Mobile Assisted Language Learning in a Developing Country Context

Abstract

Mobile learning has significant potential to be very influential in developing countries. Because of its ubiquitous nature and comparatively low cost, the mobile phone system appears to be the most practical way of delivering m-learning for the foreseeable future. Mobile learning with its any time/place/pace learning will conveniently accommodate different modes of language learning for different groups of learners. In this study, three different educational environments have been utilised for Iranian language learners. Government employees received continuous refreshment of their language skills in a non-formal mode using a combination of mobile web and short messaging. Two mobile games have been designed, which served as a platform for exercises, assignments and self-study in combination with schools and higher education. These games have shown that they can motivate the learners using an informal setting. Learners develop their knowledge whilst they perform in a pleasant virtual world in order to achieve the goals proposed. The paper concludes that using m-learning within the informal framework of learning provides a ubiquitous tool that can powerfully help adult learners and students in Iran during their continuous lifelong learning.