Mobile Phones: Just a Phone or a Language Learning Device?

Taher Bahrani

Abstract


Today, mobile assisted language learning (MALL) is growing very fast. In the same line, mobile phone technology is dominating the world so fast that everybody including language learners has at least one which can be used all the time and everywhere. Considering this issue, the present paper attempts to shed more light on the pre-existed pedagogical value of using the emerging technologies such as mobile phones for language learning in informal language learning setting. The present paper holds the view that everybody can learn the very amount of English language which he/she needs even if he/she cannot go to any language classes. Accordingly, this paper reviews the literature addressing opportunities for learning English language with mobile learning technology and various language education projects involving mobile phones. Moreover, it suggests technology-besed design considerations for reading skill to meet the learning needs of those who want to learn the language in informal setting by themselves.
Key words: Mobile Technology; Pedegogical; Learning; Informal Setting

Resumé: Aujourd'hui, l'apprentissage des langues assisté mobile (ALAM) est en croissance très rapide. Dans le même domaine, la technologie du téléphone mobile est en train de dominer le monde si vite que tout le monde y compris les apprenants de langue a au moins un téléphone mobile qui peut être utilisé tout le temps et partout. En prenant en considération cette question, le présent article tente d'éclaire la valeur pédagogique préexistée de l'utilisation des technologies émergentes telles que les téléphones mobiles pour l'apprentissage des langues dans un cadre de l'apprentissage des langues informel. Le présent document est d'avis que tout le monde peut apprendre la langue anglaise dont il/elle en a besoin, même s'il/elle ne peut pas aller à un cours de langue. Par conséquent, cet article passe en revue les possibilités d'apprentissage de la langue anglaise avec la technologie d'apprentissage mobile et de divers projets d'éducation de langue impliquant le téléphone mobile. En outre, il suggère des conceptions basées sur la technologie pour que les compétences de lecture puissent répondre aux besoins de l'apprentissage de ceux qui veulent apprendre la langue par eux-mêmes dans un cadre informel.
Mots-clés: Technologie Mobile; Pédagogique; Apprentissage; Cadre Informel

Keywords


Mobile Technology; Pedegogical; Learning; Informal Setting;Technologie Mobile; Pédagogique; Apprentissage; Cadre Informel

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DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3968/j.ccc.1923670020110702.028

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