A beginner's guide to mobile learning in ELT

(A) A beginner's guide to mobile learning in ELT

With Amy Lightfoot

(B) Re-defining access to language learning: using handheld and Mobile Learning

With Michael Carrier

A beginner's guide to mobile learning, with Amy Lightfoot

In this practical seminar we will explore the current opportunities for learning English using mobile phones both in and out of the classroom. We will debate the pros and cons of this medium and look at a variety of content that is currently available. I will share my experiences of creating some of this content, and discuss the early outcomes of these projects. We will also consider the educational implications of widespread mobile phone availability, particularly in developing countries. 

Re-defining access to language learning: using handheld and Mobile Learning, with Michael Carrier

Handheld and Mobile Learning technology extends the range of the teacher by extending learning beyond the physical lesson in the physical classroom. 

Learners can extend their learning by gaining access to learning resources at home and on the move, reinforcing teacher-led lessons and achieving learning objectives more effectively.

This talk shows how we can use mobile technology to support language learning and shares our experience in developing applications for phones and handheld devices - including classroom tablets from OLPC and Intel. 

It outlines the technology and the research available and some of the experiments in the pedagogical application of this groundbreaking technology to language learning - as well as our future plans for the pedagogy of mobile education.

Amy Lightfoot is a freelance ELT materials writer, teacher and teacher trainer, based in the UK. Her regular clients include the British Council and the BBC. She has recently been involved in several large-scale multi-platform materials writing projects, including writing content for mobile learning.

Michael Carrier is Director of English Language Development at the British Council, based in London. He has been involved in ELT for over 30 years as a teacher, trainer, author, school director and network director. His special field of interest is in e-learning and the application of technology to language teaching, and he is the Editor of the Technology section of the Modern English Teacher (MET) journal. He also sits on the Board of the EAQUALS, English Language Teaching Journal (ELTJ from OUP) and CUP's Language Teaching journal.

Who is this for?

This seminar is aimed at anyone who is interested in the concept of mobile learning in ELT, but who has not yet been able to explore it in detail. All EFL/ESOL teachers (newly qualified to experienced).

Please note that there is no charge for attending British Council seminars, but places are limited.

For further information please contact bcseminars1@britishcouncil.org