Mobile Learning
MALL: Mobile Assisted Language Learning
MALL or Mobile Assisted Language Learning has become increasingly widespread with the advent of smartphones for ELL learners. It is a hybrid of computer assisted language learning and mobile learning. In a nutshell it offers learners a variety of apps that can be used on their mobile devices specifically for language learning.
MALL helps learners extend their language learning to new heights. “New technologies such as social networking, podcasting, or speech recognition
embedded in mobile applications accelerate the changes occurring in MALL...”(Kim and Kwon, 2012).
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​Many of these MALL applications have been designed to teach specific language skills from vocabulary, pronunciation, grammar, interaction etc.. Most individuals will use a combination of of these apps to make good progress.
MALL and Social Networking
Social networks help connect us with those around us, however, some have been designed to connect us with other language learners around the world and are designed to increase our language skills.
The following are some Social Networks designed with language learners in mind.
italki
This app allows you to choose from over 10,000 teachers for 1-on-1 lessons based on your goals and interests. You can add friends and have discussions all online.
Speaky
Speaky is a free language exchange app that can connect you to a world of learning opportunities. Speaky allows you to connect with other users who share your interests and practice with people around the world.
HiNative
HiNative is formatted as a question-and-answer platform for language learners. Simply post a question in text or audio and native speakers can respond with text and/or audio answers.
UniLang
This is more of a language forum. “These forums are a meeting place for learners and speakers of a specific language. The topics can include any doubts or problems that arise in studying a language. This is also the place where you can practice your language skills or ask for grammar or translation assistance.”
MALL and Podcasts
Podcasts have become popular for language learners because they allow for audio resources that are useful for language acquisition.
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Some of the more popular podcasts are:
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Innovative Language
This site has hundreds of podcasts available from beginner to more advanced content such as idioms and slang.
LearnEnglish Podcasts
This app is bought to you by the British Council and helps you learn every day English.
Melnyks:Chinese
Chinese Audio lessons online with every lesson coming with full pdf transcripts, worksheets as well as situational dialogues.
I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. It’s easy.
MALL and Language Apps
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Along with the above there are the language learning apps that can be downloaded.
The following are some of the more popular MALL apps
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