LCE 516 MOBILE-ASSISTED LANGUAGE LEARNING (MALL) (7 ECTS)
The aim of this course is to provide students with the background knowledge of Mobile-Assisted Language Learning (MALL) required to allow them to independently pursue research in the field and undertake the application of mobile technologies in their own language teaching. In so doing, students discover where MALL has come from, where it is now, and its likely future directions. The course presupposes a broad knowledge of Computer-Assisted Language Learning, its historical development and applications, which serves as a reference point for the evaluation of MALL. Working together in small groups, students exploit Internet resources (search engines, websites) and communication technologies (discussion forums, chats, wikis, blogs) to explore the foundations of MALL. From a technological perspective, MALL is studied in relation to the various mobile devices that have been used to assist language learning, with particular attention focused on their affordances and constraints. Pedagogically, MALL applications are examined relative to the skill areas that have been targeted and the underlying methodological approaches that have been followed. Using their own mobile devices (smartphones, tablet computers, digital cameras, and audio recorders), students gain first-hand experience in creating and using MALL applications within a BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) environment based upon learner-centered, constructivist, pedagogical principles. At the end of the course, through the e-portfolios that they produce, students will possess an extensive summary of what they have learned and created in the course for their future reference in the MA in CALL programme and ongoing professional development.