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Demouy, Valérie; Eardley, Annie; Kukulska-Hulme, Agnes and Thomas, Rhodri
(2009).
Abstract
This is the abstract and the powerpoint presentation used for the L120 Mobile Project presentation at the conference on Mobile Learning and autonomy in second language acquisition (MLASLA) held at the University of Castilla-La Macha, Toledo, Spain (September 2009)
Abstract:
The Department of Languages at the Open University has always been keen to explore the use of new technologies to deliver its language courses more effectively and dynamically. As mobile learning is playing an increasingly significant role in distance learning and e-learning, we are investigating the benefits it can provide to our language students. It is in this context that the L120 Mobile Project took place.
The project ran between May and July 2009 and focused on exploring the use of mobile devices in relation to listening and speaking skills. It involved students from L120 Ouverture, our French Intermediate course. One group of participants downloaded audio resources from the course website on their MP3 players or iPods and was asked to use their device to listen to audio clips. The second group tried out speaking activities via their mobile phones. In both cases, the audio resources or the activities the participants worked on were taken or adapted from L120 course materials and therefore integrated into the content of the course at that given point. Both groups were asked to report via weekly short online questionnaires that included questions on functionality, context, frequency of use, the types of activities preferred.
We wanted to know what learners thought of using mobile devices to practise listening and speaking skills, whether we should provide interactive listening and speaking activities to suit mobile devices and more generally how to integrate mobile technologies in our courses. We will present the project and report on our initial findings.