Mobile devices and apps for developing language skills (on the example of the English language)

Abstract

This article presents a set of practical tasks aimed at developing 4 basic language skills: reading, listening, writing and speaking. The purpose of the study is to identify effective tasks that can be performed with the help of mobile devices and mobile Internet. Mobile devices are widely used and it can be explained by their convenience (they are always at hand and people make use of them at any time and in any place they like). We examined different types of mobile tasks and presented some of them that appeared to be the most exciting for learners. We also analyzed different mobile learning platforms that were initially designed for educational purposes and others that were created for professional purposes but can be effectively implemented into the educational process. These mobile activities are regarded as an additional source that should be implemented together with traditional methods for learners’ in and outside the classroom educational process. The experimental learning was carried out with full-time learning form within the program of Additional Vocational Education. This article also presents the results of the research and the conclusions that were made on the basis of the conducted survey after the experimental learning. The obtained results show that mobile technologies can help learners improve and maintain the level of their language proficiency and sustain their motivation. Therefore the present mobile technologies can be successfully applied by teachers and learners.