While the enthusiasm that Ballance shows in his commentary (this issue) for mobile learning and the possibilities that new developments in technology of mobile devices may bring about is commendable, there are several areas of concern in his commentary that deserve mention. The author's first concern is that the commentary misrepresents the…

Mobile-assisted language learning (MALL) is attracting a great deal of attention at present (Stockwell & Sotillo, 2011). However, it is important that teacher and researcher exploitation of technological developments be guided by more than just enthusiasm. "Language Learning & Technology's" commitment to empirical studies is admirable but, for…

The author reflects on how she has used technology as a language teacher since the mid-1980s. She describes the evolution of technology in language learning pre- and Internet tools, from "blended learning" to social media. She concludes with the telecollaboration projects she has been recently working on and the issues they have found…

While formal research into the effect various technologies have on vocabulary acquisition is still in its infancy, it is clear that--intentionally or incidentally--students have used various electronic media to learn new words for some time now. Moreover, although it is still far from clear exactly how one acquires vocabulary in a second language…

The Languages Review Consultation Report recommends exploiting the potential of communications technology for the enhancement of curricular offerings. Newly developed instructional software is credited with opening doors to the cultures of young people while serving as an infinitely patient and supportive tutor. Thus, in the UK as in the US,…

Without being able to see people's facial expressions, their mouths moving, or their body language, it's sometimes difficult to understand them. This, of course, is why English as a second language (ESL) students need so much help in this area. The Greater Pittsburgh Literacy Council started its Telephone Conversation Program to address these…

Promotes the use of international broadcasting as a rich source of spoken text for foreign language learning. A basic knowledge of this technology is stressed, including types of broadcasts, times, frequency/wavelength, transmission modes, propagation variation, reception techniques, and program schedules. In addition, choice and use of equipment…

Emphasizes the growing need for business school students and/or graduates to develop extensive knowledge of foreign cultures and languages. Since language is the primary carrier of culture, proficiency in a buyer's language achieves the double objective of a medium of communication and a medium of insights into cultural attributes which affect the…

Discusses the value of a service called "Language Line" and its potential to attract and educate business about the benefits derived from hiring employees with language skills. Language Line provides a national telephone-based service that provides interpretation for speakers of different languages. The article makes a case for the use…