2. Definitions
1. Kambourakis, Kontoni, and Sapounas (2004)
defined it as, “The point at which mobile
computing and e-Learning intersect to produce
an anytime, anywhere learning experience”
1. Mobile-assisted language learning, a successor
of computer-assisted language learning, is a new
phase in second and foreign language learning. I
have chosen to focus on this aspect due to the
increasing interest that students show in using
mobile devices in order to practise languages
and the relevance of these devices in today’s
context. Turc, Lorena . (Aug 16, 2017). “Mobile-
Assisted Language Learning (MALL)”.
3. Characteristics
Two main characteristics of mobile devices are
portability and connectivity. As for
connectivity, designing the mobile system
must have capability of being connected and
communicated with the learning website using
the wireless network of the device to access
learning material ubiquitously including short
message service (SMS) and mobile e-mail.
Portability enables learners to move mobile
devices and bring learning materials
Students and teachers are active participants
in the process of language learning.
4. Advantages
● The use of MALL tasks in the foreign language classroom has proved beneficial for learners in two
important ways: it promotes learners’ language development, including oral proficiency, and it can
reduce anxiety, consequently increasing motivation and positive attitudes towards learning. (Abrams,
2003; Beauvois 1997)
● “MALL offers to all learners an unprecedented range of learning possibilities that expand outside the
limitations of traditional learning spaces.” MALL can be successfully used outside the classroom, as
well as in the classroom and in resource-poor environments. Turc, Lorena . (Aug 16, 2017). “Mobile-
Assisted Language Learning (MALL)”.
5.
6. Disadvantages
Although learning service through mobile devices has some advantages, it has its own constraints as small screen, reading
difficulty on such a screen, data storage and multimedia limitations, and the like. Many of the mobile phones are not
designed for educational purposes. That is, it is difficult for the learners to use them for the task given by the teachers to be
carried out. This is partly due to the initial design of such devices, and partly due to non-existence of such developed mobile
phones. However, those devices which are appropriate for specific learning tasks are too expensive for most of the learners
to buy. Thus, teachers should be aware of what kinds of tools learners have, and then set to chose or adapt resources
compatible to such tools.
-Increasing Reliance On Technological Tools.
-Distracted Learning.
-Multitasking Hurts Recall Of Course Material.
7. Examples
The technique of using smartphones to learning, for
example, english in class is very common with the
implementation of MALL . We can search for
keywords in Google and look for some definitions
and pictures to clarify information.
8. Sources
● Caudill, J. (2007) The Growth of m-Learning and the Growth of Mobile Computing:
Parallel developments, [retrieved from
http://www.irrodl.org/index.php/irrodl/article/view/348/873 on 12/4/2018]
● Turc, Lorena . (Aug 16, 2017). “Mobile-Assisted Language Learning (MALL)”.
http://rate.org.ro/blog2.php/1/mobile-assisted-language-learning-mall
● Mosavi, T. and Nezarat, A. (2012). Mobile-Assisted Language Learning. International
Journal of Distributed and Parallel Systems (IJDPS). Vol.3, N.1. Retrieved from
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Tayebeh_Mosavi_Miangah/publication/271600581
_Mobile-Assisted_Language_Learning/links/54cdd78d0cf24601c08e3da4/Mobile-
Assisted-Language-Learning.pdf
