The document discusses using mobile phones in the classroom for language learning, or "m-learning". It describes a teacher who incorporated students' mobile phones into classroom activities. The students saw benefits like using a familiar and relevant tool, having more fun, and practicing English outside the classroom. However, they agreed on rules like turning phones off during certain activities and being respectful of others by not sending mean messages or unauthorized photos. The teacher found that students were always eager to use their mobile phones, even if not allowed, so saw it as an opportunity rather than disruption to incorporate them into lessons.

1. T E C H N O L O G Y
M-learning
Nick Cherkas looks at hen I first heard the current Recently, though, my English
mobile learning from the
students’ point of view.
W buzz word m-learning
(mobile learning), I was
initially confused about how
mobile phones and other devices could be
used in the classroom. I didn’t understand
teacher has been doing some really cool
things with us in class. He actually lets
us use our mobiles for activities! At first
we couldn’t believe it, but we had a class
discussion about using mobiles in the
how they could help students, but later I lesson. Here are some of the things we
realised their potential. I also realised decided:
that students in my setting – Morocco –
● We all use our mobiles every day, so
always had mobile phones with them.
it’s useful for us to learn English
Some lucky people had shiny
using something that’s relevant to our
smartphones, some had older, more
lives outside the classroom.
basic models. But they all brought their
mobiles to class every lesson – some ● We can use our mobiles to have more
students forgot to bring a pen, but they fun in class as they can be used as a
always had their mobiles! I decided to camera and a recorder, as well as a
view this as an opportunity rather than phone.
an inconvenience, and I started to
● Sometimes we can use our mobiles
encourage my students to use the cameras
when we leave the classroom and go
and voice recorders in their phones
around the school grounds and the
more and more. I incorporated the use
neighbourhood: we’re still practising
of mobiles into some of my existing
English and it’s great to do this in
classroom activities and developed some
other places rather than the same old
new activities using them as well.
classroom.
I though it best to write about m-
learning from the students’ point of ● We need to have some rules. When
view – the following words are mine, the teacher tells us to, we have to turn
although the sentiments come from off our phones, for example if we’re
students whom I’ve spoken to. (My own concentrating on something else, like
comments are in blue.) writing or drama.
● We have to be respectful to each
other. If we have each other’s
numbers, we’re not allowed to send
mean messages or take photos that
they won’t want other people to see.
This is a form of bullying and we
My parents always tell me that I use my have strict rules in our class about
mobile too much – I always have it on me this. If we break these rules, then we
so I can check my Facebook page, take might not be able to use our mobiles
photos (Why should I carry a camera in class anymore. (This is a
with me like my mum does when I’ve got potentially tricky area – it’s best to
a great camera on my phone?), check the be open and honest with the
time (Who needs a watch?), listen to the students, and each school might
radio and keep in touch with my friends. have its own policy about this. Think
At school, teachers always tell us that about the cultural issues around
we’re not allowed to use our mobiles in recording voices and taking photos
class but it doesn’t stop anybody – isn’t as well. Individual students who
that what ‘silent mode’ is for? don’t want to do this can still take ᮣᮣᮣ
• www.etprofessional.com • ENGLISH TEACHING professional • Issue 81 July 2012 • 55