

Mobile Assisted Language Learning (MALL) is now common in extra-curricular language learning, but, more recently, teachers have increasingly sought ways to utilise MALL as a communicative classroom tool. Research into the extent that MALL can transform a whole communicative language course, and learners’ impressions of such courses, is scarce. This study, therefore, sought the opinions of five undergraduate learners on a short communicative English language course based on communicative principles, with materials entirely sourced from learner’s own devices. Learner reflections elicited in interviews suggested that MALL had aided the facilitation of an environment that was interactive, motivating, differentiated, authentic and autonomous, at times potentially more so than on a course using traditional material sources. The novel aspect of allowing freedom in choosing materials caused some complications, though none were considered insurmountable with minor adjustments to the course plan. In summary, student reactions implied that a communicative course could be taught exclusively through mobile-sourced materials, but further research is required to identify exactly how this would best be achieved. Nevertheless, findings here give reasons for practitioners to explore methods of classroom teaching inclusive of MALL that encourage self-directed learning, the creation of a platform for interaction, personalization, differentiation, a shared experience for learners and elements of game-play.

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 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.

Language Skills Training through Mobile Apps

2017 ◽  
pp. 142-167
Author(s):  
Revathi Viswanathan
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Communication Skills ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
English Language ◽  
Mobile Apps ◽  
Language Skills ◽  
Skills Training ◽  
Language Teachers ◽  
English Language Teaching ◽  
Mobile Assisted Language Learning

With the advancement in technological tools and devices, language teachers can foster learning of communication skills through mobile devices. There is a growing interest among students to use the latest gadgets for getting connected with their peers. It must be admitted that the usage of these devices would bring in a real revolution in the teaching and learning process. It has been widely accepted that mobile learning promotes students' active participation. Teachers also now understand that one of their responsibilities is to create more opportunities to make their students practice language skills. Although numerous researches has been done in the field of English Language Teaching in India, research on mobile assisted language learning is still in an infancy stage. In this chapter, the author discusses the possibility of offering training through mobile apps, based on research she conducted recently.

Learning English for Technical Purposes

2011 ◽  
pp. 169-190 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anne Dragemark
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
English Language ◽  
Language Skills ◽  
School Students ◽  
Self Assessment ◽  
Online Tutoring ◽  
Upper Secondary ◽  
Research Findings ◽  
Learning Development ◽  
Learning English

This chapter presents some research findings in the area of self assessment,obtained from the European Leonardo Project: Learning English forTechnical Purposes (LENTEC), carried out 2001–2003. In this project,upper-secondary vocational students solved problem-based learning casesin a virtual environment. The project aimed at stimulating upper-secondaryvocational school students from six different European countries to improvetheir English-language skills. It also aimed at helping foreign-languageteachers to develop their skills in online tutoring. A validation study wasundertaken and the results underscored that students need time andpractice to assess their own results. According to students and teachers, amajority of the students became more aware of their own language-learning development. The teachers in the project developed a new teacherrole where some of the responsibility for assessment moved from them to thestudents themselves. This not only motivated the students but also gave themadded time for actual language learning.

scholarly journals An overview of mobile assisted language learning: From content delivery to supported collaboration and interaction

ReCALL ◽  
2008 ◽  
Vol 20 (3) ◽  
pp. 271-289 ◽  
Author(s):  
Agnes Kukulska-Hulme ◽  
Lesley Shield
Keyword(s):  
Collaborative Learning ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Mobile Devices ◽  
Mobile Learning ◽  
Rapid Evolution ◽  
Social Contact ◽  
Learning Needs ◽  
Social Contacts ◽  
Personal Learning ◽  
Mobile Assisted Language Learning

AbstractMobile learning is undergoing rapid evolution. While early generations of mobile learning tended to propose activities that were carefully crafted by educators and technologists, learners are increasingly motivated by their personal learning needs, including those arising from greater mobility and frequent travel. At the same time, it is often argued that mobile devices are particularly suited to supporting social contacts and collaborative learning - claims that have obvious relevance for language learning. A review of publications reporting mobile-assisted language learning (MALL) was undertaken to discover how far mobile devices are being used to support social contact and collaborative learning. In particular, we were interested in speaking and listening practice and in the possibilities for both synchronous and asynchronous interaction in the context of online and distance learning. We reflect on how mobile language learning has developed to date and suggest directions for the future.

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