Resumen de Mobile instant messaging for ELT
In this series, we explore technology-related themes and topics. The series aims to discuss and demystify what may be new areas for some readers and to consider their relevance for English language teachers.
Introduction The use of mobile devices and, in particular, mobile instant messaging (MIM) applications in ELT classrooms has been the subject of research in recent years. Undoubtedly, classroom environments need to adapt to constant technological development in order to foster language teaching and learning opportunities, and to keep pace with a fast-evolving world. In this context, MIM appears to be a potential tool for language teaching, which can take advantage of existing social practices involving the exchange of messages, whether visual or aural, among individuals at different times and places. At the same time, the inherent characteristics of MIM applications (e.g. WhatsApp, WeChat, Line, Telegram, Kaotalk, Facebook Messenger) allow: instant delivery of messages through a pop-up mechanism; text, video, audio, document, and image sharing; videoconferencing; a list of users; and a mechanism to indicate when these users are available. These characteristics offer possibilities for language learning and teaching environments that go beyond the traditional constraints of time and place, allowing teacher–student and student–student interaction inside and outside the language classroom. Such environments may contribute to facilitating authenticity, social interaction, teacher feedback, and mediation in teaching and learning.
