EED 105

HANDOUT Technology for Teaching and

Learning 2

TOPIC 2: Mobile-Assisted Language Learning (MALL)

A. Unpacking the Meaning of “Mobile-Assisted Language Learning”

The Mobile-Assisted Language Learning (MALL) is one of the methods or approaches in

language learning that is very relevant in the world of 21 st century teaching and learning. To better
understand what MALL is, it is good that one must first unpack the different concepts where it evolved
from. MALL is actually a subset of another two technology-related types of learning approaches: the
mobile learning (ML) and computer-assisted language learning (CALL).

Figure 01. MALL as a subset of ML and CALL

 Mobile Learning (mLearning)
A mode of learning which takes place using
content or interaction affordances facilitated by
mobile devices such as cellphones, mp3 players,
notebooks, hand held mini computers, PDAs
(Personal Digital Assistant), cameras, data
storage devices and a number of other portable
devices.
Computer-Assisted Language Learning (CALL)
In this method, computer technology is used in
teaching and learning procedures at all stages
(presentation, practice, feedback) in language
teaching or learning.

Mobile-Assisted Language Learning (ML)

 is language learning that is assisted or enhanced
through the use of a handheld mobile device
 an approach to language learning that is assisted or
enhanced through the use of handheld mobile devices.

B. Advantages of MALL

There are several advantages to using MALL in language learning. These includes:

1. Accessibility: MALL allows learners to access language learning resources anytime and anywhere, as
long as they have a mobile device and an internet connection. This can provide flexibility and
convenience for learners who may have busy schedules or limited access to traditional language
learning resources.

2. Affordability and Portability: Mobile devices are generally more affordable than computers, and
they are also highly portable, making them a convenient and cost-effective option for language
learning. MALL applications and resources can be downloaded and used offline, reducing the need for
expensive data plans.

3. Increased Engagement: MALL can provide an engaging and interactive learning experience for
students, as it can incorporate a range of multimedia resources such as video materials (e.g TED talks),
and language learning apps (e.g English Grammar, Merriam Webster, ELSA Speak) which can provide
an immersive language learning experience. In doing so, this can help to motivate learners and
enhance their language learning experience.
4. Speaking, listening become more accessible to students: In a traditional classroom, language
learning focuses more on vocabulary and grammar, which means students can practice reading and
writing a lot, but they do not proactive enough in listening and speaking.

5. Save time fragment: Language learning is no longer limited in a certain classroom. Students could
learn the language at any time and any places.

6. Supports self-paced learning: Students learn at different rates, and mobile learning allows students
to study on their own way at their own pace.

C. Disadvantages of MALL

There are also some disadvantages in using MALL. They are the following:

1. Software Issues

Software is an application that runs on a device according to the instructions embedded in the
software at the time of coding. Even though it seems like the life of software is smooth, there
are other external factors that hinder its smooth life span. These external factors are changing
trends in the field of IT.

Examples of Software Issues:

 Lagging

 Freezing

 Connectivity Complexities

2. Hardware Issues
Unlike the software, hardware uses physical devices. The physical devices used can wear out
after a period of time. They can wear out due to overuse, dust, using the device roughly or
many other reasons. These are some factors that interrupt the smooth working of the mobile or
other devices.

Examples of issues in hardware:

 Broken screen

 Low battery life

 Unresponsive button
  Damage camera lens

4. Distraction
Using mobile learning, also, creates a lot of distraction. Many students open the mobile to learn
something and end up using social media websites, chatting, sharing pictures or playing video
games. These types of distraction waste one’s time, which could have been used to perform a
meaningful task.

5. Reliance on technology

Mobile assisted language learning, just like E learning, is entirely reliant on technology. This
could exclude skills that rely on practice experience. For example, artists and mechanics may
struggle with learning real-world skills without personal feedback and in person instruction.
Usually, what happens in mobile learning is that, the skills that have been develop within the
mobile world is not as effective in the real situation. The learner become dependent on
technology that it does not know how to manipulate physical materials or apply its skill in an in-
person set up.

6. Lack of internet connection/ electricity

This can be a problem especially in rural areas and in areas where the usage of the internet and
electricity is not yet prevalent. When you have a device but you do not have the electricity or
the internet is required for you to run the device and avail the facility of mobile learning, then
what’s the fun?
In order to enjoy your experience of mobile assisted language learning, make sure you have
met all the requirements needed to have the best experience. Because if not, you will end up
acquiring only as less as 40% of the topic during the class or the discussion.

D. Challenges and Limitations of MALL

1. Teachers Resistance

 Teachers resist in using MALL because they have fear of not able to control students what are
they going to do with their mobile phones.
 Teachers have fear in which instead of using mobile phone in learning, it my become distraction.
 Some teachers are more comfortable with the traditional teaching, so they tend to stick to it
and they are not so keen to adopt to the new technology.
  Teachers do not have enough knowledge about how to implement MALL in their teaching.

2. Financial Instability

 When the pandemic came, mobile phones became so expensive since it is in demand, especially
for students who needed mobile phones to attend to their online class.
 Because some parents cannot afford mobile phones for their child's learning, it became a
reason why MALL was limited to use.

3. Institutional Rule

 Even if the teacher allows students to use their mobile phones in accessing their lessons if the
school or university do not allow it then there's no point.

4. Culturally Appropriate

 Social media such as Facebook and search engine such as google is very wide so we should
know that not all information found there is appropriate for all people or students.

5. Cost

 Even though phones are not as costly as laptops, not all students can afford to purchase or own
a phone. Mobile phones are the primary learning tool, so having a phone is increasingly a
necessity for students. Or, even if this is not the case, maintaining reliable and good internet is
still expensive.

6. Privacy

 Mobile learning requires you to download apps or to register to websites. Which makes your
privacy at stake. To be in this kind of learning, learners should be trained or informed well to
avoid scams, and hacks. For example, when we visit sites there are cookie policies appear right?
Be mindful in this and do not just accept and accept. Cookies are text files that include tiny bits
of information, such as a login and password, and are used to recognize your computer that you
visited a certain website. The website may sell your browsing information if you don't deny. You
may also be exposed if your personal information is shared without your consent.

7. Access to network

 Students can access their m-learning courses from any location in the world because they are
housed online. However, this access to internet is one of the biggest challenges in this approach.
Not every location has a reliable internet connection. You must download resources from the
internet, use applications, and visit websites in order to learn on a phone. Without the access of
internet, your access to learn will be limited as well.
E. Roles of Educators

Roles of Teachers in a Mobile Assisted Language Learning

1. Planners

 In Mobile Assisted Language Learning classroom, language teachers are planners on what
mobile devices including mobile applications and sites are necessary in the classroom and how
to use it for the advancement of language teaching and learning.

2. Facilitators

 In this 21st century, teachers’ role will only act as a facilitator who will continuously create
conditions for students to manage their own learning processes and learn collaboratively with
their peers.

3. Mobiles - support/ guide

 Teachers should effectively play the role as a support or guide to ensure that students will use
the mobile devices to their great advantage of productivity.

4. Listeners

 Teachers should be a great listener to the students and take advantage of mobile devices by
using it to address the students' concerns and needs

G. Is MALL Effective?

1. Ubiquity. It can be found everywhere.

2. Accessible. It is convenient in a way that it can be easily accessed.

3. Availability. Everyone (97% of the population) has smartphones and we use it 85% of the time. It is
always available to use in a daily basis.

4. Interactive. Active learning takes place since a smartphone allows a two-way flow of information
between a computer to a user, responding by the user's input.

5. Spatial. MALL has given us the power to learn through accessing applications.
APPLICATIONS

1. HELLOTALK. An app that helps you practice languages you want to learn.

2. DUOLINGO. Game-style language learning application.

3. SPEAKLY. Speakly teaches words and phrases in a real-life context.

4. SOCIAL MEDIAS. We learn a lot of languages every single day by the posts we see and read.

5. MERRIAM-WEBSTER. A known dictionary app.

6. GOOGLE. An online search engine.

Prepared by Cadavona, Aze Seantell Rasalan, Xylyn Vernadette

Pagatpatan, Jessa Ruiz, Erica
Pajinag, Khryzna Lei Tolosa, Trisha Mae
Raquino, Erin Viernes, Crista Angeline