Using mobile apps to promote english language learning By Mr Abdellatif Zoubair

1. Mobile Apps to Promote ELL, Morcenet 5th Conf Jan. 2017

2. “UsingMobileApplications to
PromoteEnglishLanguage
Learning”
MoRCE-Net FifthNational Conference
Marrakech
Jan. 31- Feb. 2, 2017
Abdellatif Zoubair
Email: abdellatif.zoubair@gmail.com
Web: www. zoubaireltcommunity.ac.ma
www. zoubaireltcommunity.wix.com/eduresources
Mobile Apps to Promote ELL, Morcenet 5th Conf Jan. 2017

3. Mobile Apps to Promote ELL, Morcenet 5th Conf Jan. 2017
1. Discuss the rationale behind the use of mobile apps.
2. List the main benefits of such tools for learning.
3. Suggest criteria for selecting appropriate apps.
4. Share insights of mobile apps piloted in class.
5. Identify the potential constraints of mobile apps.
6. Come up with practical recommendations.
¤Agenda:

4. Mo bile Apps to Pro m o te ELL, Mo rce ne t 5th Co nf Jan. 20 1 7
-In-class instruction time is insufficient.
-Almost all students have got a cell phone.
-Most phones come with built-in apps.
-More apps can be downloaded for free.
-Students use them more than computers.
-Promote practice anywhere and anytime.
-Students like screen size limitation.
- . . .
I. Why do we need to use mobile apps in ourMoroccan
ELT context?

5. II. What are the benefits forlearners?
Mobile Apps to Promote ELL, Morcenet 5th Conf Jan. 2017
-Support learning.
-Enhance autonomy.
-Promote authentic communication and collaboration.
-Reduce gap between the classroom and the outside world.
-Allow more practice and exposure time to the target
language.
-Provide control over one’s learning.
. . .

6. III. What criteria should we adopt to evaluate mobile
apps? (ref. Peachy)
Mobile Apps to Promote ELL, Morcenet 5th Conf Jan. 2017
-Technical: accessibility, user-friendliness, registration,
security, . . .
-Financial: free or paying, business model for support, . . .
-Motivational: digital literacy, authenticity, personalization, .
. .
-Pedagogical: learning goal, communication, long term
use, assessment, context, autonomy, . . .
- . . .

7. Sample mobile application(s) piloted by volunteer
teachers
Mobile Apps to Promote ELL, Morcenet 5th Conf Jan. 2017
•Speak English fluently •Learn cards •Hangman
•Dictionnary •Free dictionary •phrasalstein
•Edmodo •dict.cc dictionary •Wiki pedia mobile
•Crossword Puzzle •TEDx •Pronunciation
•Vocabla •Quizlet •Ponunroid •My word •Johnny
Grammar Word Challenge •IELTS skills
•Learn English syllables •Big City •Ted talks •My
first word •Vocabulary builder Magoosh
•Google translation •Easy English Grammar
•Dictionary Word Web

8. IV. Which mobile apps have you tried in class? Share your
insights with the group (see videos below)
Mobile Apps to Promote ELL, Morcenet 5th Conf Jan. 2017
• Agadir teachers share feedback on mobile apps/P
• Agadir teachers share feedback on mobile apps/P
• Agadir teachers share feedback on mobile apps/P
• Agadir teachers report on Mobile Apps (Group 2)
• Agadir teachers report on Mobile Apps (Group 3)

9. V. Are there any potential limitations?
Mobile Apps to Promote ELL, Morcenet 5th Conf Jan. 2017
-Cost
-Security
-Privacy
-Work load
-Noise and disruption
- . . .

10. Mobile Apps to Promote ELL, Morcenet 5th Conf Jan. 2017
-Careful selection
-Real planning
-Set rules for use
- . . .
VI. Where do we go from here?

11. Mobile Apps to Promote ELL, Morcenet 5th Conf Jan. 2017
 Harmer, J. 2007. The Practice o f Eng lish Lang uag e Te aching .
Pearson Longman, Fourth Edition.
 Peachey, N. Evaluating Authentic Mobile Apps, in
http://nikpeachey.blogspot.com/2013/09/evaluating-authentic-mobile-apps
 Reinders, H. 2010. Twenty Ideas for Using Mobile Phones in the Languag
 Richards, Jack C. & Scmidt, R. 2010. Dictionary of Language Teaching a
 https://www.englishforums.com/content/resources/top-mobile-apps-for-lea
 http://www.hongkiat.com/blog/mobile-apps-learn-english/
¤REFERENCES:

12. Mobile Apps to Promote ELL, Morcenet 5th Conf Jan. 2017
 Davis, S. 10 Best, Shockingly Good Apps for ESL Teachers,
http://www.fluentu.com/english/educator/blog/best-apps-for-esl-
teachers/

 Hein, K. The Essential Guide for Apps for Learning English as a
Foreign Language, http://mastersinesl.com/essential-esl-app-
guide/#

 Sanchez, S. 10 Popular Apps for English Language Learners and
Teachers, http://www.gettingsmart.com/2016/06/10-popular-apps-
english-language-learners-teachers/

 Schio la, E. and Sin, G. 21 helpful apps for teachers and educators,
http://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/best-apps-for-teachers-
education/
¤REFERENCES (2):

13. Mobile Apps to Promote ELL, Morcenet 5th Conf Jan. 2017
Thankyouallforyourattention!
MoRCE-Net FifthNationalConference
Marrakech
Jan. 31- Feb. 2, 2017