English language learning through mobile technology in Malaysian schools: an implementation strategy

Abstract

Realising the potential of mobile technologies in education, this study aims to produce an implementation strategy of mobile learning in Malaysian secondary schools. To properly implement it, the following issues are addressed; to define where mobile technology fits in the curriculum and pedagogy, to define the theoretical and practical issues in the planning and management of mobile technology at schools, to define the function of stakeholders and the impacts on them in the implementation of mobile technology and to determine whether the implementation of mobile learning will complement with the existing policy at schools.

A suggestion has been made to introduce English vocabulary learning through mobile phones. English Language subject leaders will be consulted in evaluating the suggested mobile lesson to ensure that it is pedagogically sound and appropriate to be applied in the curriculum. Head teachers and ICT subject leaders will be consulted in evaluating the relevance of the suggested policy and procedure to be used in Malaysian schools. Several themes that need to be addressed in the policy and procedures are the implementation model, acceptable use policy, management and maintenance, specific roles for supporting mobile learning and support for major stakeholders. Policy makers from the Ministry of Education, Malaysia will be consulted in evaluating and validating the whole implementation strategy so that it will complement with the existing policy in Malaysian schools.

Preliminary field tests have been conducted in secondary schools in the United Kingdom. The next step in our research is to conduct main field tests and operational field tests in Malaysia. It is hoped that the dissemination of this research idea will bring in valuable perspectives and a fuller understanding of the issues associated with the implementation of new technologies for teaching and learning in our schools

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ORCID for Dr William Woollard: orcid.org/0000-0002-4518-0784

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