IJ-ELTS: International Journal of English Language & Translation Studies Vol: 1, Issue: 2
MALL: A Paradise for English Language Learners
Yedla, Suneetha
MALL (Mobile Assisted Language Learning): A Paradise for English
Language Learners
Dr. Suneetha Yedla
Acharya Nagarjuna University, India
Abstract
In the age of globalization the modern mobile related technologies facilitate in
changing the teaching-learning process rapidly at the University and Professional
College level to make the pedagogy more and more interactive. Global technologies
enhance the level of teaching to motivate students in providing information by means
of an interesting and innovative way of tasks. The appropriate use of mobile
technology in classroom makes easy teaching- learning process to gain information in
depth. Teachers are able to use technology by creating suitable environment for
teaching if they are trained. The present article deals with how to make an effective,
appropriate and interactive use of mobile-related technologies in University level and
Professional College level teaching system.
Keywords: Globalization, MALL, pedagogy, desktop machines, M-training
International Refereed & Indexed Journal of English Language & Translation Studies
ISSN: 2308-5460
July-September, 2013
www.eltsjournal.org
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IJ-ELTS: International Journal of English Language & Translation Studies Vol: 1, Issue: 2
MALL: A Paradise for English Language Learners
Yedla, Suneetha
1. Introduction
Quality education to everyone, everywhere by integrating technology into education
is a key goal of the education for all initiative of the 21st century. In the age of
globalization, the modern mobile technologies help in changing the teaching- learning
process rapidly at the college and university level. Design of new pedagogy with the
use of mobile technology is a new gate-way to create more interactive environment in
the classroom in an interesting and innovative way by making teaching more and
more effective. The main aim of the technology is advancing and enhancing the class
room teaching especially to enhance group teaching to self-learning. The experience
of independent learning may encourage the students to continue the learning process
on their own in English language communication skills for their future purpose.
Teachers have the prime duty to encourage the students to be resource providers and
train them to be self-learners and self-trainers in the education with technology. A
classroom
environment, in
which
interaction
and
interdependence
are
encouraged, promotes learning in the technology-mediated classroom. The explosion
of wireless technology has created a new dimension in education. Today, mobile
learning is gaining of popularity as a means of transmitting educational information
by means of handy technology devices such as mobile phones, ipods and PDAs as
they have more processing power and more attractive functional devices than more
commonly obtainable desktop machines a decade ago.
It’s the duty of the teachers to train the students in multitasked, multifaceted,
technology-driven, diverse, vibrant world in an inclusive manner. Students today are
connected to technology in many ways that we could never imagine. At this juncture
we try to take advantage of the students’ interest by introducing new pedagogy with
use of MALL (Mobile Assisted Language Learning). In this respect, this paper
explains how M-Learning, through easily accessible technology devices, can aid
inclusive, fast and interactive learning.
2. MALL (Mobile Assisted Language Learning)
2.1 Meaning and nature
Mobile Assisted Language Learning means learning with the aid of handheld
technology like mobile phones, portable laptops and any other similar portable
International Refereed & Indexed Journal of English Language & Translation Studies
ISSN: 2308-5460
July-September, 2013
www.eltsjournal.org
92
IJ-ELTS: International Journal of English Language & Translation Studies Vol: 1, Issue: 2
MALL: A Paradise for English Language Learners
Yedla, Suneetha
devices which are handy. In addition, mobile learning reduces inadequacy of learning
location with the mobility of general portable devices.
Figure: 1 MALL Device
Source: Google Images
M-Learning means “getting hold of any knowledge and skill through using mobile
technology everywhere at any time (in a classroom, in a cab, in a restroom………….)
which provides right to use to all the different learning materials on hand. Moreover,
it is two-way process; that means sharing is almost straight away to everybody by
means of the same content, which will show the way to receiving feedback at the
same moment. M-Learning also brings strong portability by substituting books and
notes with small modified learning materials. In addition, this learning methodology
is much easier by merging games for a more effective and entertaining knowledge
getting.
2.2 Salient Features of M-Learning
Technology is all-pervading, touching almost every part of our walk of life. Besides,
the requisite of the devices to access mobile network are relatively economically lowcost compare to desktop and laptop computers. Some of the salient features of Mobile
Assisted Language Learning are:

Inventiveness of knowledge acquaintance

Mobility of learning setting

Interactivity of the learning process

Integration of instructional content

Immediate and urgent need of learning
Keeping in view the above salient features one can definitely say that mobile learning
is convenient from anyplace, which provides access to all classroom activity materials
International Refereed & Indexed Journal of English Language & Translation Studies
ISSN: 2308-5460
July-September, 2013
www.eltsjournal.org
93
IJ-ELTS: International Journal of English Language & Translation Studies Vol: 1, Issue: 2
MALL: A Paradise for English Language Learners
Yedla, Suneetha
available. M-Learning also brings strong portability of substituting books and a note
with a mobile RAM packed with modified attractive learning contents.
2.3 RAM for 4Rs accessibility
2.3.1 Record: Learners may bring into play a moveable handy device to capture,
mound up, note, learn by heart or create information.
2.3.2 Reinterpret: Learner may make use of the portable device to discover or
enhance existing data so that it is transformed into new information.
2.3.3 Relate: Learners can share new information, recourses and can communicate
directly with other learners, e.g.: linking mobile devices through Bluetooth or sending
files from one to another through SMS or MMS.
2.3.4 Reprint: Learners can reprint this information and circulate as hand outs to the
persons who need it.
2.4 Classroom Interaction and MALL
A troubling gap remains between the promise and reality of technology – related
innovative instructional and learning practices in much of higher education. To
practice it in higher education there is a need of the hour to provide ICT equipped
classrooms. As Yedla (2013) suggests there is a need to transform conventional
classrooms into smart rooms. According to her,
“… World is changing at a fast speed. Reason behind is ICT which
provides fast access to reliable information any time, anywhere. ICT
enabled teaching learning process encompasses a variety of resources,
tools and technologies aimed at improving the quality and effectiveness of
the teaching-learning process. There are a variety of resources like
projects,
multimedia,
self-learning
modules
which
enhance
the
understanding of students. For this, the convectional classrooms have to be
transformed into Smart Classroom (PP.: 115- 117).
However, to achieve this, not only to put technological cart before the academic
horse but also a strong flip to push this around is required. We have to keep pace with
this new generation learners.
Figure: 2 M-learning in Classrooms
International Refereed & Indexed Journal of English Language & Translation Studies
ISSN: 2308-5460
July-September, 2013
www.eltsjournal.org
94
IJ-ELTS: International Journal of English Language & Translation Studies Vol: 1, Issue: 2
MALL: A Paradise for English Language Learners
Yedla, Suneetha
In the classroom, for the effective combination of different modes of delivery, modes
of teaching and styles of learning, the following ways can be used by the teacher:

Record the lecture and upload it as a podcast. As Facer and Abdous
(2011) point out, “Instructors and learners do not need to worry about
suffering from an insufficient hardware supply. Smartphone (Mobile)
devices, iPods (with voice recorders) and MP3 recorders are handy tools
for recording content for podcasts at any time (p. 74).
The learners can easily follow the uploaded podcast and share the link to the
mobiles of the other students to use while studying or for reference.
 Share number with the students and ask them to message any question while the
students are reviewing the lesson. Then teacher has the chance to answer the
salient features in the next class or direct the students as to where they can find the
answers. Additionally two or more questions on the same point will give valuable
feedback on which areas of the lecture were harder to follow.

Ask a new question related to the subject and let the students use their phones to
see how quickly they can find the answer. This will enable students to see how
well they have understood the context of the question, along with recognition of
important keywords of lecture.

Create short lists of salient points like important data, exam tips etc…, which can
be shared with students through messaging.

Allow students to take 5 minutes to study the context systematically by using 3G
webs in their mobiles. Before one puts forward the questions, teachers can ask
students to put away their phones and quizzing them. This pattern represents
International Refereed & Indexed Journal of English Language & Translation Studies
ISSN: 2308-5460
July-September, 2013
www.eltsjournal.org
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IJ-ELTS: International Journal of English Language & Translation Studies Vol: 1, Issue: 2
MALL: A Paradise for English Language Learners
Yedla, Suneetha
PPP (Presentation, Practice and Production) Approach specified by Yedla
(2012:53) to teach Specific Communication Skills in English for technocrats.

Build vocabulary by sending flashcards with a new word and its definition,
everyday.
All this can be done with student’s phones using mobile learning applications. Apart
from the commonly used SMS, MMS is the more recent mobile messaging
application which can deliver all types of information, such as text message, sound,
images and video message. This argument has been specified very aptly by
Zhang (2011) with the view that “with the exception of very short genres like SMS
and tweets, writing is a secondary activity on a mobile device, and especially mobile
phones. Short genres can certainly play a significant role in MALL, including
second – language MALL (P: 222).
By this we should make out that in the near future, the use of SMS and MMS will
potentially be increased in the education field as technology improves. An example
for M-learning tools for classroom applications available to procure for Universities
and Professional Colleges:
2.4 MALL Applications for Universities and Professional Colleges
2.4.1 SpeakingPal -is one of the mobile learning systems that bring speech
identification ability to the mobile phone, creating a new learning experience. The
chunks of the teaching material include an array of real-life conversations, interactive
exercises, role plays and verbal communication activities. These tasks make the
students highly interactive and entertaining.
Modern language learners need to develop very specific language skills and new
cultural knowledge in a very short time and in a variety of circumstances (Vera,
2012). To provide such variety of circumstances with M-learning tools in the
classroom instruction, teachers should acquire the knowledge and skills to use the
new challenges in promoting innovative teaching strategies which are studentcentered, collaborative, authentic and self-directed. Therefore the educational
institutions should undertake innovative M-training programs for teachers to update
their teaching competencies to facilitate the teaching process effectively.
2.4.2 M-training- M-Training makes the teachers to get acquisition of knowledge,
skills, and competencies to teach both the vocational or practical skills and
International Refereed & Indexed Journal of English Language & Translation Studies
ISSN: 2308-5460
July-September, 2013
www.eltsjournal.org
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IJ-ELTS: International Journal of English Language & Translation Studies Vol: 1, Issue: 2
MALL: A Paradise for English Language Learners
Yedla, Suneetha
knowledge that relates to specific purpose. It forms the core of apprenticeships and
provides the backbone to the technical content at professional or technical
colleges with techie classrooms. In addition to the basic training required for a trade,
occupation or profession, it is recognized today that there is a need to continue
training beyond initial qualifications to maintain, upgrade and update skills
throughout working life. In the context of many professions and occupations this may
be referred to as professional development.
2.5 Training for Trainer’s Sake
New learning environment has brought new challenges for teachers. At first glance
M-learning differs from tutoring only in terms of involvement of technology. But
teaching in MALL with online environment differs from classroom-based face-to face
teaching in many ways. The main objectives of M-tutors reflect these requirements
and they include topics, which help 
Provide M-tutors with pedagogical and didactic information necessary for
establishing deeper understanding of the nature and effects of M-learning.

Describe different possibilities of approaches to m-learning, to create
awareness of the various pedagogical paradigms underpinning certain online
course design approaches.

Practice various techniques that help to gain pedagogical competence
for
M-tutoring such as strategies for teaching with mobiles through
online activities, evaluating the activities etc.

Teachers learn to teach online by doing hands on activities.
2.6 Need for M-training
M-Learning has acquired good reputation among users by providing much needed
information, document delivery, electronic resources, and instrumentation in the use
of electronic resources. As users are increasingly utilizing these electronic resources
through website, the instruction team has recognized a growing need for web-based
instruction as well.
M-training instruction program also includes personal or group tutorials that are
offered to the users in their lab or office or in the library. M-training offers on and offsite training programmes for large or small groups. Seminars also include instructions
on M-training to some extend in searching educational databases such as web
International Refereed & Indexed Journal of English Language & Translation Studies
ISSN: 2308-5460
July-September, 2013
www.eltsjournal.org
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IJ-ELTS: International Journal of English Language & Translation Studies Vol: 1, Issue: 2
MALL: A Paradise for English Language Learners
Yedla, Suneetha
resources, using bibliographic management software such as reference manager and
special resources. A number of factors led us to implement to offer web-based
instruction in addition to seminars, tutorials and group presentations. Anyhow give
training to the trainers to professional course students is the need of the hour at
present scenario.
3. Conclusion
Mobile Assisted Language Learning is very much easier and faster to learn English.
The development of mobile wireless technologies has generated a considerable
amount of excitement among practitioners and academicians because it results in
shifting the academic environment from traditional setting to mobile learning settings.
Mobile wireless technologies are the new frontiers for teaching and learning in
institution of higher education. Many educational opportunities are made possible
because of M-technologies’ unique characteristics and positive impacts identified in
higher education especially in Universities and Professional colleges. MALL is an
approach to English language learning that is to enhance English through use of
mobile devices to create paradise of English language learners.
About the Author:
Dr. Suneetha Yedla got Doctor of Philosophy in English Language Teaching from
Acharya Nagarjuna University of Andhra Pradesh, India and is currently working as
an Assistant Professor in the Department of English, Acharya Nagarjuna
University College
of
Engineering
and
Technology,
India.
She
teaches
Professional English Communication Skills and Soft Skills to the technical students.
She has published widely in various international journals and presented papers in
national and international conferences. Her major areas of research interests are: ELT
and ICT, ESP, Literatures in English.
References
Bhatia, R. 2011. “Enhancing Teaching: Learning with
Technology”, University News, Vol.49, No.31, August 1-7, p. 13-15.
Facer, Betty Rose & Abdous M. (ed.) 2011. Academic Podcasting and Mobile
Assisted Language Learning Applications and Outcomes, Hershey, IGI Global
Publishers.
Jaiswal, D. 2010. M-Learning: A New Paradigm in Education, University News,
Vol.48, No.42, October 18-24, p.38.
International Refereed & Indexed Journal of English Language & Translation Studies
ISSN: 2308-5460
July-September, 2013
www.eltsjournal.org
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IJ-ELTS: International Journal of English Language & Translation Studies Vol: 1, Issue: 2
MALL: A Paradise for English Language Learners
Yedla, Suneetha
Vera, Javier E. Diaz, 2012. Left to my Own Devices: Learner Autonomy and MobileAssisted Language Learning, Emerald Group Publishing, Bingley.
Yedla, Suneetha, 2013. “Classroom to Smart Room: Need of the Hour for English
for Engineering” Contemporary Research in India: An International Peer
Reviewed Journal, Vol.3, Issue 1, Pg: 115-117. ISSN: 2231-2137
Yedla, Suneetha, 2012. “Teaching Techniques in ESP for Technocrats”, Thematics
Journal of English Language Teaching: An International Peer Reviewed
Journal, Vol.2, Issue 1, Pg.No.50-54, ISSN 2231-4873.
Zhang, Felicia (ed.) 2011. Computer- Enhanced and Mobile- Assisted Language
Learning: Emerging Issues and Trends, Hershey, IGI Global Publishers.
Web Resources:
https://www.googleimages.co.in
International Refereed & Indexed Journal of English Language & Translation Studies
ISSN: 2308-5460
July-September, 2013
www.eltsjournal.org
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