Agnes Kukulska-Hulme

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

Mobile 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.

Will mobile learning change language learning

The use of mobile phones and other portable devices is beginning to have an impact on how learning takes place in many disciplines and contexts, including language learning. Learners who are not dependent on access to fixed computers can engage in activities that relate more closely to their current surroundings, sometimes crossing the border between formal and informal learning. This creates the potential for significant change in teaching and learning practices. Taking the broader field of mobile learning as the setting within which developments in mobile-assisted language learning may be understood, the paper argues that an emphasis on mobility can lead to new perspectives and practices. The paper offers reflections on what mobile learning has to offer and considers whether it is likely to change how languages are taught and learnt. ‘Mobile learning’ is not a stable concept; therefore its current interpretations need to be made explicit. Examples of current projects and practices show an affinity between mobile and games-based learning, and can further illuminate what is distinctive and worthwhile about mobile learning.

Innovation in Mobile Learning: A European Perspective

In the evolving landscape of mobile learning, European researchers have conducted significant mobile learning projects, representing a distinct perspective on mobile learning research and development. Our article aims to explore how these projects have arisen, showing the driving forces of European innovation in mobile learning. We propose context as a central construct in mobile learning and examine theories of learning for the mobile world, based on physical, technological, conceptual, social and temporal mobility. We also examine the impacts of mobile learning research on educational practices and the implications for policy. Throughout, we identify lessons learnt from European experiences to date.

Students' experiences with PDAs for reading course materials

Abstract The availability of text reading and editing software for Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) makes it timely to consider whether PDAs are useful tools for reading learning materials. This paper describes a study that evaluated the use of PDAs for reading by students on a Masters course run by the UK Open University. The evaluation consisted of pre- and post-questionnaires, and follow-up interviews. In addition, students discussed their experiences in a computer-based conference. Findings show that while the portability of the device was welcomed by students, and the electronic format was advantageous, limitations such as the small screen size, navigation difficulties, and slow and error-prone methods for entering text, made it difficult to read and interact with documents on the PDA. The paper recommends that further research consider the value of PDAs as reading devices in the context of other potential ways that PDAs can be used as learning tools.

On the spot: using mobile devices for listening and speaking practice on a French language programme

This paper presents and discusses the initial findings of a mobile language learning project undertaken in the context of an undergraduate distance‐learning French language programme at The Open University (UK). The overall objective of the project was to investigate students’ experiences when using their own portable devices for additional listening and speaking practice within a course. Experience data were collected via weekly online questionnaires, recorded oral feedback and email. The use of iPods and MP3 players was quickly adopted by project participants; but whilst the challenge and the authentic aspect of doing activities on the phone appealed to some learners, we conclude that other learners will need to be helped towards recognising the specific value of this type of practice as a stepping stone towards authentic communication. We suggest further areas of investigation and potential applications.

Mobile Usability and User Experience

The chapter locates mobile usability within the broader field of usability studies and identifies new factors that have to be taken into account when learners are using mobile devices. It goes on to discuss how usability affects teaching and learning, through an analysis of a dozen case studies of mobile-supported learning. Human needs in terms of cognitive and ergonomic challenges and contexts of use are discussed. The final part of the chapter considers the role of technical support.

Meta-Analyses from a Collaborative Project in Mobile Lifelong Learning

This paper focuses on the use of mobile technologies in relation to the aims of the European Unions Lifelong Learning programme. First, we explain the background to the notion of mobile lifelong learning. We then present a methodological framework to analyse and identify good practices in mobile lifelong learning, based on the outcomes of the MOTILL project (‘Mobile Technologies in Lifelong Learning: Best Practices’). In particular, we give an account of the methodology adopted to carry out meta-analyses of published literature and accounts of mobile learning experiences. Furthermore, we present the results of an implementation of our Evaluation Grid and the implications arising from it in terms of management, pedagogy, policies and ethical issues. Finally, we discuss lessons learnt and future work.

Charting unknown territory: models of participation in mobile language learning

Current language learning provision seems ill-suited to meet the needs of 21st century learners. There is a growing expectation that mobile language learning will offer greater flexibility and that it will be better aligned with lifelong learning and the real needs of diverse and increasingly mobile populations travelling for work and leisure. This paper addresses the issue of how learners will participate in mobile language learning. To help conceptualise the issue, learning activities can be placed on a continuum that has teacher-driven language provision at one end, and entirely learner-driven provision at the other end. The middle ground between these two extremes can be described as unknown territory, but it is also the land of opportunity, where we are beginning to put down some markers. An emphasis on learner participation, bolstered by the possibilities created by mobile and ubiquitous learning, is set to transform language learning within the next decade, and possibly sooner.

Language as a Bridge Connecting Formal and Informal Language Learning Through Mobile Devices

Informal learning plays an important role in language learning and mobile device ownership fuels its growth, thanks to the availability of educational apps, massive scale services delivered by network operators and emerging designs for situated learning in authentic communication contexts beyond the traditional classroom. This chapter shows how connections between formal and informal language learning may be made through the use of mobile technologies and explores the mutual influence of these spheres, with particular reference to the role of language. Language is the focus of learning but also the means by which learning happens, which gives it a unique mediating and facilitative role. The potential for conversational language to act as a new bridge between formal and informal settings is explored. Motivations for language learning are changing and they will have an influence over what types of learning appeal to new generations of language learners of all ages. Faced with an abundance of resources on the Internet and on their mobile phones, learners will often look for more structured environments and some degree of guidance. The opportunity is there to create learning environments and designs that incorporate the effective use of mobile technologies but that also consider how new social contexts influence the language that is being used and learnt. An example of this is described with reference to the MASELTOV project which is creating innovative context-aware smartphone services for migrants and provides a fertile ground for imagining the future of language learning.

The Interactive Oral Assessment (IOA) project: Using Talkback ® for practice and assessment of listening and speaking skills in languages

The Open University has always sought to exploit new technologies to deliver its language modules more effectively. Although students are offered regular tutorials (face-to-face and online) and work through a series of speaking activities on DVD-ROMs, oral practice is a crucial issue in distance learning. In collaboration with Learnosity, we offered a 6-week free pilot module aimed at two groups of students who had just completed French Beginners or level 1 English for Academic Purposes (EAP). We designed activities practising oral competency by using Talkback® (powered by Learnosity). Students accessed them on their mobile, landline, Skype or through an iPhone App. Recordings were instantly available on the Learnosity website to both students and tutors, who could mark and provide feedback. Both groups reported weekly via short online questionnaires recording their experiences. This paper discusses the findings of the project and their implications.