Smart Language Learning through Smartphones
Smart Language Learning through Smartphones

Summary/Abstract: This paper investigates the use of smartphones as a powerful language learning tool. Making a study of ESL (English as a Second Language) learning at the level of higher education in India, it designs a technologically stimulated learning environment in the universities, based on the telecommunication facilities available in smartphones. By using various features of a phone, like Notes, Text-messaging, Camera, Voice-Memo recorder, Memory, Games and the Internet, language learning can be done quite effectively. Considering the large number of smartphone users, and mobile network infrastructure in the country, the study proposes a second language learning method, by making smartphones as an educational device which can help the user interface and learning strategy adaptable to the learners as well as to the teachers. The proposed method of mobile learning can be implemented at the higher education level depending on the academic arrangement and organizational management by the institution. Enabling mobility and facilitating a greater flexibility in time and space, such e-learning would lead to a path of ‘global village’ (Laurillard 2002, Evans and Nation 2000, Inglis et al. 2002). The study envisages that across cultures and across languages, smartphones could be used as a powerful educational tool for language learning.

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