WEEK 7 MALL

This week I would like to make reference to an article I read and I think it was the most innovative -at least for  me. I coined new terms such as MALL (Mobile Assisted Language Learning), Mobile learning or m-learning (a subdivision of the elearning movement), PDAs (Personal Digital Assistants, MobileLearn software programs and moblogging (an amalgam of mobile and weblogging) between others.
Emerging technologies Going to the MALL Mobile Assistive Language Learning is an article by George M. Chinnery University of Maryland Baltimore County. He describes the characteristics and research on MALL Applications.
Main ideas:

1. MALL Applications can be face-to-face, distance or online at a self-paced or calendar based.
2. A language learning environment is important to develop.
3. The focus must be on the learner ahead of the technology.

Common Features of cellular phones:
1. Internet access
2. Voice messaging
3. SMS text-messaging4. Cameras
5. Video-recording

All these features enable communicative language practice? Moblos  provide opportunities for language creation and collaborative activities by removing time and place boundaries and adding authentic and visual content.
Activities using cellular phones:
1. Vocabulary practice
2. Quizzes
3. Word and phrase translations
4. Access to live talking tutors
5. Vocabulary instruction

Benefits:
1. Portability
2. Less expensive
3. Simplified and flexible student-learner communication.

I have also read about Learner autonomy and we have share information on Padlet (a tool similar ti Lino). Finding a partner was not so easy for me. I am still waiting for one.




Learner autonomy