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Future Learning in Primary Schools pp 43–64Cite as

Engaging English Language Learners with Mobile Devices in the Twenty-First Century

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Abstract

In this highly connected twenty-first century, learners are exposed to more information where they will need to critically examine the information at hand and communicate possible solutions to issues. Mobile devices, such as smartphones, allow learners to be connected to the world, literally, at their fingertips. Moreover, mobile devices help engage and motivate learners in their learning. However, past studies caution that mobile technology needs to be supported by sound pedagogy for it to be truly effective for learning. An inquiry-based intervention programme, to enhance learners’ oral communication, creativity and critical thinking, i.m.STELLAR, was designed. Two overarching principles of the programme are delineated. This programme was empirically tested with 304 learners, 114 of whom were in the intervention. The study provides empirical evidence for the effectiveness of i.m.STELLAR. Learners’ oral communication and critical thinking scores were higher when compared to the control group. Although creativity scores were not significantly higher, the overall means were in the right direction. The study reinforces the message of sound pedagogical strategies in using mobile technologies for teaching and learning. It also highlights the value of inquiry-based approaches for engaging learners and nurturing their twenty-first-century competencies.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. National Institute of Education, Nanyang Technological University, 1 Nanyang Walk, Singapore, 637616, Singapore

    Elizabeth Koh

  2. Nan Chiau Primary School, Singapore, Singapore

    Alex Wang, Annie Hui Meow Lim, Stephanie Siew Lin Chua & Nur Ashikin Naharuddin

Authors
  1. Elizabeth Koh
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  2. Alex Wang
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  3. Annie Hui Meow Lim
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  4. Stephanie Siew Lin Chua
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  5. Nur Ashikin Naharuddin
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Elizabeth Koh .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. National Institute of Education, Nanyang Technological University , Singapore, Singapore

    Ching Sing Chai

  2. Faculty of Education and Human Development Department of Curriculum and Instruction , The Hong Kong Institute of Education, Tai Po, New Territories, Hong Kong

    Cher Ping Lim

  3. Nan Chiau Primary School, Singapore, Singapore

    Chun Ming Tan

Appendix A

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Koh, E., Wang, A., Lim, A.H.M., Chua, S.S.L., Naharuddin, N.A. (2016). Engaging English Language Learners with Mobile Devices in the Twenty-First Century. In: Chai, C., Lim, C., Tan, C. (eds) Future Learning in Primary Schools. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-287-579-2_4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-287-579-2_4

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Singapore

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  • Online ISBN: 978-981-287-579-2

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