Mobile Learning Constraints considering Ballance (2012) Comments: An Annotated Bibliography

Stockwell, G. (2012). Working with constraints in mobile learning: a response to Ballance.

Language Learning and Technology, 16 (3), 24-31. Retrieved October 2012, from http://llt.msu.edu/issues/october2012/stockwell.pdf

Argued that Ballance (2012) remarks fail “ to consider the ways in which learners engaged in the activities and their views towards mobile learning in general” (p.24). Summarised and replied to Ballance claims and misconceptions as regards vocabulary activities and obsolete finding related to smart phones. Explained teachers should adapt to technological changes without disregarding pedagogical approaches and students’ needs.

References

Stockwell, G. (2012). Working with constraints in mobile learning: a response to Ballance. Language Learning and Technology, 16 (3), 24-31. Retrieved October 2012, from http://llt.msu.edu/issues/october2012/stockwell.pdf

Ballance, O.J. (2012). Mobile language learning: more than just “the platform”. Language Learning and Technology, 16(3),21-23. Retrieved October 2012, from

 http://llt.msu.edu/issues/october2012/ballance.pdf

Mobile Language Learning Platform and its Obsolete Effects Outline

Purpose: To provide a general overview of Stockwell’s (as cited in Ballance, 2012) article about the obsolete effects of using mobile phones for vocabulary activities.

Thesis: The data shows that Stockwell’s findings are limited in various terms.

Audience:  Teachers , Researchers, Students.

I. Electronic platforms

            A. Computer assisted language learning (CALL)

                        1. Development

            B. Mobile assisted language learning (MALL)

                        1. Obsolet effects

                                   a. technology and devices

                                   b. computer and mobile phones software platforms

                                   c. potential of the activities used

                                   d. environment  

II. Conclusion

 References

Ballance, O.J. (2012). Mobile language learning: more than just “the platform”. Language Learning and Technology, 16(3),21-23. Retrieved October 2012, from

 http://llt.msu.edu/issues/october2012/ballance.pdf   

Stockwell, G. (2012). Working with constraints in mobile learning: a response to Ballance. Language Learning and Technology, 16 (3), 24-31. Retrieved October 2012, from http://llt.msu.edu/issues/october2012/stockwell.pdf

Developing Academic Literary Skills through On Line Research Projects Academic Summary

 “Writing for the World: Wikipedia as an Introduction to Academic Writing” (Tardy, 2010) is an article on the use of a free encyclopaedia to facilitate an understanding of academic writing rules. Writing academic texts involves facing various challenges as not only do the learners have to acquire the ability to use the community specific jargon, but also the particular genre. Therefore, Tardy (2010) notes that using a well-known website, at school, would encourage the students to begin utilizing academic literacy skills.

Tardy (2010) defines the term wiki as “a collaborative web-based spaced that can be modified by any users” (p.13) thus, enabling the students to publish their tasks. When dealing with the assignment, the learners can choose topics related to their interests while getting to know the format and characteristics of the site. Then, the students have the opportunity of following certain stages which are similar to those of academic writing. For instance, the learners have to do research, outline and paraphrase the projects, organize their writing, revise citations and references and finally, check word choice and spelling.

All things considered, it could be claimed that Wikipedia can be seen as an empowering tool to lead the students into the academic field. This web site allows for a progressive learning of the academic skills in a collaborative way.  Finally, Tardy (2010) points out that carrying out this assignment is a rewarding activity on the grounds that the students have the possibility of sharing their reports in a virtual community.

References

Tardy, C. M. (2010). Writing for the world: Wikipedia as an introduction to academic

 writing. English Teaching Forum, 1, 12-27. Retrieved from http://exchanges.state.gov/englishteaching/forum/archives/docs/10-48-1-c.pdf