Advantages and Disadvantages of Using Mobile Devices in a University Language Classroom

Advances in tablet computers and cell phone technology have greatly improved recently and such devices are now widely used. Language teachers have especially been interested in using these devices as a means of providing learning opportunities. Reading online content from eBooks or the Internet, listening to music and watching videos are all activities which support the learning of languages. There are, however, a number of problems that have arisen when using mobile learning in a language classroom. The smaller screen, for example, makes it difficult to read content and input text with the online keyboard. Technical problems such as difficulty connecting the Internet, hardware failures and software issues are all common problems. Moreover, distractions from students who do not stay focused on the assigned tasks are becoming a classroom management issue as well. Some of the advantages and disadvantages of using mobile devices in a language classroom at a university setting are discussed in this paper.