Mobile Language Learning - Call for papers

While looking up the most recent issue of Language Learning and Technology I came across their most recent call for papers. This time around the topic is mobile language learning, both topics I am interested in!  I was wondering if there are any change MOOC participants out there who are interested in mLearning, and Language Learning to work as part of a collaborative research team on the theme :-)

Here's the actual call for papers:
There has been increased interest in portable technologies which allow learners to access tools for learning languages in virtually any time or place that suits them. The quickly developing functionalities of mobile phones, MP3 players, laptop and tablet computers, and other hand-held devices with touch screen technology mean that the range of possibilities for language learning has greatly diversified. GodwinJones (2011), for example, points out that iPhone and Android phones have ushered in a phenomenal expansion in the development of Apps for just about every topic under the sun, and educators have been exploring the value of Apps for learning specific skills (e.g., math, geometry) and language since 2009. The interest in such mobile technologies for learning languages has also been reflected in recent literature, with the appearance of studies using mobile technologies, such as podcasts (e.g., RosellAguilar, 2006), short message service (SMS) (e.g., Levy & Kennedy, 2008; Sotillo, 2010; Thurlow, 2003,2009), and mobile phones (Stockwell, 2010), to name a few. This special issue of Language Learning & Technology seeks to provide a variety of perspectives on learning through mobile technologies, with a particular focus on corpus-based or empirical studies investigating how the use of these technologies affect and are affected by the language learning environment, or discussions of theoretical issues associated with learning through mobile technologies.

Please consult the LLT Website for general guidelines on submission (http://llt.msu.edu/contrib.html) and
research (http://llt.msu.edu/resguide.html) and note that articles containing only descriptions of
software or pedagogical procedures without presenting in-depth empirical data and analysis on
language learning processes or outcomes will not be considered.

Possible topics include, but are not limited to:
  • Practical issues of mobile language learning
  • Theories applicable to mobile language learning
  • Autonomy and/or self-directed learning through mobile technologies
  • Teacher education for mobile language learning
  • Development of Apps and software for mobile language learning
  • Using mobile technologies for specialized language learning
  • Teaching second language pragmatics through mobile technologies

Please send letter of intent and 250-word abstract by February 1, 2012 to llted@hawaii.edu.

Publication timeline:
  • February 1, 2012: Submission deadline for abstracts
  • February 15, 2011: Invitation to authors to submit a manuscript
  • July 1, 2012: Submission deadline for manuscripts
  • October 1, 2013: Publication of special issue

Actual call for papers here: http://llt.msu.edu/issues/october2011/call.pdf

Comments

Apostolos K. ("AK") said…
Thanks for pointing this out.

Though I'm not involved in Change11, I am interested in this topic. I'm an ESL educator in Japan.

Recently I've been doing a self-reflective project with audio recordings done on an iPhone and published on the web. In this project, I've tried to look closely at my practice as an educator and have some scary and surprising breakthroughs.

The project is called Slices of Life (http://scottlo.com) and is scheduled to end in late January of 2012.

Don't know if you'd be interested in collaborating on this, but I think I'll try to throw a submission together by Feb. 1.
December 1, 2011 at 3:24 PM
Apostolos K. ("AK") said…
Hi Scott,
Sounds like an interesting project. I haven't read much of SOL yet, but how would you describe SOL to someone new? Are you reflecting on your teaching? Are you reflecting on your learning of a new culture and language?  Is SOL time-bound by design (I noticed that you will cease to post soon).

I think it's definitely got potential as a framework for mLearning activities that tie into the class :-)  
December 7, 2011 at 9:48 AM
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