Help your learners practise English anywhere, anytime!

 Hello everyone! Today I am talking about mobile applications that can be used for English language teaching and learning. The 20st century learners are digital natives. They can easily access mobile devices and apps. Therefore, it is a good idea to think about how we can take advantage of these devices and apps to help our students enhance their English language learning. Mobile learning (learning using handheld devices) can take place in the classroom or outside the classroom, and it can promote learners' autonomy and collaboration. For example, in the classroom, learners can use mobile devices to work individually on a writing task, which can be later shared onto a common platform for classmates to give feedback. Outside the classroom, learners can continue a classroom task on their own pace individually or collaboratively. Besides, learners can take initiatives to use  mobile devices and apps  to practise the language in a self-directed approach.

My today's interest is the British Council's LearnEnglish apps. The Brithish Council provides you with fun and interesting mobile apps that can help your learners enjoy English learning experience. Let me discuss two of these apps.

1. LearnEnglish Grammar

           

~Image from LearnEnglish Grammar app~

As you can see in the above image, the app gives learners an option to practise English Grammar. There is a wide range of activities they can choose from depending on their level of English, from biginner to advanced level. They can also take a test to monitor their progress.

What is interesting is that most of the activities are interactive and are presented in varied modes (text, audio, video, image) to make learning more exciting.

Please, note that the app does not go into details to explain Grammar rules. However, this is not a big problem because you can access the details on the British Council website by following this link.

2. LeanEnglish videos

                                ~Image from https://learnenglish.britishcouncil.org/apps/learnenglish-videos~

This is another mobile app from the British Council which can help learners practise English, especially the listening skill. The app is equipped with videos on various topics, which are uploaded regularly. It also displays a script which you can read as you listen to the video. However, learners also have an option to challenge themselves by listening and watching the videos without reading the script. What is more, you can download the videos and watch them offline, so this can help in case of limited bandwith.

It is interesting that learners are provided with some questions to answer after watching the videos to check their progress.

One thing I did not like with these two apps is that their free versions contain ads that pop up as you are using the apps. This may cause discomfort to the users.

If you would like to explore more British Council English learning apps, visit  https://learnenglish.britishcouncil.org/apps 

In general, mobile learning is advantageous because it allows learning to take place anywhere, anytime. It also exposes learners to a variety of content, and arouses learners' motivation by providing them with interactive game-like activities. However, the use of mobile devices require careful guidance, especially with young learners because they may distract them. Again, in some contexts, mobile devices are prohibited in primary and secondary schools. This makes it difficult for learners to benefit from these new technologies.

I hope you enjoy to read my post. Please, leave a comment to let me know what you think about the British Council apps and mobile learning in general.