mobile-assisted language learning apps

1. Agnieszka (Aga) Palalas, Ed.D.
May 6, 2013
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2.  Audience poll
 Introduction to Mobile-Assisted Language
Learning (MALL)
 Who, where, and why of MALL apps
 What and how of MALL apps
 Built-in tools and apps
 Examples of my favourite apps
 Q&A
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3. What smartphone are you currently using?
A. iPhone
B. Android
C. Blackberry
D. Other
E. I don’t have one
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4. Have you used smartphones in your teaching?
Yes/No
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5. Augment (in the MALL context)
A. Complicate
B. Enhance, extend
C. Enlarge
◦ Could be done with Polleverywhere or Socrative
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6. 6
• Knowledge construction, skill development and performance support
• Learners participate across locations, times and contexts (inside and
outside the classroom)
• Enabled by portable devices and web connectivity
• flexible on-demand access to learning materials, experts, peers and
other resources
• tools to create content and interact with peers, experts, learning
systems and supports, and the environment in which the learning is
occurring
• M-learning devices: handheld, highly portable, connected, always-on,
personal
…contingent on needs and context
Mobile learning defined

7. Augment in-class/out-of-class instruction and practice
 Communication support, immediacy of communication (incl. speech and data-sharing)
 Portable and flexible (whenever, wherever), fitting into learners’ lives (productive ‘dead’ time)
 Access to language resources, supports, scaffolding
 Access to mentors, tutors and others learners on-the-move
 Bite-sized e-learning resources delivered to learners; spaced learning
 Situated language practice (embedded in real language situations)
 Enhanced motivation by context-inspired authentic content and challenge
 Creativity, fun, engagement (tools for student-generated materials)
 Rehearsal and practice in a less threatening environment
 Student-centred and personalized learning
 Capturing of data, record of learning processes
 Assessment tools, peer and expert evaluation and feedback exchange
 Flexible collaboration
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8.  Teachers and learners, other speakers of English
 Individual and collaborative
 In-class and out-of-class
 Using innovative tools
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9.  Built-in tools
◦ e-mail
◦ web browser
◦ audio and video player
◦ voice recorder
◦ camera – photo and video recording
◦ notes
◦ SMS/texting
◦ GPS
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10.  Audio and video player (“iPod”)
◦ podcasts
◦ audiobooks
◦ YouTube videos
 Voice recorder (Voice Memos, Record)
◦ record and share speech sample
◦ Record parts of the class – replay, rehearse
◦ create mini-stories
◦ record speech for feedback
 Camera – photo and video recording
◦ capture communicative situations
◦ record speech sample for evaluation
◦ be creative, e.g., role-play, stand-up comedy
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11.  Mobile apps (web-based and native)
◦ Feedback, polling, student response system
 Polleverywhere, Socrative
◦ Vocabulary acquisition
 Dictionary.com, WWAudioUS, Flashcard Machine,
Flashcards
◦ Speaking and Listening (phloging, pronunciation)
 Audioboo, iPadio, Free Audiobooks, Sounds
◦ Integrated
 Story creators, Evernote
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12.  Creating quizzes for instant formative or summative
assessment, ice-breakers
 Engage your classrooms with educational exercises and
games: Multiple choice, T/F and Short answer questions
 Quick Quizzes, Exit Tickets and other games
 Mobile (Apple, Android) and Web
 Wireless connection needed
 Free
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13.  Creating quizzes for instant formative or summative
assessment, ice-breakers
 Engage your classrooms with educational exercises and
games: Multiple choice, T/F and Short answer questions
 Get instant feedback– online charts
 Answer by text, app, web, direct link
 Mobile (Apple, Android) and Web
 Free (up to 40 consecutive users)
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14. 14
• Dictionary, thesaurus, searchable, audio
• No Internet connection needed when searching words
• Mobile (Apple, Android) and Web
• Free (premium version available)

15.  Dictionary, thesaurus, searchable, audio
 Customizable
 Apple, Android, Web
 Works offline
 Almost free ;) – $3.99
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16. 16
• Study, learn and master words on your
phone (audio pronunciation, definition matching )
• Create and co-create word lists (decks)
• Use existing decks
• Share content
• Get your progress stats
• Works offline
• Apple, Android, Web
• Free
• Caveat: not being able to write your own definition on the
phone, but only online

17. 17
• Similar to Flashcards
• Caveat: Free version has 100 flips only

18. 18
 Record and share audio recordings
 Collaborate and peer evaluate; e.g., class radio, dictionary,
story, play (listen and continue the story)
 Improve fluency
 iPhone, Android, Nokia and Web
 Blackberry and Windows coming soon
 Works offline
 Free

19. 19
 Practice pronunciation on the go
 Interactive phonemic chart
 Apple, Android, Web
 Works offline
 Free (premium version offers
quizzes and analytics)

20.  Adapt this note-taking platform
 Integrative practice
 Collaboration and sharing, e.g., class book, dictionary
 Take notes, capture photos, create to-do lists, record
voice
 All notes searchable, whether you are at home, at work,
or on the go
 Synchronize across devices
• Works offline
• All mobile platforms and Web
• Free
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21.  Create/co-create an electronic storybook
 Create the text, add photos or drawings and then add
sounds or music
 Peer evaluate
 Share your stories with a class or keep them private
 Apple, Android, Web
 Works offline
 Free
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22.  Replay/re-listen
 Record
 Rehearse
 Repeat
 Redo
 Remember
 Reflect
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23.  Communicate
 Collaborate
 Connect
 Co-create
 Construct
 Contextualize
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Dr. Agnieszka Palalas
aga@epluslearning.com
Twitter: @agaiza
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/apalalas
Presentations: http://www.slideshare.net/agaiza
Publications: http://georgebrown.academia.edu/apalalas