Triumphs and frustrations of self-motivated language learners using mobile devices

Full text available as:

PDF (Version of Record) - Repository staff only - Requires a PDF viewer such as GSview, Xpdf or Adobe Acrobat Reader Download (59Kb) | Request Copy from OU Author

Abstract

This conference abstract reports on a project which gathered empirical data on the role of mobile phones and other hand-held devices in supporting informal learning, specifically language learning among adults. Volunteer interviewees were learning Japanese, Spanish, French, German, Welsh, Russian, Euskera, Italian, Chinese, Indonesian and Irish at various levels of proficiency. Half were also enrolled in a formal course. The broad aim of our work is to uncover emergent practices of self-directed learners. By interviewing these learners, we seek to understand how the practice of mobile learning is beginning to change language learning. The research focused on personal motivations for using a mobile device; the extent to which the device ‘opens up’ learning; and constraints on use and progress. While focusing on languages, the research also has implications for other professional fields and disciplines where increasing mobile device use is beginning to have an impact.