Language Learning Technology

As has happened with PCs, the reduction of operating systems to two primary competitors, iOS and Android, coupled with a large and ever growing user base, has made it worthwhile for programmers to design mobile applications for both platforms.The end result for MALL is that it is now becoming possible to adapt its exploitation to what is known as a BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) environment.Within the classroom this is beginning to happen with the appearance of BYOD systems designed to control audio-video resources, interactive whiteboards, lab computers and in-class media broadcasting.BYOD systems have great potential application to learner-centered, taskbased, collaborative instruction, in and out of the classroom.In planning updates and replacements for existing computer facilities, those responsible need to be considering available BYOD resources.To the extent that BYOD systems are integrated into the language curriculum (or indeed any discipline), considerable savings can be Language Learning Technology 90 IALLT Journal of Language Learning Technologies made by reducing the need to continually replace client computer equipment.What is needed to bring the outside world into the learning process is the ability to communicate, take photos, make videos, record audio, take notes and share data.The hardware and software applications to accomplish this already reside on most smartphones, tablet computers and full-featured media players.A number of free and low cost of mobile-accessible programs exist that allow the creation a ubiquitous technological learning environment.Technologically and pedagogically, the time is right to implement BYOD MALL and in the process bring the vast resources of the outside world into the learning process.