BBC Learning English launches on Nokia's Mobiledu.cn in China
UK pubcaster the BBC has announced that its service BBC Learning English has launched on Mobiledu.cn, Nokia's new mobile English Language Teaching (ELT) platform in China. Hundreds of millions of English-learners in China will now be able to use their mobile phones to take authentic and modern English learning courses provided by the BBC, including Take Away English, Real English and Quizzes. Mobiledu.cn is a new learning application software specifically developed by Nokia for mobile devices. Nokia director of Mobiledu.cn, Peter Zhang, said: "As a new interactive learning tool, Mobiledu.cn makes learning possible anywhere and any time, and that is why it has been very popular in the market. (Retrieved from: Indian Television, http:/ /www.indiantelevision.com/headlines/ y2k7/oct/oct3.php, 1 October 2007).
Mobile Assisted Language Learning (MALL)
By 2010 half of the planet's population will have access to the Internet through a mobile device. - Informa Telecoms & Media, 2007
Mobile Phone
Synonyms: mobile, cell phone, cellular phone, hand phone, wireless.
Essential features of mobile phones: (1) voice function /telephone; (2) Internet access, e-mail; (3) SMS text messaging; (4) camera; (5) video recorder.
Nokia is the world's largest manufacturer of mobile phones, with a global device market share of approximately 40% in 2008. – Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia.
What is MALL?
Mobile Assisted Language Learning (MALL) is a merging language teaching methodology which can effectively integrate listening, reading and speaking activities. It can also develop academic study, critical thinking and research skills. MALL is ideal for travelers and for those who want to have fun by learning English. Mobile phone is superior to a computer in portability – a very much valued feature by most young English language learners.
Communicative Mobile English Learning
Professionally developed materials can be delivered through mobile phones to improve English language learners' vocabulary acquisition and critical thinking skills. Students can read the definitions of words, sentences, improve pronunciation skills, and develop their thinking skills through quizzes. Useful MALL software as well as references are available online.
English Teaching and Research Resources, Ideas, Careers, Tips and Advice