MOBILE DEVICES FOR TEACHING ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE IN HIGHER EDUCATION. THE CASE OF DUOC IN CHILE
Keywords:
M-learning, English as a second language, writing skills, virtual Platforms, Mobile devicesAbstract
Mobile devices are efficient tools of language learning since they enable students to learn and practice anywhere and anytime with personalized content and progress. The article analyzes the incorporation of the use of mobile devices for teaching English as a second language in higher education. This research was developed on a positivist paradigm, with a descriptive and quantitative methodology. The sample was formed by 32 students of Basic English courses belong to DUOC UC Institute, in Chile who practice their writing skills through systematic activities developed during 2013 in the Virtual Platform Blackboard. The results of this study suggest that students reacted positively to the use of technology, but expressed concern about the technological difficulties. Main findings confirm that the use of technology enables student’s practice of English, transforming and improving the learning environment inside of the classroom and students feel comfortable and secure because they have a teacher and technology’s support.
Downloads
References
Agencia de la calidad de la Educación. Resultados SIMCE, 2012. Retrieved from
http://www.agenciaeducacion.cl/simce/resultados-simce
Al-Fahad, F. N. Students’ attitudes and perceptions towards the effectiveness of mobile learning in
King Saud University, Saudi Arabi. The Turkish Online Journal of Educational Technology, 8(2),
–119, 2009.
Baya’a, N. and Daher, W. Learning mathematics in an authentic mobile environment: the
Perceptions of Students. International Journal of Interactive Mobile Technologies, 3, 6–14, 2009.
Brunner, J. Factores que inciden en una educación efectiva evidencia internacional, 2005.
Retrieved from http://www.opech.cl/bibliografico/evaluacion/Brunner%20OEA.pdf
Chen, C. M. and Hsu, S. H. Personalized intelligent mobile learning system for supporting
effective English learning. Educational Technology & Society, 11(3), 153–180, 2008.
Chen, G. D., Chang, C. K. and Wang, C. Y. Ubiquitous learning website: scaffold learner by
mobile devices with information-ware techniques. Computers and Education, 50(1), 77–90, 2008.
Corlett, D., Sharples, M., Bull, S. and Chan, T. Evaluation of a mobile learning organizer for
university students. Journal of Computer Assisted Learning, 21(3), 162–170, 2005.
Evans, C. The effectiveness of m-learning in the form of podcast revision lectures in higher
education. Computers & Education, 50, 491–498, 2008.
Garrido, J. Gros, B. Rodríguez, J. and Silva, J. Estándares en las Tecnología de la Información y la
Comunicación para la formación inicial docente; Situación actual y el caso chileno. Revista
Iberoamericana, 38 (3), 1-16, 2006.
Gros, B. Silva J. La formación del Profesorado como docente en los espacios virtuales de
aprendizaje. Revista Iberoamericana, 2005.
Hwang, G. J., Yang, T. C., Tsai, C. C. and Yang, S. J. A context-aware ubiquitous learning
environment for conducting complex science experiments. Computer & Education, 53, 402–413,
Jacobs, I. M. Modernizing Education and Preparing Tomorrow’s Workforce through Mobile
Technology, in i4j Summit, March, 2013.
Jenkins, J. The Phonology of English as an International Language, OUP, Oxford, 2000.
Kukulska-Hulme, A. Mobile usability and user experience. in A. Kukulska-Hulme, and J. Traxler
(Eds.), Mobile learning: A handbook for educators and trainers (pp. 45–56). London: Routledge,
Lu, M. Effectiveness of vocabulary learning via mobile phone. Journal of Computer Assisted
Learning, 24, 515–525, 2008.
Martin, F. and Jeffrey, E. Here and now mobile learning: An experimental study on the use
of mobile technology. Computers & Education, 68, 76-85, 2013.
Ministerio de Educación. Cuenta Pública, 2010, Retrieved from http://www.gob.cl/cuenta-publica-
/ministerio-de-educacion/programacion-2010-2014.
Ogata, H., Saito, N. A., Paredes, J. R., San Martin, G. A. and Yano, Y. Supporting classroom
activities with the BSUL system. Educational Technology & Society, 11(1), 1–16, 2008.
O’Malley, C., Vavoula, G., Glew, J., Taylor, J., Sharples, M. and Lefrere, P. WP 4 – Guidelines
for learning/teaching/tutoring in a mobile environment, 2003. Retrieved from
http://www.mobilearn.org/download/results/guidelines.pdf.
Rodríguez E. Incidencia de las nuevas tecnologías en el aprendizaje autónomo de las lenguas
extranjeras, 2008. Retrieved from http://cad.cele.unam.mx:8080/RD3/prueba/pdf/rodriem7.pdf.
Stockwell, G. Investigating learner preparedness for and usage patterns of mobile learning.
ReCALL,20(3), 253, 2008.
Vasquez, C. Impacto del proyecto enlaces/mineduc “formando profesores en redes de gestores de
conocimiento” en los niveles de adaptación socio-escolar de alumnos de 5° básico de la provincia
de Concepción, 2008. Tesis Universidad Católica de la Santísima Concepción. Retrieved from
http://www.researchgate.net/publication/256816459_impacto_del_proyecto_enlacesmineduc_form
ando_profesores_en_redes_de_gestores_de_conocimiento_en_los_niveles_de_adaptacin_socioescolar_
de_alumnos_de_5_bsico_de_la_provincia_de_concepcin/file/60b7d523ca4ac392c5.pdf.
Valdivia, R. and Nussbaum, M. Face-to-face collaborative learning in computer science classes.
International Journal of Engineering Education, 23(3), 434–440, 2007.
Viberg, O. and Grönlund, A. Cross-cultural analysis of users' attitudes toward the use
of mobile devices in second and foreign language learning in higher education: A case from
Sweden and China. Computers & Education, 69, 169-180, 2013.
Unesco. Activando el aprendizaje móvil. Iniciativas ilustrativas e implicaciones políticas, 2012.
Retrieved from http://unesdoc.unesco.org/images/0021/002160/216080s.pdf.
Wang, Y. S., Wu, M. C. and Wang, H. Y. Investigating the determinants and age and gender
differences in the acceptance of mobile learning. British Journal of Educational Technology,
(1), 92–118, 2009
Wen-Hsiung, W., Yen-Chun, W., Chun-Yu, Ch., Hao-Yun, K., Che-Hung, L. and Sih-Han, H.
Review of trends from mobile learning studies: A meta-analysis. Computers & Education, 59(2),
–827, 2012.
West, D. Mobile Learning: Transforming Education, Engaging Students, and Improving
Outcomes, 2013. Retrieved from
http://www.brookings.edu/~/media/research/files/papers/2013/09/17%20mobile%20learning%20e
ducation%20engaging%20students%20west/brookingsmobilelearning_final.pdf
