Use of Mobile Technology in Teaching in Low Resource Settings

Rowan E WagnerEurospeak

Korkit-Ata Kyzylorda State University

Challenges of Low Resource Settings • Often in low resource learning

settings, there are limited spaces with technology and power to provide a range of learning activities that appeal to different learning styles (audio, visual, and kinesthetic) and also appeals to modern learners.

Challenges in Low Resource ESL Settings

• Overfilled classes where tech/power is available • Mixed level classes• Limited opportunity to provide a range of audio that allows learners

to train their listening skills to understand a range of accents and English speaking styles• Limited opportunity to provide video content that could stimulate

interest and understanding of different contexts outside the the learner’s own

Underutilized Spaces• The lack of adequate

technology/power often leads to over use of rooms that have technology and/or power resources that allow for use of audio players and mobile projectors, leaving many rooms that lack these resources underutilized.

Creating Mobile Content - visual• By creating content that students can

download or share in a standard platform can address several low resource setting issues:

• - the need for expensive textbooks and other materials

• -reduce plagiarism and copy right infringement

• - allows the content to be designed with cultural and contextual considerations

• - allows the student to re-read for better digestions of concepts and content

Creating Mobile Content - audio• Allows students to easily access and

share important content with out infringing on copy right • Provides the student opportunity to

listen several times for better concept and content digestion and understanding in settings that might not be conducive to reading, e.g. traveling by car, bus or train• May provide a means for the students to

engage in project/process learning through the development of their own audio content

Mobile Content in the Classroom• The results of providing mobile

content in pdf and mp3 form is that the content can also be used in classrooms with no tech/power but adequate lighting• This gives the teacher more

flexibility to introduce a range of activities such as pair work, audio exercises and even individual tests that are linked to a student’s academic/skills play list

Mobile Content in the Classroom• Lastly, this could allow for the

introduction of more blended learning situations such as a flipped classroom where concepts are provided via links and downloaded and reviewed outside the class and applied during the class time, or even a modified station rotation with the students using their own devices.