Skip to main content

Mobile-Assisted Language Learning in China’s College English Education: The Reality and Research

  • Chapter
  • First Online:

Part of the book series: Lecture Notes in Educational Technology ((LNET))

Abstract

Due to the increased college enrollments in China in recent years, today’s college English teachers are facing more challenges than ever. Influenced by the traditional Chinese culture, mainly Confucian, current college English classes in China are often critiqued for their teacher-centered approach, the lack of student autonomy, as well as detachment from realistic social purposes. The use of mobile technologies in language acquisition has been explored by many researchers around the world, and has the potential to spark positive changes in China’s college English education, including enhanced teacher competencies, increased learner autonomy, and improved teacher–student interaction. This paper provides an overview of existing research and practices about mobile-assisted language learning in China’s college English education, and proposes that certain elements should be in place to ensure its successful integration.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution.

Buying options

Chapter
USD   29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD   84.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD   109.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD   109.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Learn about institutional subscriptions

References

  • Aubusson, P., Schuck, S., & Burden, K. (2009). Mobile learning for teacher professional learning: Benefits, obstacles and issues. Alt-J, 17(3), 233–247. doi:10.1080/09687760903247641.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bai, L., Millwater, J., & Hudson, P. (2012). Factors that influence Chinese TEFL academics’ research capacity building: An institutional case study. The Asia-Pacific Education Researcher, 22(2), 119–126. doi:10.1007/s40299-012-0004-6.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Benson, P. (2007). State-of-the-art article: Autonomy in language teaching and learning. Language Teaching, 40(1), 21–40.

    Google Scholar 

  • Biggs, J. B., & Watkins, D. A. (2001) Insights into teaching the Chinese learners. In D. A. Watkins & J. B. Biggs (Eds.), Teaching the Chinese learner: Psychological and pedagogical perspectives (pp. 277–300). Hong Kong & Melbourne: CERC & ACER.

    Google Scholar 

  • Cai, J. (2006). College English teaching: Review, reflection and research. Shanghai: Fudan University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Cai, J. (2010). The feasibility study of EMI: A case study of Public Relation Course of Fudan. Foreign Languages in China, 6, 61–67.

    Google Scholar 

  • Cai, J. (2012). Reanalysis of the goal of college English teaching in the perspective of globalisation. Foreign Languages and Their Teaching, 3, 5–8.

    Google Scholar 

  • Carney, S. (2003). Learning from school-based teaching training: Possibilities and constraint for experienced teachers. Scandinavian Journal of Education Research, 47(4), 413–429.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chen, C. (2008). Personalized intelligent Mobile Learning System for supporting effective English learning. Educational Technology & Society, 11(3), 153–180.

    Google Scholar 

  • Chen, Z., & Goh, C. (2011). Teaching oral English in higher education: Challenges to EFL teachers. Teaching in Higher Education, 16(3), 333–345. doi:10.1080/13562517.2010.546527.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chirimbu, S., & Tafazoli, D. (2013). Technology & media: Applications in language classrooms (TEFL, TESL & TESOL). Professional Communication and Translation Studies, 6(1–2), 187–195.

    Google Scholar 

  • Churchill, D., & Churchill, N. (2007). Educational affordances of PDAs: A study of a teacher’s exploration of this technology. Computers & Education, 50(2008), 1439–1450.

    Google Scholar 

  • Dai, M., & Zhang, X. (2004). An investigation of English teacher qualities in colleges and universities. Journal of PLA University of Foreign Languages, 27(2), 42–46.

    Google Scholar 

  • Day, C., & Gu, Q. (2010). The new lives of teachers. London: Routledge.

    Google Scholar 

  • Driscoll, M. P. (2005). Psychology of learning and instruction (3rd ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson Education Inc.

    Google Scholar 

  • Florez, M. C., & Burt, M. (2001). Beginning to work with adult English language learners: Some considerations, (October) (pp. 1–5).

    Google Scholar 

  • Fullan, M. (2007). The new meaning of educational change (4th ed.). London: Routledge.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hegelheimer, V., & O’Bryan, A. (2009). Mobile technologies and language education. In M. Thomas (Ed.), Handbook of research on Web 2.0 and second language learning (pp. 331–349). Hershey, PA: Information Science Reference.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ho, I. T. (2001). Are Chinese teachers authoritarian?. In D. A. Watkins & J. B. Biggs (Eds), Teaching the Chinese learner: Psychological and pedagogical perspectives (pp. 99–114). Hong Kong & Melbourne: CERC & ACER.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hoven, D., & Palalas, A. (2011). (Re) Conceptualizing design approaches for mobile language learning. CALICO Journal, 28(3), 699–720.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hu, Y. (2007). China’s foreign language policy on primary English education: What’s behind it? Language Policy, 6, 359–376.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hu, Z., & McGrath, I. (2011). Integrating ICT into College English: An implementation study of a national reform. Education and Information Technologies, 17(2), 147–165. doi:10.1007/s10639-011-9153-0.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hurd, S., & Xiao, J. (2006). Open and distance language learning at the Shantou Radio and TV University, China, and the Open University, United Kingdom: A cross-cultural perspective. Open Learning, 21(3), 205–219. doi:10.1080/02680510600953161.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Klopfer, E., & Squire, K. (2008). Environmental detectives: The development of an augmented reality platform for environmental simulations. In Press for Educational Technology Research and Development, 56 (2), 203–228. 52903.html.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kukulska-Hulme, A., & Shield, L. (2008). An overview of mobile assisted language learning: From content delivery to supported collaboration and interaction. ReCALL, 20(3), 271–289.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lam, A. (2002). English in education in China: Policy changes and learners’ experiences. World Englishes, 21(2), 245–256.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lan, Y., Sung, Y., & Chang, K. (2007). A mobile-device-supported peer-assisted learning. Language Learning & Technology, 11(3), 130–151.

    Google Scholar 

  • Li, J. (2003). The core of Confucian learning. American Psychologist, 58(2), 146–147.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Li, C. (2014). Development, problems and solutions: A critical review of current situation of college English language education in Mainland China. Arab World English Journal, 5(3), 291–303.

    Google Scholar 

  • Liu, D., Huang, Y., & Yang, Z. (2013). The application of mobile learning in college English education. Huazhang, 11, 187–187. doi:10.3969/j.issn.1009-5489.2014.11.158.

  • Meng, J., & Tajaroensuk, S. (2013). An investigation of tertiary EFL teachers’ problems in their in-service professional development. Journal of Language Teaching and Research, 4(6), 1356–1364. doi:10.4304/jltr.4.6.1356-1364.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Miyakoda, H., Kaneko, K., & Ishikawa, M. (2011). Effective learning materials for mobile devices: Images vs. sound. In S. Barton et al. (Eds.). Proceedings of Global Learn Asia Pacific 2011 (pp. 1683–1690). Cheaspeake, VA: AACE.

    Google Scholar 

  • Motallebzadeh, K., & Ganjali, R. (2011). SMS: Tool for l2 vocabulary retention and reading comprehension ability. Journal of Language Teaching and Research, 2(5), 1111–1115. doi:10.4304/jltr.2.5.1111-1115.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Netease News. (2013). The survey said sixty percent of urban Chinese have a smart phone. Retrieved from http://news.163.com/13/0522/15/8VG6KKEG00014JB6.html.

  • People’s Daily Online. (2013). Eighty percent of college students own a smartphone is not to be cool to be practical. Retrieved on March, 2015 from http://tc.people.com.cn/n/2013/0328/c183008-209.

  • O’Mahony,C. (2003). Getting the information and communication technology formula right: access + ability = confident use. Technology, Pedagogy and Education, 12(2), 295–311.

    Google Scholar 

  • Pyrczak, F. (2003). Evaluating research in academic journals. Los Angeles, CA: Pyrczak Publishing.

    Google Scholar 

  • Quaglia, R., Marion, S., & McIntire, W. (1991). The relationship of teacher satisfaction to perceptions of school organization, teacher empowerment, work conditions, and community status. Education, 112, 206–217.

    Google Scholar 

  • Rogers, E. (2003). Diffusion of innovation (5th ed.). New York: Free Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ruan, Y., & Jacob, W. J. (2009). The transformation of college English in China. Front. Educ China, 4(3), 466–487.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ruan, Y., & Ma, Y. (2014). Intelligent mobile phone environment English mobile learning system design and implementation. Electronic Test, 2014(9), 13–15.

    Google Scholar 

  • Selwyn, N. (2007). Screw blackboard…do it on Facebook!: An investigation of students’ educational use of Facebook. In: Presented at the Poke 1.0 – Facebook Social Research Symposium. London: University of London.

    Google Scholar 

  • Spolsky, B., & Shohamy, E. (1999). The languages of Israel: Policy, ideology, and practice. Clevedon, UK: Multilingual Matters.

    Google Scholar 

  • Tang, E. (2009). A cultural framework of “Chinese learn English”: A critical review of and reflections on research. English as International Language Journal, 4(August), 7–44.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wang, Q. (2002). Reasons for ineffective College English teaching and relevant countermeasures. Foreign Language World, 4, 27–35.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wang, S., & Wang, H. (2011). On the state of college English teaching in China and its future development. China Academic Journal Electronic Publishing House, 8(5), 4–17.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wang, W., Zhong, S., & Lv, S. (2009). Empirical research on mobile learning of college students. Open Education Research, 15(2).

    Google Scholar 

  • Wong, L., Chin, C., Tan, C., & Liu, M. (2010). Students’ personal and social meaning making in a Chinese idiom mobile learning environment. Educational Technology & Society, 13(4), 15–26.

    Google Scholar 

  • Xie, B. (2013). Reflection on the position of English in the education and life of the Chinese today. US-China Foreign Language, 11(9), 716–722.

    Google Scholar 

  • Xue, J. (2014). Research on construction and development of m-learning mode of College English. Experimental Technology and Management, 31(3), 176–179.

    Google Scholar 

  • Yin, Y. (2013). Using WeChat to support undergraduates’ preparation for CET 4. Science & Technology Vision, 25, 56–57.

    Google Scholar 

  • Yu, H., & Zhong, X. (2008). A review of 2006-2007 Shanghai College student development report. Fudan Education Forum, 6(1), 19–25.

    Google Scholar 

  • Zhang, R. X. (2006). Report on College English reform (Series reports on quality of higher education) (in Chinese). Beijing: China Education.

    Google Scholar 

  • Zou, B., & Yan, X. (2014). Chinese students’ perceptions of using mobile devices for English learning. International Journal of Computer-Assisted Language Learning and Teaching, 4(3), 20–33. doi:10.4018/ijcallt.2014070102

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgments

Thanks to Dr. Liyan Song and Ms. La Tonya Dyer from Towson University, both of whom provided invaluable support during our research writing.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Zhuo Wang .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2016 Springer Science+Business Media Singapore

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Wang, Z., Cui, Y. (2016). Mobile-Assisted Language Learning in China’s College English Education: The Reality and Research. In: Churchill, D., Lu, J., Chiu, T., Fox, B. (eds) Mobile Learning Design. Lecture Notes in Educational Technology. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-10-0027-0_20

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-10-0027-0_20

  • Published:

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Singapore

  • Print ISBN: 978-981-10-0025-6

  • Online ISBN: 978-981-10-0027-0

  • eBook Packages: EducationEducation (R0)

Publish with us

Policies and ethics