Introduction: Contextualizing Mobile Language Learning in Japan

Chapter
First Online:
Part of the SpringerBriefs in Education book series (BRIEFSEDUCAT)

Abstract

This chapter first introduces the organization of the whole book and its genesis in the collaboration of the authors at an international applied linguistics conference. The first section also touches upon the variety of universities represented, and how the case study chapters follow a similar structure. Next, mobile-assisted language learning (MALL) is defined within e-learning and technology-assisted language learning (TELL) fields by contextualizing MALL into cultural, disciplinary, and historical dimensions. Then the development of MALL in Japan is traced from the mobile Internet, about which little has been published, to the early mobile phone stage and recent smartphone and tablet era, through a literature review. Data on Japanese infant use of handheld devices lastly provide a glimpse of the future.

Keywords

Mobile Phone Mobile Device Social Networking Site Language Learning Ubiquitous Computing 
These keywords were added by machine and not by the authors. This process is experimental and the keywords may be updated as the learning algorithm improves.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in to check access.

References

  1. AFP/Jiji. (2014, September 14). Apple a decade behind Japan’s mobile payment curve. The Japan Times.Google Scholar
  2. Asian Technology Information Program. (2006). 3G mobile phones in Japan. GLOCOM Global Communications Platform. Tokyo: International University of Japan. Retrieved from http://www.glocom.org/tech_reviews/tech_report/20061222_atip_s80/
  3. Benesse Educational Research and Development Institute. (2014). Survey of media use by children and parents. Tokyo: Child Research Net. Retrieved from http://www.childresearch.net/data/digital/2014_02.html
  4. Burston, J. (2013). Mobile-assisted language learning: A selected annotated bibliography of implementation studies 1994–2012. Language Learning & Technology, 17(3),157–224. Retrieved from http://llt.msu.edu/issues/october2013/burston.pdf
  5. Burston, J. (2014). The reality of MALL: Still on the fringes. CALICO Journal, 31(1), 103–125.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
  6. Byrne, J., & Diem, R. (2014). Profiling mobile English language learners. JALT CALL Journal, 10(1), 3–19.Google Scholar
  7. Calvert, K. (2014, October 30). For toddlers it’s the quality of screen time that matters, study reveals. PBS Newshour. Retrieved from http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rundown/screen-time-toddlers-parents-dont-feel-guilty/
  8. Dias, J. (2002). Cell phones in the classroom: boon or bane? C@lling Japan, 10(2), 16–21.Google Scholar
  9. Dormehl, L. (2014, June 8). Internet of things: It’s all coming together for a tech revolution. The Guardian. Retrieved from http://www.theguardian.com/technology/2014/jun/08/internet-of-things-coming-together-tech-revolution
  10. Gromik, N. (2009). Producing cell phone video diaries. In M. Thomas (Ed.), Handbook of research on Web 2.0 and second language learning (pp. 259–273). Hershey, PA: IGI Global.Google Scholar
  11. Hirano, K., Nakatani, Y., McCarty, S., & Masuda, H. (2007). Applications of mobile research in Japan. Ubiquity, 8(38), 1–34. New York: Association for Computing Machinery (ACM).Google Scholar
  12. Houser, C. (2007, March 24). Using mobile phones in foreign language education. A presentation at Wireless Ready 1: Podcasting Education and Mobile Assisted Language Learning. Nagoya: NUCB Graduate School.Google Scholar
  13. Houser, C., & Thornton, P. (2005). Poodle: A course management system for mobile phones. Proceedings of the Third IEEE Workshop on Wireless Technologies in Education (pp. 159–163). IEEE Computer Society.Google Scholar
  14. Hwang, G.-J. (2014). Definition, framework and research issues of smart learning environments – a context-aware ubiquitous learning perspective. Smart Learning Environments, 1(4). Retrieved from http://www.slejournal.com/content/1/1/4
  15. Lin, N., Kajita, S., & Mase, K. (2008). Mobile user behavior and attitudes during story-based kanji learning. JALT CALL Journal, 4(1), 3–18.Google Scholar
  16. Maclean, G., & Elwood, J. (2008, May 31). Anytime-anywhere: Mobile phone applications for modern foreign language instruction. A presentation at JALTCALL 2008. Nisshin, Aichi: Nagoya University of Commerce and Business.Google Scholar
  17. McCarty, S. (2005). Cultural, disciplinary, and temporal contexts of e-learning and English as a foreign language. Research Papers. eLearn Magazine, April 2005 issue. Retrieved from http://elearnmag.acm.org/archive.cfm?aid=1070950
  18. McCarty, S. (2009a). Making mobile phone Websites. In M. Thomas (Ed.), New frontiers in CALL: Negotiating diversity (pp. 65–70). Tokyo: JALT CALL SIG.Google Scholar
  19. McCarty, S. (2009b). Social networking behind student lines in Japan. In M. Thomas (Ed.), Handbook of research on Web 2.0 and second language learning (pp. 181–201). Hershey, PA: IGI Global.Google Scholar
  20. McCarty, S. (2011). Ubiquitous computing and online collaboration for open education. Kuantan, Malaysia: A keynote address at the 5th International Malaysian Educational Technology Convention.Google Scholar
  21. McCarty, S. (2014, July 20). A multidimensional approach to definitions, applied to e-learning in language education. Suita, Osaka, Japan: A presentation at the Minpaku Linguistics Circle, National Museum of Ethnology.Google Scholar
  22. McCarty, S. (2010). Social media to motivate language learners from before admission to after graduation. In W. M. Chan, et al. (Eds.), Media in foreign language teaching and learning (pp. 87–105). Centre for Language Studies: National University of Singapore.Google Scholar
  23. Morita, M. (2003). Mobile based learning (MBL) in Japan. In Proceedings of the First Conference on Creating, Connecting and Collaborating through Computing. IEEE Computer Society.Google Scholar
  24. Morita, N. (2006). An introduction to NTT’s NGN [Next Generation Networks] and new services in Japan. A presentation at the International Telecommunication Union ITU-T/ITU-D Workshop on Standardization and Development of Next Generation Networks. Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, 3–5 Oct 2006.Google Scholar
  25. Obari, H., Sato, T., Lambacher, S., Nozawa, N., & McCarty, S. (2014, August 11). Utilizing emerging technologies and social media to enhance EFL learning. A symposium at the International Association of Applied Linguistics AILA World Congress 2014. Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, Australia.Google Scholar
  26. Ogata, H. & Yano, Y. (2003). How ubiquitous computing can support language learning. Tokushima University.Google Scholar
  27. Runnels, J., & Rutson-Griffiths, A. (2013). Tablet PCs in a paperless classroom: Student and teacher perceptions on screen size. JALT CALL Journal, 9(3), 275–285.Google Scholar
  28. Shimabukuro, J. (2000). What is an online conference? The Technology Source. Retrieved from http://technologysource.org/article/what_is_an_online_conference/
  29. Thornton, P., & Houser, C. (2005). Using mobile phones in English education in Japan. Journal of Computer Assisted Learning, 21(3), 217–228.Google Scholar
  30. Wang, S., & Heffernan, N. (2009). Mobile 2.0 and mobile language learning. In M. Thomas (Ed.), Handbook of research on Web 2.0 and second language learning (pp. 472–490). Hershey, PA: IGI Global.Google Scholar
  31. Wang, S., & Higgins, M. (2006). Limitations of mobile phone learning. The JALT CALL Journal, 2(1), 3–14.Google Scholar
  32. Wang, S., & Higgins, M. (2008). Mobile 2.0 Leads to a Transformation in mLearning. In J. Fong, R. Kwan., & F. L. Wang (Eds.), Hybrid learning and education conference proceedings (pp. 225–237). Berlin, Germany: Springer.Google Scholar
  33. White, J., & Mills, D. (2014). Examining attitudes towards and usage of smartphone technology among Japanese university students studying EFL. CALL-EJ, 15(2), 1–15.Google Scholar
  34. Wikipedia. (2016). Android (operating system). Retrieved from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Android_(operating_system)
  35. World Bank (2014). Mobile cellular subscriptions (per 100 people). Indicators. The Data Catalog. Retrieved from http://data.worldbank.org/indicator/
  36. Yahya, S., Ahmad, E. A., & Jalil, K. A. (2010). The definition and characteristics of ubiquitous learning: A discussion. International Journal of Education and Development using Information and Communication Technology (IJEDICT), 6(1), 117–127.Google Scholar

Copyright information

© The Author(s) 2017

Authors and Affiliations

  1. 1.Osaka Jogakuin UniversityOsakaJapan
  2. 2.Tokyo University of Agriculture and TechnologyTokyoJapan
  3. 3.Aoyama Gakuin UniversityTokyoJapan

Personalised recommendations