Exploring the Effectiveness of Mobile Phones to Support English Language Learning for Migrant Groups

This paper presents a ten-week project that sought to explore the potential of mobile phone-based English language learning within a predominantly Bangladeshi community in the City of London. The project was funded and supported by the Government’s Delivery Innovation Team and the City of London Corporation, delivered by Anspear Ltd., and independently evaluated by Bone Wells Urbecon Ltd. An interactive English language learning application was provided on Nokia mobile phones to two groups of learners: a group of women who were already enrolled in a formal language class and who used the phone application as a supplementary tool; and a group of women who were not undertaking any formal classes. The project sought to explore the extent to which the use of the mobile phone resources increased participants’ confidence in their English language skills, and whether this contributed to both digital and social inclusion of the participants. The project findings were positive, with increased confidence levels for both groups, and extensive use of the mobile phone resources within families. The findings suggest that the use of mobile phones for learning could contribute to learner confidence in the use of ICT, and in access to employment, education, and public services. A large proportion of participants who had not undertaken any formal language tuition subsequently enrolled in formal English classes. A short video about the project is available at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-BarZIbovJg