Mobile Learning in the Classroom: Past, Present, and Future

本稿では，モバイルラーニングの発展を概観し，語学学習におけるその可能性について考察する。特に，携帯端末の急速な普及と携帯端末を用いたインターネットの利便性の向上によって，語学学習者にとってだけでなく，語学の教員や教育機関にとっても理想的な語学学習環境を利用することが可能となった経緯に焦点を当てる。また，スマートフォンやタブレットなどの携帯端末を用いたモバイルラーニングが，従来の語学学習環境に偏在する様々な制約や問題の解決法となることを指摘し，3つの事案を挙げて語学教育におけるモバイルラーニング活用の利点について述べる。

This paper will first provide an introduction and insight into the development of mobile learning. Emphasis will be placed on how the rapid expansion in ownership of mobile devices and the growth in the Mobile Internet have created an ideal opportunity for language learners, instructors, and institutions to embrace mobile technology. Mobile learning, particularly using devices such as smartphones and tablets, can offer assistance in breaking down these tightly controlled language-learning environments and help learners and instructors to move away from traditional settings and attitudes toward language acquisition by individualising the learning process. Finally, the paper will project into the near future and present three scenarios that indicate how mobile learning can continue to provide potential solutions to challenges that have faced more traditional-based language-learning programmes.