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Mobile Assisted Language Learning Across Educational Contexts: Routledge Focus

David Mitchell

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Published in Mobile Assisted Language Learning Across Educational Contexts (Routledge Focus On Applied Linguistics)

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Mobile assisted language learning (MALL) has emerged as a transformative approach in language education, leveraging the ubiquitous presence of mobile devices to enhance language learning experiences. This article explores the use of MALL across various educational contexts, examining its benefits, challenges, and implications for language teaching and learning.

Benefits of MALL

Accessibility and Convenience: MALL enables learners to access language learning materials and activities anytime, anywhere.
Personalization: Mobile devices allow learners to tailor their learning experiences to their individual needs and preferences.
Authenticity: MALL integrates real-world language use into learning, fostering authentic communication and cultural awareness.
Motivation and Engagement: Mobile devices engage learners with interactive and gamified activities, enhancing motivation and participation.
Collaboration and Communication: MALL facilitates collaboration among learners and with native speakers, fostering language exchange and peer support.

Challenges of MALL

Technical Requirements: MALL requires access to mobile devices and reliable internet connectivity.
Digital Divide: Socioeconomic disparities can limit access to mobile devices and internet services.
Time Management: Learners need to balance mobile learning with other academic and personal commitments.
Pedagogical Design: Effective MALL requires careful design of learning activities that align with language learning principles.
Assessment and Evaluation: Assessing language proficiency in a MALL context can be challenging due to the informal nature of mobile learning.

MALL in Different Educational Contexts

MALL has been applied across a range of educational contexts, including:

Mobile Assisted Language Learning Across Educational Contexts (Routledge Focus on Applied Linguistics)

by Agnes Kukulska-Hulme

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1510 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	152 pages

Formal Education: MALL supplements traditional language instruction in classrooms, providing additional opportunities for practice, feedback, and self-directed learning.
Informal Education: MALL enables language learning outside of formal educational settings, such as through language exchange apps, online courses, and language games.
Immersive Environments: MALL can support language learning in immersive contexts, such as study abroad programs and language immersion courses.
Special Education: MALL provides accessible and engaging learning experiences for students with learning disabilities or language impairments.
Corporate Training: MALL facilitates language learning in workplace settings, helping professionals develop language skills for international communication and business collaborations.

Implications for Language Teaching and Learning

MALL has significant implications for language teaching and learning practices:

Learner Autonomy: MALL empowers learners to take ownership of their learning and become more self-directed.
Personalized Learning: MALL allows for individualized learning paths, catering to the unique needs and interests of learners.
Authentic Language Use: MALL integrates genuine language use into learning, fostering communicative competence and cultural awareness.
Blended Learning: MALL complements traditional classroom instruction, creating a blended learning model that enhances learning outcomes.
Lifelong Learning: MALL supports continuous language learning beyond formal education, promoting lifelong language proficiency.

Mobile assisted language learning has revolutionized language education by providing accessible, personalized, and engaging learning experiences. While it presents certain challenges, MALL's potential to enhance language learning and foster global communication is undeniable. As technology continues to evolve, the integration of MALL will continue to shape the future of language teaching and learning.

Mobile Assisted Language Learning Across Educational Contexts (Routledge Focus on Applied Linguistics)

by Agnes Kukulska-Hulme

4.3 out of 5