Using Mobile Devices to Improve Educational Outcomes: An Analysis in Primary Education

Fang-Chun Ou

Abstract


Significant challenges to the delivery of quality education remain as Taiwan has carried on its educational reform. In the attempt to find solutions to these challenges, much hope has been placed in new information and communication technologies (ICTs), mobile-assisted-language-learning (MALL) being one example. Although possessing wireless learning environment, schools have difficulties in carrying out mobile learning if they do not have the appropriate courseware.

This article examines the extent to which the role of mobile devices facilitates M-learning in contributing to improved educational outcomes of Taiwan. The purposes of this study are: 1) developing the appropriate mobile learning application (App) for language learners, (2) designing the mobile learning curriculum model, and (3) evaluating the effectiveness of mobile learning. Analysis of the study indicates that there is important evidence of mobile application facilitating EFL (English as a Foreign Language) learning. The results also indicate that students are motivated to use the application in their spare time and that this benefits their learning.

Mobile technologies offer the opportunity to embed learning in a natural environment. As for the future investigation, more technical breakthroughs in curriculum and instruction need to be put into consideration, in order to gain an overall picture of the optimal outcomes of English teaching.


Keywords


Mobile devices, mobile learning, educational outcomes, application (App), EFL (English as a Foreign Language), information and communication technologies (ICTs)

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References


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