Implementing glossing in mobile-assisted language learning environments: Directions and outlook

Abstract

While mobile technology, such as the touch-based smart-phone, has become part of our daily lives, research into and classroom practices surrounding mobile-assisted language learning (MALL) have generally not kept up with the pace of technological development. This situation may be caused in part by the fact that a considerable proportion of researchers and teachers have not had personal experience with the newly developing technology. In order to improve this situation, the present paper provides comprehensible and useful directions for building web-based reading materials with integrated electronic glossing, with which readers can create their own web-based materials. The authors provide methodological descriptions and discussions of how to implement two useful formats of electronic glossing: (a) hyperlinks to target iframe and (b) tooltips by touching in web pages. The directions are carefully written so that these two formats of glossing work properly in both PC and mobile device environments. Lastly, the authors urge researchers and teachers to be more actively involved in the field of MALL and look forward to future work bridging the gap between computer-assisted language learning and mobile-assisted language learning.