Mobile Learning

The use of portable (mobile) technologies such as Personal Data Assistants (PDAs), portable music players, and mobile phones in education is traditionally defined as ‘mLearning.’ The following page will outline different ways mobile technologies can be used both inside and outside the Languages classroom to facilitate language learning and provide links to valuable resources and contacts, but first it's important to challenge the traditional definition of ‘mLearning.’ Many mobile technology providers promote mLearning as part of their commercial enterprise with a strong emphasis on the features and benefits of the (specific) tool or device. Nokia, for example, advertises their N95 phone as a ‘computer in your pocket’ ready for learning. But if we place the emphasis on the learning and the learner rather than on the ’m’ tool, our perspective shifts. In recognising that it is the learner who is mobile, mLearning becomes a learning style rather than a learning tool, of which the use of mobile technologies are a small part of the whole learning experience. After all, our students don’t just learn in the classroom, and we must encourage (and teach skills) for learning languages both inside and outside of school. Hence many of the ideas to follow are not (only) meant for l language learning within the classroom, rather they are to extend mLearners’ opportunities for language practice and language use in a variety of environments. In this case it’s using the powerful technologies they carry around in their pockets, but mLearning really does go further than ICTs, and we need to keep that in mind.

For up-to-date links, readings, software and more, visit http://del.icio.us/pcoutas/mlearning

The PDA
PDAs are now as powerful as many desktop computers still used for word-processing and basic functions. With wireless internet access, a PDA can be a mini internet-enabled computer in a student’s hand. Just imagine the possibilities! However, research has shown that high school and primary students rarely have access to PDAs. They are far more likely to have access to a mobile phone (which are becoming more like PDAs anyway!), mp3 players and portable gaming devices than any other technology (computers included).
PDA links:
http://learninginhand.com


Video Phones
Most mobile phones now come with cameras that are capable of taking both photos and video. This means that in many classes, students now have easy access to 15 video cameras whereas previously they would have to borrow one or two from the library and return them well before the end of session. By using their phone cameras, students are able to view themselves listening, responding and speaking the target language, review their performance, and follow an action-reflection cycle with ease. This also makes for great samples for any learning portfolio.


Audio Recorders and Players
Mobile phones also usually have an audio recording feature, and many now also act as mp3 players. Mp3 players may also have audio recording functions.


A Quiz Buzzer
Why not get students to use their mobile phone ringtones as a buzzer in a class quiz?


Ringtones
Further on the subject of ringtones, creating a ringtone in the target language can be
a great speaking task!


Blogging
Blogging (web log) sites such as http://www.blogger.com often have mobile-phone posting available to users. This is a useful feature when on school excursions: students can blog (known as ‘moblogging’) right from their phones! A good example of this is at http://hsdjuniors. blogspot.com/2007/03/what-day.html

Have an explicit mobile phone usage policy for your class that students sign to acknowledge agreement.

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