User:Bizedgal/Mobile Assisted Language Learning Mobile Assisted Language Learning (MALL)
Definition
Mobile assisted language learning (MALL) is a subset of both Mobile Learning and Computer Assisted Language Learning (CALL). MALL has been highly concerned with the use of the mobile technologies, such as mobiles phones, MP3 /MP4 players, PDAs and palmtops computers, to support students’ language learning. With MALL students would be able to access language learning materials, and to communicate with their teachers and peers, at anytime, anywhere. History
1980s
Twarog and Pereszlenyi Pinter used telephones to provide distant language learners with feedback and assistance.
1990s
Instructors at Brigham Young University-Hawaii taught a distance-learning English course from Hawaii to Tonga via telephone and computer (Green, Collier, & Evans, 2001)
2000s
Dickey (2001) utilized teleconferencing to teach an English conversation course in South Korea. Stanford learning lab used integrated mobile phones in a Spanish learning program in 2001 (Brown, 2001).
Thornton and Houser (2002; 2003; 2005) developed several innovative projects using mobile phones to teach English at a Japanese university. They also developed a course management system, Poodle, to facilitate deploying language learning material to mobile phones.
City College, Southampton developed a web based “media board” (similar to a web-board but supporting MMS as well as SMS) and supplied learners of English as a Second language (ESL) with mobile phones with inbuilt cameras and voice recording facilities (JISC, 2005).
University of Wisconsin, Madison, developed several foreign language courses which have used wireless handheld computers for various classroom activities (Samuels, 2003).
Duke University provided all incoming freshmen with free 20 gigabyte iPods equipped with voice recorders. Amongst the pilot courses utilizing the players were several language courses, which utilized both their listening and recording capabilities (Belanger, 2005).
United Kingdom’s Open University used voice recorders and mini-camcorders to record interviews with other students and locals and to create audiovisual tours in distance-learning German and Spanish course (Kukulska-Hulme, 2005).
Current Trends
Today, due to the growth of wireless and emerging technologies, MALL is available through numerous devices including mobile phones, iPods, tablet PCs, hand-held computers, PDAs, MP3 players and more. MALL designers have begun to move away from merely copying the traditions of standard non-mobile language learning and are implementing techniques that maximize the benefits of these new devices. The increasing number of possible delivery tools has spawned a wide-range of mobile language learning programs, from very-short tutorials to full courses. The number of people capable of producing MALL content is also on the rise, due largely to a combination of increased popularity, demand and the advent of content generation tools that simplify the programming process through the use of templates and macros.
MALL currently serves not only as a primary source of language education for students but also supports the retention and utilization of newly-acquired language skills--however they were acquired. Through mobile participation in short exercises and tasks, learners are able to keep their linguistic talents sharp while reducing the risk of degradation of valuable knowledge, skills and abilities.
The Future of MALL
Consensus among the limited literature and studies available specifically about MALL indicate that the demand for it will only increase--along with the demand for second language acquisition and learning flexibility. Predicted growth is reinforced by the overall decrease in free time. With people working longer hours, the time necessary for formal, traditional classroom-based or even standard online courses will decrease. MALL will be an ideal solution to busy students and professionals seeking to acquire one or more new languages.
What mobile devices lack in capability (regarding sound and video quality and screen size) they make up for in portability. In the future, however, we can expect mobile devices to deliver better quality than is currently available among most mobile devices. It is expected that designers will capitalize on this increase in quality--designing MALL programs that employ student-focused, media-rich, flexible and collaborative learning strategies. Additionally, changes in the cost and availability of wireless service--a luxury to most in the not-too-distant past--will make MALL available to a far wider and diverse audience.
MALL Professional Organizations
At the writing of this article, it is difficult to find organizations that focus specifically on Mobile Assisted Language Learning. Some of the resources for MALL are primarily language learning websites with some space dedicated to technology in language learning. Other resources are primarily educational technology websites that dedicate some of their efforts to language learning.
Collaborative Learning in MALL
Collaborative learning is the acquisition of knowledge, skills or attitudes occurring in individuals as a result of group interaction. [1] Collaborative learning is a student-centered approach to learning where the instructor is more like a facilitator than a teacher.
Unlike other techniques collaborative learning encourages all involved to help support and motivate each other to achieve the learning goal. Because the collaborative learning is student-centered it often succeeds in engaging the learner. A language can be learned through collaborative learning with the use of mobile devices But mobile devices don’t actually drive the learning, learners do. The devices, be they phones, palm pilots or laptops, are used as tools, like a pencil or calculator, to accentuate or aid the learning process.
Duke University's use of iPods in 2004 is an example of using collaborative learning in MALL. The university provided a new tool for the students, particularly those taking a language course. The students in language courses used the iPods in various ways, including working collaboratively with language tutors. The students would record themselves completing an oral assignment and the tutors provided feedback on their assignment. The students also used the iPods to record conversations in the language they were learning, downloading podcasts, store and listen to songs in the language they were learning.
Collaborating on mobile devices is dependent on the device. The following are examples of collaborative learning using mobile devices:
The effectiveness of collaborating varies on the project and mobile device.
Affordances and Constraints
Enhancing language learning through MALL affords some dynamics not available through the traditional classroom that the language learner can take advantage of. Some of these affordances are even unique to m-learning compared to regular e-learning. In the same way, there are some constraints to m-learning that limit what can be done in language acquisition through m-learning compared to traditional e-learning or classroom learning.
Among the most noted affordances for MALL is ubiquitous access to learning anytime at any place that the user has reception. Compared to classroom or e-learning, the user does not need to be sitting in a classroom or at a computer to access learning materials. This enables users to brush up on language skills just before or just after a conversation in the language they are learning. Handheld delivery also affords new dynamics for collaborative learning as users can share the language learning process in small synchronous groups (Nah, et. al. 2008).
Kloper et al (2002) claimed 5 properties of mobile devices which can produce unique educational affordances:
The most notable constraints for earlier MALL include poor sound and display quality coupled with very limited devices and download speeds. Newer integrated PDA devices have narrowed the gap with higher access speeds, larger screens, having functions and capacities similar to laptop computers (Nah, et. al. 2008).
MALL Resources
As with Professional Organizations, resources that focus specifically on Mobile Assisted Language Learning are not common. We more often find resources that are primarily language learning websites with some space dedicated to technology in language learning and vice-versa.
[2] Belanger, Y. "Duke University iPod first year experience final evaluation report".2005. http://cit.duke.edu/pdf/ipod_initiative_04_05.pdf
[3] BJET - British Journal of Educational Technology http://www.blackwellpublishing.com/journal.asp?ref=0007-1013 (2008 vol. 39)
[4] Brown, E. (Ed.) "Mobile learning explorations at Stanford Learning Lab." http://sll.stanford.edu/projects/tomprof/newtomprof/postings/290.html2001
[5] Green,B.A.,Collier, K.J., & Evans, N. "Teaching tomorrow's class today:English by telephone and computer from Hawaii to Tonga." In L.E. Henrichsen (Ed.), Distance-;earning program (pp.71-82). Alexandria, VA: Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Language, Inc. 2001
[6] IJEL - International Journal on e-Learning http://www.aace.org/pubs/IJEL/ (Specific volumes dedicated to m-learning)
[7] IRRODL - International Review of Research in Open and Distance Learning http://www.irrodl.org/ (2007 Vol. 8, No. 2)
[8] JCAL - Journal of Computer Assisted Learning http://www.blackwellpublishing.com/journal.asp?ref=0266-4909&site=1 (2003 vol. 19, 2005 vol. 21)
[9] JISC - Joint Information Systems Committee. Multimedia learning with mobile phones. Innovative Practices with Elearning. Case studies: Anytime, any place Learning. 2005 http://www.jisc.ac.uh/uploaded_documents/southampton.pdf
[10] [BOOK] Klopfer, Eric. "Augmented Learning: Research and Design of Mobile Educational Games." MIT Press, 2008.
[11] Klopfer, E, Squire, K and Jenkins, H. "Environmental Detectives: PDAs as a window into a virtual simulated world." Proceedings of IEEE International Workshop on Wireless and Mobile Technologies in Education. Vaxjo, Sweden: IEEE Computer Society, 95-98 2002
[12] [BOOK] Kululska-Hulme, Agnes. Traxler, John. "Mobile Learning: A Handbook For Educators and Trainers (The Open and Flexible Learning Series)." Routledge, 2005.
[13] Language Learning & Technology - Language Learning & Technology is a refereed journal which began publication in July 1997. The journal seeks to disseminate research to foreign and second language educators in the US and around the world on issues related to technology and language education. http://llt.msu.edu/
[14] [REPORT] Menzies, David. "Duke University iPod First-Year Experience." Duke's University Center for Instructional Technology coordinated an evaluation of the academic use of iPod, drawing on course-level feedback; student and faculty focus groups; a broad survey of first-year students and faculty; and discussions and feedback among staff, administrators and important campus stakeholder groups. This evaluation focused on the feasibility and effectiveness of the iPod as a tool for faculty and student academic use. This report summarizes the main findings of this collaborative assessment effort. http://connect.educause.edu/Library/Abstract/DukeUniversityiPodFirstYe/36325
[15] [BOOK] Metcalf, David S. "mLearning: Mobile Learning and Performance in the Palm of Your Hand." HRD Press. 2006
[16] mLearnopedia – By using the “search” function, you can enter “language learning” as an exact phrase and turn up some resources specific to MALL. http://mlearnopedia.com/
[17] Samuels, J. "Wireless and handheld devices for language learning." Proceedings of the 19th Annual Conference on Distance Teaching and Learning, Madison, WI. 2003. http://www.uwex.edu/disted/conference/Resource_library/proceedings/03_50.pdf
[18] Stacey, E. (2002). "Learning links online: Establishing constructivist and collaborative learning environments." In S. McNamara and E. Stacey (Eds), Untangling the Web: Establishing Learning Links. Proceedings ASET Conference 2002. Melbourne, 7-10 July. http://www.aset.org.au/confs/2002/stacey.html
[19] Twarong, L., & Pereszlenyi-Pinter, M. "Telephone-assisted language study and Ohio University: A report." The Modern Language Journal, 72, 426-434. 2006
[20] Thornton, P., & Houser, C. "M-learning in transit." In P. Lewis (Ed.), The changing face of CALL(pp. 229-243). 2002
[21] Thornton, P., & Houser, C. "Using mobile web and video phones in English language teaching: Projects with Japanese college students. " In B. Morrison, C. Green, & G. Motteram (Eds.), Directions in CALL: Experience, experiments & evaluation (pp. 207-224). 2003
[22] Thornton, P., & Houser, C. "Using mobile phones in English Education in Japan." Journal of Computer Assisted Learning, 21, 217-228. 2005
[23] Nah, Ki-Chune. White, Peter. and Sussex, Roland. "The Potential of Using mobile Phone to Access the Internet for Learning EFL Listening Skills Within a Korean Context." ReCALL. 20 (3): 331-347 2008 http://www.eurocall-languages.org/recall/index.html
User:Bizedgal/Mobile Assisted Language Learning Mobile Assisted Language Learning (MALL)
Definition
Mobile assisted language learning (MALL) is a subset of both Mobile Learning and Computer Assisted Language Learning (CALL). MALL has been highly concerned with the use of the mobile technologies, such as mobiles phones, MP3 /MP4 players, PDAs and palmtops computers, to support students’ language learning. With MALL students would be able to access language learning materials, and to communicate with their teachers and peers, at anytime, anywhere. History
1980s
Twarog and Pereszlenyi Pinter used telephones to provide distant language learners with feedback and assistance.
1990s
Instructors at Brigham Young University-Hawaii taught a distance-learning English course from Hawaii to Tonga via telephone and computer (Green, Collier, & Evans, 2001)
2000s
Dickey (2001) utilized teleconferencing to teach an English conversation course in South Korea. Stanford learning lab used integrated mobile phones in a Spanish learning program in 2001 (Brown, 2001).
Thornton and Houser (2002; 2003; 2005) developed several innovative projects using mobile phones to teach English at a Japanese university. They also developed a course management system, Poodle, to facilitate deploying language learning material to mobile phones.
City College, Southampton developed a web based “media board” (similar to a web-board but supporting MMS as well as SMS) and supplied learners of English as a Second language (ESL) with mobile phones with inbuilt cameras and voice recording facilities (JISC, 2005).
University of Wisconsin, Madison, developed several foreign language courses which have used wireless handheld computers for various classroom activities (Samuels, 2003).
Duke University provided all incoming freshmen with free 20 gigabyte iPods equipped with voice recorders. Amongst the pilot courses utilizing the players were several language courses, which utilized both their listening and recording capabilities (Belanger, 2005).
United Kingdom’s Open University used voice recorders and mini-camcorders to record interviews with other students and locals and to create audiovisual tours in distance-learning German and Spanish course (Kukulska-Hulme, 2005).
Current Trends
Today, due to the growth of wireless and emerging technologies, MALL is available through numerous devices including mobile phones, iPods, tablet PCs, hand-held computers, PDAs, MP3 players and more. MALL designers have begun to move away from merely copying the traditions of standard non-mobile language learning and are implementing techniques that maximize the benefits of these new devices. The increasing number of possible delivery tools has spawned a wide-range of mobile language learning programs, from very-short tutorials to full courses. The number of people capable of producing MALL content is also on the rise, due largely to a combination of increased popularity, demand and the advent of content generation tools that simplify the programming process through the use of templates and macros.
MALL currently serves not only as a primary source of language education for students but also supports the retention and utilization of newly-acquired language skills--however they were acquired. Through mobile participation in short exercises and tasks, learners are able to keep their linguistic talents sharp while reducing the risk of degradation of valuable knowledge, skills and abilities.
The Future of MALL
Consensus among the limited literature and studies available specifically about MALL indicate that the demand for it will only increase--along with the demand for second language acquisition and learning flexibility. Predicted growth is reinforced by the overall decrease in free time. With people working longer hours, the time necessary for formal, traditional classroom-based or even standard online courses will decrease. MALL will be an ideal solution to busy students and professionals seeking to acquire one or more new languages.
What mobile devices lack in capability (regarding sound and video quality and screen size) they make up for in portability. In the future, however, we can expect mobile devices to deliver better quality than is currently available among most mobile devices. It is expected that designers will capitalize on this increase in quality--designing MALL programs that employ student-focused, media-rich, flexible and collaborative learning strategies. Additionally, changes in the cost and availability of wireless service--a luxury to most in the not-too-distant past--will make MALL available to a far wider and diverse audience.
MALL Professional Organizations
At the writing of this article, it is difficult to find organizations that focus specifically on Mobile Assisted Language Learning. Some of the resources for MALL are primarily language learning websites with some space dedicated to technology in language learning. Other resources are primarily educational technology websites that dedicate some of their efforts to language learning.
Collaborative Learning in MALL
Collaborative learning is the acquisition of knowledge, skills or attitudes occurring in individuals as a result of group interaction. [1] Collaborative learning is a student-centered approach to learning where the instructor is more like a facilitator than a teacher.
Unlike other techniques collaborative learning encourages all involved to help support and motivate each other to achieve the learning goal. Because the collaborative learning is student-centered it often succeeds in engaging the learner. A language can be learned through collaborative learning with the use of mobile devices But mobile devices don’t actually drive the learning, learners do. The devices, be they phones, palm pilots or laptops, are used as tools, like a pencil or calculator, to accentuate or aid the learning process.
Duke University's use of iPods in 2004 is an example of using collaborative learning in MALL. The university provided a new tool for the students, particularly those taking a language course. The students in language courses used the iPods in various ways, including working collaboratively with language tutors. The students would record themselves completing an oral assignment and the tutors provided feedback on their assignment. The students also used the iPods to record conversations in the language they were learning, downloading podcasts, store and listen to songs in the language they were learning.
Collaborating on mobile devices is dependent on the device. The following are examples of collaborative learning using mobile devices:
The effectiveness of collaborating varies on the project and mobile device.
Affordances and Constraints
Enhancing language learning through MALL affords some dynamics not available through the traditional classroom that the language learner can take advantage of. Some of these affordances are even unique to m-learning compared to regular e-learning. In the same way, there are some constraints to m-learning that limit what can be done in language acquisition through m-learning compared to traditional e-learning or classroom learning.
Among the most noted affordances for MALL is ubiquitous access to learning anytime at any place that the user has reception. Compared to classroom or e-learning, the user does not need to be sitting in a classroom or at a computer to access learning materials. This enables users to brush up on language skills just before or just after a conversation in the language they are learning. Handheld delivery also affords new dynamics for collaborative learning as users can share the language learning process in small synchronous groups (Nah, et. al. 2008).
Kloper et al (2002) claimed 5 properties of mobile devices which can produce unique educational affordances:
The most notable constraints for earlier MALL include poor sound and display quality coupled with very limited devices and download speeds. Newer integrated PDA devices have narrowed the gap with higher access speeds, larger screens, having functions and capacities similar to laptop computers (Nah, et. al. 2008).
MALL Resources
As with Professional Organizations, resources that focus specifically on Mobile Assisted Language Learning are not common. We more often find resources that are primarily language learning websites with some space dedicated to technology in language learning and vice-versa.
[2] Belanger, Y. "Duke University iPod first year experience final evaluation report".2005. http://cit.duke.edu/pdf/ipod_initiative_04_05.pdf
[3] BJET - British Journal of Educational Technology http://www.blackwellpublishing.com/journal.asp?ref=0007-1013 (2008 vol. 39)
[4] Brown, E. (Ed.) "Mobile learning explorations at Stanford Learning Lab." http://sll.stanford.edu/projects/tomprof/newtomprof/postings/290.html2001
[5] Green,B.A.,Collier, K.J., & Evans, N. "Teaching tomorrow's class today:English by telephone and computer from Hawaii to Tonga." In L.E. Henrichsen (Ed.), Distance-;earning program (pp.71-82). Alexandria, VA: Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Language, Inc. 2001
[6] IJEL - International Journal on e-Learning http://www.aace.org/pubs/IJEL/ (Specific volumes dedicated to m-learning)
[7] IRRODL - International Review of Research in Open and Distance Learning http://www.irrodl.org/ (2007 Vol. 8, No. 2)
[8] JCAL - Journal of Computer Assisted Learning http://www.blackwellpublishing.com/journal.asp?ref=0266-4909&site=1 (2003 vol. 19, 2005 vol. 21)
[9] JISC - Joint Information Systems Committee. Multimedia learning with mobile phones. Innovative Practices with Elearning. Case studies: Anytime, any place Learning. 2005 http://www.jisc.ac.uh/uploaded_documents/southampton.pdf
[10] [BOOK] Klopfer, Eric. "Augmented Learning: Research and Design of Mobile Educational Games." MIT Press, 2008.
[11] Klopfer, E, Squire, K and Jenkins, H. "Environmental Detectives: PDAs as a window into a virtual simulated world." Proceedings of IEEE International Workshop on Wireless and Mobile Technologies in Education. Vaxjo, Sweden: IEEE Computer Society, 95-98 2002
[12] [BOOK] Kululska-Hulme, Agnes. Traxler, John. "Mobile Learning: A Handbook For Educators and Trainers (The Open and Flexible Learning Series)." Routledge, 2005.
[13] Language Learning & Technology - Language Learning & Technology is a refereed journal which began publication in July 1997. The journal seeks to disseminate research to foreign and second language educators in the US and around the world on issues related to technology and language education. http://llt.msu.edu/
[14] [REPORT] Menzies, David. "Duke University iPod First-Year Experience." Duke's University Center for Instructional Technology coordinated an evaluation of the academic use of iPod, drawing on course-level feedback; student and faculty focus groups; a broad survey of first-year students and faculty; and discussions and feedback among staff, administrators and important campus stakeholder groups. This evaluation focused on the feasibility and effectiveness of the iPod as a tool for faculty and student academic use. This report summarizes the main findings of this collaborative assessment effort. http://connect.educause.edu/Library/Abstract/DukeUniversityiPodFirstYe/36325
[15] [BOOK] Metcalf, David S. "mLearning: Mobile Learning and Performance in the Palm of Your Hand." HRD Press. 2006
[16] mLearnopedia – By using the “search” function, you can enter “language learning” as an exact phrase and turn up some resources specific to MALL. http://mlearnopedia.com/
[17] Samuels, J. "Wireless and handheld devices for language learning." Proceedings of the 19th Annual Conference on Distance Teaching and Learning, Madison, WI. 2003. http://www.uwex.edu/disted/conference/Resource_library/proceedings/03_50.pdf
[18] Stacey, E. (2002). "Learning links online: Establishing constructivist and collaborative learning environments." In S. McNamara and E. Stacey (Eds), Untangling the Web: Establishing Learning Links. Proceedings ASET Conference 2002. Melbourne, 7-10 July. http://www.aset.org.au/confs/2002/stacey.html
[19] Twarong, L., & Pereszlenyi-Pinter, M. "Telephone-assisted language study and Ohio University: A report." The Modern Language Journal, 72, 426-434. 2006
[20] Thornton, P., & Houser, C. "M-learning in transit." In P. Lewis (Ed.), The changing face of CALL(pp. 229-243). 2002
[21] Thornton, P., & Houser, C. "Using mobile web and video phones in English language teaching: Projects with Japanese college students. " In B. Morrison, C. Green, & G. Motteram (Eds.), Directions in CALL: Experience, experiments & evaluation (pp. 207-224). 2003
[22] Thornton, P., & Houser, C. "Using mobile phones in English Education in Japan." Journal of Computer Assisted Learning, 21, 217-228. 2005
[23] Nah, Ki-Chune. White, Peter. and Sussex, Roland. "The Potential of Using mobile Phone to Access the Internet for Learning EFL Listening Skills Within a Korean Context." ReCALL. 20 (3): 331-347 2008 http://www.eurocall-languages.org/recall/index.html