Lifelong Learning Forest

  In our increasingly connected world, smartphones and tablets have become ever-present tools that extend far beyond communication and entertainment. These mobile devices are now revolutionizing language education through Mobile Assisted Language Learning (MALL), offering unprecedented opportunities for personalized, accessible, and engaging language instruction. This blog post explores the current state of MALL research, its benefits and challenges, and practical applications for elementary educators. What is Mobile Assisted Language Learning? Mobile Assisted Language Learning refers to the use of mobile technologies—smartphones, tablets, and other portable devices—to support language learning and teaching (Al Shihri et al., 2025). Unlike traditional computer-based learning that is constrained by location and time, MALL provides learners with ubiquitous access to educational content, allowing them to engage with language learning materials anywhere and anytime (Lei et al., 2022). ...

As a third-grade teacher working with English Language Learners, I've witnessed firsthand how digital tools can transform learning experiences. This week, I've been exploring research on digital literacy for English Language Learners (ELLs) and discovered practical applications that address both opportunities and challenges in supporting my multilingual learners. The Theory Behind Digital Literacy for ELLs According to Yuan, Wang, and Eagle (2019), digital literacy extends far beyond basic technical skills (Yuan et al., 2019). Their research defines digital literacy as encompassing knowledge, attitudes, and skills that enable students to locate and consume digital content, create digital content, and communicate through digital platforms. Because these are fundamental skills, it is essential to focus on these skills with purpose for my ELLs.  Interestingly,  the researchers emphasize how digital literacy can disrupt traditional power dynamics in the classroom. Some of my third...

By Lori Woods In the age of 21st-century learning, the tools we bring into our classrooms should not only build skills, but also empower students to share their stories and identities. One such tool is digital storytelling , which combines images, audio, video, and narrative to create powerful personal stories. For English Language Learners (ELLs), digital storytelling is more than a tech project—it is a bridge between language development, identity exploration, and multimodal literacy. Why Digital Storytelling Works for ELLs According to Dillingham & Stanley (2016), digital storytelling supports the fundamental practices of language learning by: Encouraging contextualized, meaningful communication Integrating listening, speaking, reading, and writing in authentic ways Promoting self-awareness and reflection Encouraging multimodal and translingual communication (Vinogradova, 2014) It’s especially powerful for younger ELLs, such as those in Grade 3, who are developing both their cog...