Mobile Technology for Language Learning

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Technology has been used in every aspect, including in education field. Not only computer and internet but also mobile technology or we call it as MALL. Mobile Assisted Language Learning is an idea to use mobile technology in learning language. Mobile technology comprise of cell phone, MP3 player, PDA etc.

Cell Phone

Cell phone enable teacher to conduct distant learning. The teacher can give feedback and or assist the student through distant learning if there is no possibility to teach directly. The other thing is teacher can give the students opportunity to speak directly to native speaker or language tutor. Cell phone also enables teleconferencing that allows them to have multi-conversation.

Mp3 Player

Mp3 player such as iPod is used to listen to music or record voice. It has some application that help student in learning language. The iPod can be used to record speech and or student speaking skill. The recorded voice can be given to teacher for teacher assessment. Then teacher can give oral feedback to the student by using iPod as well.

PDA (Personal Digital Assistant)

PDA also can be used for language learning. It has function as translator and if we add MobiLearn software, it can be “talking phrasebooks.” PDA can be used to train students’ writing skill by using it application to write note.

Mobile technology can be alternative way to persuade students to learn language. Not to mention, school aged children have their own cell phone or iPod. Even though, there is some program which cannot be done by mobile technology.