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Technology Enhanced Language Learning A Review of ELT Apps on Android

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Article · February 2018

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Rohidas Nitonde
Shri Shivaji College, Parbhani
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CHRONICLE OF HUMANITIES AND CULTURAL STUDIES (CHCS) ISSN: 2454-5503 IMPACT FACTOR: 4.197 (IIJIF)

Technology Enhanced Language Learning (TELL); A Review of ELT

Apps on Android Platform

Dr. R. S. Nitonde
PG Department of English, MSP Mandal’s Shri Shivaji College, Parbhani
Swami Ramanand Teerth Marathwada University, Nanded (MS) India

Abstract:
The present paper gives a brief introduction to Computer Aided Language Learning
(CALL). Its main focus is on Mobile based language learning. The ELT Apps like
duolingo, Learning English BBC, Basic English for Beginners, Improve English, Speak
English Fluently, Learn English: Speak English, Learn English with Aco are also
examined. It brings forth the key features of these ELT Apps and makes a
comprehensive conclusion.

Key Words and Phrases:

Computer Aided Language Learning, CALL, Web 2.0, Android, TELL, Mobile
Learning Applications, duolingo, Learning English BBC, Basic English for Beginners,
Improve English, Speak English Fluently, Learn English: Speak English, Learn English
with Aco, etc.

Introduction:
With the advent of ICT pedagogical patterns too have gone through a paradigm shift.
English Language Teaching could not win over the temptation to the application of
ICT. At the initial stage there was Computer-Assisted Language Learning (CALL) in
early 1960s. But now in the 21st century what we witness is the time of Android Apps.
And the field of ELT is not bereft with it. There have been several ELT Applications
on Android platform. According to Warschauer “Using multimedia may involve an
integration of skills. ... technology is helping to make it possible”.
The current ELT scenario is in favour of student autonomy. In this regard Gary
Motteram of British Council observes that “learning English through mobile devices
gain credibility every day and the increasing popularity and rapidly diminishing cost
of tablet devices reinforce this by providing a format that really is capable of
delivering courseware”. 21st Century has come up as a mobile era. Mobile technology
has been dominating every walk of life including education. Shanmugapriya and
Tamilarasi observe that “mobile Assisted Language Learning (MALL) has gained a
universal acceptance”. At this point of time it becomes essential to take a brief review
of the available ELT Apps on Android platform.
1. Duolingo:
With this app learner may learn any of the 20 languages including English provided
by the developers. This is a free app. With this application, learners may practice
speaking, reading, listening and writing skills while playing a game! There is a scope
for improving vocabulary and grammar skills by answering questions and completing
lessons. Learner may start with basic verbs, phrases, and sentences, and learn new
words daily. Here is a snap of it.

Vol.4 I Issue 2 I February 2018 172 UGC Approved Journal No. 63716
CHRONICLE OF HUMANITIES AND CULTURAL STUDIES (CHCS) ISSN: 2454-5503 IMPACT FACTOR: 4.197 (IIJIF)

It is the winner of Google Play's Editor's Choice and "Best of the Best" of 2013 and
2014. One can use Duolingo on the Web at https://www.duolingo.com
2. Knudge.me; Improve English:
This ELT app aims to help to learn and improve English in an easy, interesting and
effective manner.
This platform works on advanced scientific algorithms which help you learn and
improve English in an effective way. Current courses are designed to improve
vocabulary, English idioms, phrasal verbs, homonyms/homophones, common
confusing English words that would help elevate user’s English. Here’s a snap of it.

The main aspects of this course are:

A) Vocabulary builder - Easy
B) Vocabulary builder - Intermediate
C) Vocabulary builder – Advanced
D) English Idioms
E) Phrasal verbs
F) Common confusing words
It also uses some games like:
A) Mix and Match
B) Space Pursuit Game
C) Fly High
D) Reader's Digest
E) Echo
F) Jelly Fiz
3. BBC Learning English:

Vol.4 I Issue 2 I February 2018 173 UGC Approved Journal No. 63716
CHRONICLE OF HUMANITIES AND CULTURAL STUDIES (CHCS) ISSN: 2454-5503 IMPACT FACTOR: 4.197 (IIJIF)

This app teaches learners English through simple English Conversations. It is from
BBC News, BBC Learning English Program: 6 Minute English, English At Work, The
English We Speak...
Each lesson comes with audio, transcript and vocabulary, which help you to improve
your English Grammar, English Speaking and expand your English Vocabulary.
Other things it uses are:
1. 6 Minute English
2. The English We Speak
3. Drama
4. News Report
5. LingoHack
6. English at Work
7. English at University
Here is a snap of the app.

The app is available both online and offline. One can download it from
www.learningenglish.com
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.elearning.bbc
4. Learn English with Aco:
This ELT app helps learners with reading, writing, listening, speaking, conversation,
pronunciation, translation, grammar & vocabulary. One can now learn English daily
without taking an English course. Learners can receive English education without
attending an English class. Reading English, writing English, you can now learn
English for free, on the go.

Vol.4 I Issue 2 I February 2018 174 UGC Approved Journal No. 63716
 CHRONICLE OF HUMANITIES AND CULTURAL STUDIES (CHCS) ISSN: 2454-5503 IMPACT FACTOR: 4.197 (IIJIF)

The important features of this application are:

1. English Chat
2. English Listening
3. English Speaking
4. English Translation
5. English Vocabulary Builder
6. Free English Dictionary
7. Notes
Conclusion:
There are several points and key features required of an app to be a perfect one. Many
experts in ELT have lot many expectations. For Cao Wangru, “the design of learning
software should be reasonable, suitable video clips, music, animation and pictures will
certainly make students feel interested and help them understand the contents. In
addition, the level of difficulty should be suitable to students’ learning level.”
The close study of the above discussed apps shows that most of them meet with the
following key features.
• Spaced learning and adaptive learning.
• Vocabulary building.
• Pronunciation drills.
• Tracking your progress.
• Interesting word games to learn and improve English in a fun way.

Works Cited:
Motteram, Gary. Innovations in learning technologies for English language teaching. 2013.
British Council.
Mutlu, A. Eroz Tuga B. (2013). The role of Computer Assisted Language-Learning in
Promoting Learner Autonomy. Egitim Arastirmalari Eurasian journal of Educational
Research. 51, 107-122.
Shanmugapriya M, and Tamilarasi A. Design and Development of Mobile Assisted
Language Learning (MALL) application for English Language using Android Push
Notification Services. International Journal of Research in Computer and Communication
Technology, Vol 2, Issue 6, June-2013. 329-338.
Young, Richard. Computer-Assisted Language Learning Conversations: Negotiating
an Outcome. CALICO Journal, Volume 5 Number 3. 65-83.
Web Sources:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.elearning.bbc
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.atistudios.ispeak.en
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.acobot.en
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.knudge.me

Vol.4 I Issue 2 I February 2018 175 UGC Approved Journal No. 63716

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