The Role of Mall for Building the Next Generation of E-Learning

Proceedings of The 4th International Conference on Applied Research in Education

Year: 2022

DOI: https://www.doi.org/10.33422/4th.areconf.2022.05.09

[Fulltext]

The Role of Mall for Building the Next Generation of E-Learning

Martha Isabel Díaz Ramírez, Yomaira Angélica Herreño Contreras

ABSTRACT: 

This presentation sheds light on the preliminary insights concerning Mobile-Assisted Language Learning (MALL) among a group of professors at a Colombian private university.  It accounts for a series of strategies implemented to foster learning English among teachers: MOOCS, workshops, and a training course on mobile learning,  the needs analysis conducted in order to design a pedagogical proposal intended to respond to the university foreign language policy and standards of communicative competence for its staff, and also displays the initial analysis of data derived from a survey conducted as a strategy to gather information about teachers’ perceptions of learning English as a Foreign Language (EFL) and their acquaintance with mobile learning as a pedagogical strategy to foster EFL and autonomy. Action research has been the methodology applied during this first phase: a. Planning: researchers identified the lack of technological competence and low level of proficiency of participants.   b. Acting: perceptions surveys have been applied.  c. Observing: participants have identified the advantages of using digital devices to build their autonomy and facilitate learning and teaching. The preliminary results state that all participants are aware of using digital devices not only for learning a foreign language, but also for a personal and academic growth and pedagogical need to communicate effectively in their communities.

keywords: Communicative competence, Digital devices, English as a Foreign Language; Mobile Assisted Language Learning; teacher education.