MOBILizing Language Learning in the 21st Century
A special issue of Languages (ISSN 2226-471X).
Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (28 February 2017) | Viewed by 71846
Special Issue Editors
Interests: child and adolescent second language acquisition, foreign language education, differentiated instruction; mobile language learning; K-12 linguistics
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
The term ‘mobilizing’ literally means ‘making mobile’. It evokes images of people being assembled for a clear purpose, for example troops being deployed or marshalling disaster relief resources. It is as if, in order to make someone or something ‘mobile’, there has to be fluidity in a plan that is organized and set in motion to pursue a specific goal. Language learning itself is intrinsically mobile, fluid and dynamic, changing over time and space, across and within individuals. Technology can accentuate this mobility as portable handheld devices help language learners overcome the spatial-temporal boundaries of a traditional classroom. Indeed, language learners themselves become mobile when they utilize their mobile devices to create their own mobile learning environments. Mobilizing language learning thus capitalizes on the many affordances of mobile technology, such as ubiquity, interactivity, connectivity and portability, toward the goal of optimizing language learning.
An affordance implies a relation between an object and its functions and uses, e.g., a chair typically ‘affords’ sitting but could also ‘afford’ standing on. The basic question addressed by this special issue is the following: how can mobile technology affordances ‘afford’ better language learning? That is, how do these affordances embrace and interact with the many facets of language learning to impact its processes and outcomes? For example, mobile devices afford augmented reality through GPS, camera and wireless capabilities. Augmented reality can create a real-life environment for a user to interact in. The potential for language learning is enormous, when we think that the ability to interact in an authentic context is generally regarded as a hallmark of best pedagogical practice and successful language learning.
This Special Issue welcomes original research in mobile language learning (MoLL). Empirical studies are preferred, but special consideration could also be given to papers addressing the theoretical underpinnings of this relatively new but fast evolving field. Whether it is children learning a first and/or a second language in school, adults learning a new language in formal or informal settings, the focus is on how mobile devices, such as tablet computers, smartphones or other handhelds, affect language learning.
Abstract submission is now closed. Authors of successful abstracts are invited to submit full papers by 28 February 2017, which will be sent out for peer review.
Dr. Sonia Rocca
Dr. Bryan Smith
Guest Editors
Manuscript Submission Information
Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.
Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a double-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Languages is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.
Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 1400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.
Keywords
- Mobile language learning (MoLL)
- Second/foreign language learning (L2L)
- First language learning (L1L)
- Mobile technology
- Affordances
- Mobility
- Interactivity
- Connectivity
- Ubiquity
- Augmented reality
- Tablet computer
- Smartphone
- Handheld
- Computer-assisted language learning/CALL
- Technology-enhanced language learning/TELL
- Information and Communication Technology/ICT
Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue
- Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
- Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
- Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
- External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
- e-Book format: Special Issues with more than 10 articles can be published as dedicated e-books, ensuring wide and rapid dissemination.
Further information on MDPI's Special Issue polices can be found here.