An Investigation into the Development of English Materials for Delivery via Mobile

Abstract

Introduction: No longer thought to be value-neutral, textbooks and other materials used in language learning, generally, present a certain way of looking at the world. With technology development, developing materials for delivery through the medium of new wireless technology seems indispensable.Materials and Methods: Some new English vocabulary items were adapted to be delivered via mobile to 225 Iranian male and female juniors at the age range of 16-17 during 18 virtual sessions, using both visual and verbal cues. Both formative and summative tests were employed to assess the progress of the participants in the study. In addition, a Likert-type attitude questionnaire was prepared and sent to the students through the medium of text messaging (SMS) to be filled. The collected data were analyzed, using descriptive statistics through SPSS software, version 20.Results: The qualitative and quantitative data analysis revealed the significant effect of cued materials on language learning in mobile-enhanced settings.Conclusion: The multifaceted nature of materials design calls for the inclusion of mobile assistance as wireless technology to facilitate materials presentation and enlarge teacher-student scope of contact (mean = 16.69).

Keywords

• cognitive
• language learning
• cell phone
• material development