On the spot: using mobile devices for listening and speaking practice on a French language programme

Abstract

This paper presents and discusses the initial findings of a mobile language learning project undertaken in the context of an undergraduate distance‐learning French language programme at The Open University (UK). The overall objective of the project was to investigate students’ experiences when using their own portable devices for additional listening and speaking practice within a course. Experience data were collected via weekly online questionnaires, recorded oral feedback and email. The use of iPods and MP3 players was quickly adopted by project participants; but whilst the challenge and the authentic aspect of doing activities on the phone appealed to some learners, we conclude that other learners will need to be helped towards recognising the specific value of this type of practice as a stepping stone towards authentic communication. We suggest further areas of investigation and potential applications.