Towards a seamless language learning framework mediated by the ubiquitous technology

Abstract

The ready-to-hand access of mobile devices creates the potential for practicing the novel approach of ‘seamless learning’, marked by continuity of the learning experience across different contexts. In a related note, the focus of Mobile-Assisted Language Learning is swinging to authentic or social mobile learning activities. In turn, we propose perspectives and approaches to address the need of establishing Seamless Language Learning (SLL) practice. Building on existing research work on Mobile-Assisted Language Learning (MALL), the approach highlights a socio-techno-pedagogical framework to address the challenges of the young learners of Chinese as a second language. We will describe how SLL informs a prospective study entitled MyCLOUD (My Chinese Language ubiquitOUs learning Days), and discuss some methodological issues pertaining to the study. The framework is intended to explore ways in closing the loops in both the seamless learning perspective and the language learning perspective through the ongoing learning process mediated by the ubiquitous technology.