Let's talk about MALL

Mobile Assisted Language learning is an engaging and technologically driven way to enhance the language learning of ELL students. Using mobile devices is an easy and effective way for students to complete academic tasks. Most students are very familiar with the use of the devices and follow along with the tasks on the application. This strategy also provides a more engaging approach to language learning that is accessible inside and outside of the classroom. There are many pros and cons to the use of mobile-assisted language learning in the classroom. 

One of the most obvious benefits of MALL is mobility. Students can access the applications on most devices at any time and location. Mobile Assisted Language learning also promotes collaboration between students and teachers. Most applications provide ways to communicate with others. This would allow students and teachers to provide authentic feedback using the applications. A disadvantage to using mobile assistive technology would be that it is hard to monitor progress. Mobile applications do not always focus on this element of learning. It is important to have a way to track how students are performing and progressing through their learning. Another major disadvantage is that most mobile applications focus on lower-level thinking skills. Most of the applications utilize features like flashcards or dictionaries that benefit students who can memorize materials. Memorization is not the most effective strategy when promoting learning that will last. 

Many popular applications deal with the concept of language learning. I came across a resource that organized language learning applications based on what concept of language learning they focus on. The website used the categories: Vocabulary, Interaction, Processing, four skills, Grammar, and Pronunciation. There is a table that organizes the applications based on these language skills. As an educator, you could use this resource to provide your ELL students with an application that best supports their needs. Below I will provide a link to the application table: 

Apps for Mobile Learning Table 

I could see myself utilizing mobile applications for language learning in my kindergarten classroom. Several language applications are interactive and appropriate for the early childhood classroom. One example would be Stories By Gus which teaches students the Spanish language through common stories, such as Goldilocks and the Three Bears. One limitation of this application would be that it only teaches Spanish and does not offer other languages. Another application would be Duolingo, which is one of the most popular applications that gamifies language learning. I would consider using these applications in my classroom because of their interactive and gamification elements that would help to engage early childhood learners. 

References

Sawin, T. (2014). Mobile-Assisted Language Learning | Resources for integrating MALL into teacher-designed instruction. The Middlebury Institute Site Network. https://sites.miis.edu/mall/

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