Familiar Devices for Interesting Language Learning

Technology and Language Learning Journal

By: Rida Sahridah

Last week I attended TLL meeting. As usual I learned and discussed amazing topics every week. This week TLL discussed about MALL and appropriate design for learning language. I thought that would be interesting topics to be discussed among us as generation of digital teacher candidates.

First is MALL or Mobile Assisted Language learning is one of type language learning but more simple. Mobile is simpler. Mobile means portable. Portable means we can carry it anytime, anyplace and anywhere. I thought it is very great. Language learning is mobile now twenty four hours without think about limitation of place and time.

Mobile assisted language learning equipments or gadgets are cell phones, PDAs/ handheld computers, iPods, MP3 players and digital voice recorders. We are already really familiar for these kinds of gadget. However, these devices can relate to language learning process. How can it be?

Cell phone is most frequent seem to employed text messaging for vocabulary learning, text messaging for conclusion of material, quizzes and surveys and also browsing by internet access. Teacher will provides the usage of cell phone to student or do this among students, peers. The advantages are cell phones can uses anytime and anywhere and quickly process.

Handheld computer or PDA is portable computer, the earlier or newer device is iPad. What personal computer or PC can do also handheld can do the same. For examples are existed of speaker, keyboard monitor, internet access and software available. Usage of handheld computer is more practice, simpler, faster, easier and more interesting.

MP3 players are not only music player now but also include some utility. The earlier devices are MP4 and iPod. What can MP3 player do for language learning process? Digital audio files can also relate to iPod and MP4. Student can download audio files from podcast or other sources and records their voice. Student can downloads news, conversations, storytelling and anything else. They also can records their voice by using MP3 player. They can edits or revises it in computer by using audacity, audio editor then save in their MP3 player or MP4 player or upload into web. The strength of this devise are student can listen audio files anywhere and anytime, student can develope their creativity in creating audio files and audio files uploaded can be accessed easily and also audio files save securely.

The last topic is appropriate design for learning language. The general rules for appropriate design of learning language are simple, understandable, legible, interactive and full of beneficial contents. One kind of interactive web is www.glogster.com. I think it is like blog but more sophisticated, interactive and interesting. We can also select glogster edu for teacher.

I hope I can apply all topics in my classroom later. TLL always be interesting meeting ever. Hopefully, next meeting will be more amazing.

Rida Sahridah 2010120029

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