MOBILE LEARNING VIA MOBILE PHONES IN MALAYSIAN SECONDARY SCHOOLS: SEVEN SIGNS OF PROMISES

Abstract

This study established the opportunities in implementing mobile learning via mobile phones to support English Language learning in Malaysian secondary schools. The findings were gathered from English subject leaders, ICT subject leaders, head teachers and deputy head teachers from 4 schools in the United Kingdom. In addition, the study also gathered the perspectives from English subject leaders, ICT subject leaders, head teachers, deputy head teachers from 9 schools in Malaysia and the officers in the Ministry of Education Malaysia. The study applies educational research and development (ER&D) evaluation methodology by Borg and Gall (1979) with interview as the research tool. It has been established that there are 7 signs of promises to implement mobile learning via mobile phones in Malaysian secondary schools. These are based on the following key points: (1) mobile phones as a viable teaching and learning tool to support English subject, (2) mobile phones as an affordable tool, (3) mobile phones as a common device among students, (4) mobile phones as a tool to be used in mainstream education in the future, (5) mobile phone as an engaging and motivational tool, (6) mobile phones as a tool to support various learning activities and (7) mobile phone as a tool to prepare students for their future. This study contributes towards the body of knowledge of mobile learning in Malaysia as a developing country where mobile learning is still in its infancy. It adds value in understanding the situation of mobile learning in Malaysia, which could be replicated to other developing countries in embracing the potential of mobile learning in mainstream education.