Design and Development of mobile language learning applications in blended environment

Abstract

Abstract In the present growing field of educational applications, mobile learning has been found to be one of the major developing areas through the new learning experience provided along with mobile technologies. The advancement of mobile technology has paved way for new learning experience through mobile learning opportunities. A typical mobile application can be developed using the software development life cycle. Beyond that the present available instructional design methodologies can be used when developing mobile based learning materials. But when considering the available models to develop m-learning materials using the existing e-learning course is questionable. Through this study, authors present a set of design guidelines which could be used to create m-learning artefacts based on an existing e-learning curriculum. The main motivation of this study was driven through the lack of English proficiency in young adults and increasing mobile penetration in the society which was seen as an opportunity. The subject area selected in this research is English due to the present challenges in teaching and learning English language learning within the context of young leaners in Sri Lanka. Following research questions were drawn and addressed throughout this study. RQ1: What are the factors to be considered while designing mobile learning application on top of an existing e-learning curriculum? RQ2: How effective is mobile learning in the context of promoting English language learning as a supporting and a primary medium of learning? This research was carried out as a Design Based research (DBR), since DBR has been proved as an appropriate research method in exploring possibilities for creating novel learning and teaching environments. Adhering DBR, the first stage of this study was to carry out a contextual analysis and investigate the current state of m-learning in Sri Lanka. Thereafter, an artefact named ‘Mobile4E’ was created and evaluated with various user groups using case study approach including experts and actual users. The findings of each case studies were then compared to initial set of design considerations in order to refine the initial design guidelines and draw the conclusions of this study. One of the main conclusions of this study was that m-learning could be much effective when carried out as a supporting medium of learning along with other teaching and learning methods. The study also emphasizes on the importance of designing learning materials in a way to keep the learners motivated. Further, creating an m-learning application consists of number of stages and vi design considerations which needs to be taken into account. Careful designing needs to be undertaken based on technological, pedagogical and human centred foundations, and the content needs to be re-designed in a way that enhances learning. The design guidelines derived through this study could be used for designing any m-learning artefact which is based on an existing e-learning curriculum Keywords: m-learning, designing m-learning, mobile assisted language learning, design guidelines, effectiveness, English language learning