Scinicariello Sharon & Bendis Jared
Case Western Reserve University, USA
Show & Tell @ Eurocall 2002 conference held August 14-17 in Jyväskylä Finland
Mobile language learning, small-format language learning: reality and possibilities
Cellular phones, handheld computers, and wireless networking are building a world of pervasive, ubiquitous computing. It is a world that challenges the current model of CALL and WELL, which typically depends upon powerful computers delivering interactive multimedia content. But this new world also creates opportunities to immerse language learners in culturally authentic materials and activities outside the classroom.
This presentation begins with a review of current reality. What are the devices and protocols used for mobile and handheld computing? What are the specific capabilities of each? After brief answers to these questions, the presenters look at how wireless networking and handheld devices are currently being used for language learning, focusing on work being done with messaging and file exchange. They also show how mobile computing is being used in other disciplines. This section concludes with an example of how current handheld computers can be incorporated into a language curriculum.
The presentation then considers future possibilities. If interactive, multimedia content is important for technology-based language learning, how can it be delivered in the small format offered by mobile, handheld devices? After a short demonstration of some possible answers, participants will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of mobile and small-format computing for CALL and WELL. The presentation concludes with a discussion of the technical and pedagogical challenges that both these devicees and the concept of pervasive, ubiquitous computing present for language learners, teachers, software designers, and curriculum planners.
French Language Demonstrations Units
Instructions:
To view these units you must have the Flash player installed on your system.
The Flash player for PocketPC can be obtained from Adobe at: http://www.adobe.com/products/flashplayer_pocketpc/downloads/player.html.
Download (right click and Save Target) the .SWF and .HTML to your desktop or handheld. Note that it is a different .HTML file for a desktop or handheld. Then open the saved .HTML file in your web browser.
Some tips for PocketPC users:
- To open the file you need to open the File Explorer and double click on the .HTML file to launch Internet Explorer
- You will get the best performance in Internet Explorer by going to the View tab and checking the option for Fit to Screen and unchecking the option for the Address Bar
- Depending on your powersaver settings your PocketPC may dim or fall asleep while viewing the video, to correct this you might change your powers options at Settings > System > Power
- Close other programs you might be running by using a task manager or by going to the Settings > System > Memory > Running Programs > and Stopping the ones you don't want running
Some tips for desktop users:
- These applications were deisgnes for a PocketPC so they will be small (but viewable on a desktop).
Weather Unit:
Medieval Architecture Unit:
Economics Unit:
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