M-learning...

Source: http://mlearning2010.wikispaces.com/

Mobile learning  includes the usage of devices which are available anytime and anywhere for learning purposes; for example, cell phones, iPods, iPads etc, (article by Agnes Kukulska-Hulme & Lesley Shield, )

This kind of tools are more likely to be successful as most of the people nowadays have cell phones or other mobile devices, they are light and easy to carry with you everywhere you go. So why not use them for improving our knowledge as well?

After reading the three articles, I realized how useful the small devices that we all possess can be. Particularly in Armenia, where internet access cannot be found everywhere, these tools can be of great help, as some assignment or some options and possibilities that they have don’t require internet connection.

Research suggests that MALL has excellent potential for providing students with rich, real time, collaborative and conversational experiences both in and outside the classroom (article by Yu-Ju Lan,Yao-Ting Sung, Kuo-En Chang). According to Agnes Kukulska-Hulme & Lesley Shield article, MALL can be practiced both for synchronous and asynchronous learning situations. Meaning that the students do not need to be in the same place on the same time to do the assignment they can also complete them whenever they want, surely before the deadline…J  

The more important thing is that with the help of these small tools, learners can enhance also their listening and speaking skills, which, in my mind, are the most difficult ones. The students can listen to the podcasts whenever they want. These tools can be used to record themselves and others by interviewing them. They can shoot pictures and then reflect on them, they can record anything they want. They can take notes and then come to the class and ask questions based on their notes. These tools can be used very creatively and we know that creative assignment always engage students and they become more willing to make efforts on completing the assignments well.

Another noteworthy fact is that it is not necessary to have a “cool” cell phone. The teacher s may think of assignments which are feasible to complete with simple and ordinary phones as well.

I believe, we have to take advantage of what we have, and use whatever we possess effectively. We have to think about more creative ways of organizing our lessons so as to engage our students and motivate them to greater efforts. I am sure, these tools give us opportunities to do so.