Ballance's (2012) article on mobile-assisted language learning (MALL): its outline. 

 

·         Purpose: To provide an overview of the use of mobile phones in the language    classroom.

 

·         Thesis: Mobile assisted language learning can be adopted to supplement today’s learning resources if the activities are adequately designed.

                                         

·         Audience: Language teachers interested in implementing the use of  mobile phones in their classes.

 

I. Technology in language learning

         A.  CALL

                                        1. Origins

                                 2. Usefulness

                             B.   MALL

                                         1. Applicability

                                         2. Flexibility

                     II. Possible problems in implementing MALL.

 A.      ACTIVITIES

 

            1.  Adequately designed for the platform used.

            2. Uniqueness. Activities not adequate for being completed using pen  

             or pencil.

 B.      COST

            1. Students cannot afford smart devices

            2.  Students may lack Wi.Fi connection

 C.      TIME

      1. The use of “dead time”

             a. adequate activities

                   b. platform usefulness

 

 

Reference

Ballance, O.J.  (2012). Mobile language learning: More than just “the platform”. Language Learning & Technology, October, 2012. Volume 16, Number 3, pp. 21-23. Retrieved October 2012, from   http://llt.msu.edu/issue/october2012/ballance.pdf