Many rivers to cross...Engaging learners using computer tools and mobile apps

Abstract

Many of the students we now teach are 'digital natives' and therefore it is important that we as educators adapt our teaching styles accordingly. Computer-assisted language learning (CALL) has been a part of language learning for many decades and now it is more commonly integrated with face-to-face teaching in what is termed blended learning. The subset of CALL, mobile-assisted language learning (MALL), while developing, has not been fully utilized by many language instructors. This workshop will provide participants with a range of contexts to bridge the gap between the changing cohort that are our learners and the teachers who need to engage them. The use of this technology helps deal with gaps in terms of equity and student motivation. Freely available online computer tools and mobile apps will be used to demonstrate innovative ways for making learning both fun and purposeful. This workshop is applicable to sectors other than tertiary.