TASK 2 : ARTICLE REVIEW
Section A : Citation
a) Mobile technologies for (English) language learning: An Exploration in the Context of Bangladesh
b) IADIS International Conference: Mobile Learning 2010, 19 – 21 March 2010, Porto, Portugal.
c) Authurs’ background
I. Tom Power
RITES, the Open University Milton Keynes, UK
II. Prithvi Shrestha
Languages & Literacies Research Group, the Open University Milton Keynes, UK
Section B : Summary
The concept of the article, Mobile technologies for (English) language learning: An Exploration in the Context of Bangladesh is to examine the changing landscape of English language teaching (ELT) methodolgies. Then, the researchers explored ways on how information and communication technologies have influenced the learning of English language. Then, the researchers consider how mobile technologies may be used in ELTand enhance ELT practices in Bangladesh due to widespread of using mobile phone in Bangladesh. The focus of this study is Bangladesh.
Effective Language Learning And Teaching
The researchers mentioned that language learning and teaching methodology has undergone various changes over the last four decades in search of effective methods. The first is, moving from a traditional grammar-translation method to more student-centred methods such as Total Physical Response. The second is Communicative Language Teaching (CLT). The third is Task-Based Learning (TBL) which are more popular among language teachers. According to the researchers, CLT has found a fertile ground in the ELT world. they notice that in most developing countries there have been initiatives at the government levels to introduce this methodology into the English language curriculum in schools. As cited in that article, the fundamental principle underlying CLT is that we learn to communicate by communicating (Widdowson 1978).
In a language learning context, teacher and learners are participants and they work together to achieve the goal of language learning, using a variety of conceptual, linguistic and physical tools. The physical tools might typically include a chalkboard, textbooks, exercise books, pens and pencils and other school materials.
Technologies And Language Learning
As cited in the article, technology and learning (Milton, 2002) was relatively unimpressed with the language learning outcomes of language laboratories that “…proved to be a useful tool, but only one tool, in the hands of a good teacher, and a huge waste of time and money in the hands of a bad teacher. There really is no evidence to suggest the use of language laboratories improved the efficiency of language learning overall”. According to the researchers, literatures show that media players are now being acknowledged as potential ‘m-learning’ tools and it has been suggested that language learning is one of the disciplines particularly likely to benefit from widespread ownership of mobile devices such as phones and media players (Kukulska-Hulme, 2006). As cited in the article, Rosell-Aguilar (2007) has begun to develop a theoretically informed pedagogy of podcasting, within a broadly social constructivist frame and he suggests that podcasts have a number of advantages for language learning. The affordances of recorded audio to support language learning are being extended by digital audio, such as podcasts. It can be further enhanced, by adding images, movies, text or hyperlinks. This can extanded the posibility of using technology in ESL.
Landscapes Of Bangladesh
English Language Teaching
Nowadays, English has gradually gained ascendency as a global language, it has come back as an economically valuable language in Bangladesh. It has become a compulsory subject in schools throughout Bangladesh. However, the level of competence among students and their teachers is still low. This situation can only be changed through a positive impact of teacher education on both teachers and their students which will give positive effects on the society and the national economy. To be effective, teacher education must succeed in changing the nature of the language learning activity in the classroom.
Information And Communications Technologies
Information and Communications Technology (ICT) is widely used in language learning and teaching,
both in the West and in developing countries. In this case, Bangladesh is considered a developing country. Research shows that there is an inter-relationship between English language literacies, ICT literacies, and opportunities for participation in an increasingly globalised society and economy. The use of mobile technologies has some significant advantages over traditional desktop computers. As cited in the article, mobile technologies have less dependence on the infrastructure of the learning site: they can be charged by solar power or light-weight generators (Mahmud, 2006 p2), Furthermore, the penetration of the mobile phone in Banfladesh has been far more pervasive, rising from below 1 million adults in 2001, to 36 million at the beginning of 2008. This shows that Bangladesh people, have mobile technology access.
English In Action
English in Action is an $85M, 9-year project to help 25 million people in Bangladesh improve their ability to use English language for social and economic purposes, requested by the government of Bangladesh, and funded by DfID. EiA is an innovative project which will employ mobile technologies such as media players, smartphones and laptops as tools to support and bring about change in CLT classroom practices.
A teacher’s professional journey
Teachers that involve in the project often work in the most challenging situations, with large class sizes, grade repetition, extremely limited teaching resources, poor infrastructure and high exposure to seasonal or environmental strains. Teachers themselves often experience an isolation that is physical, social, intellectual and professional, with few opportunities for professional support, development or networks.
CONCLUSION
The researchers conclude that language teaching and learning is in transition from teacher-centred approaches towards more student-centred ones, such as Communicative Language Teaching. In sdeveloping country, the penetration of mobile technology is higher than non mobile technologies such as television.
