Rethinking Development and the Use of Mobile Tech- nologies: Lessons from Bangladesh

Examples of mobile technologies enhancing teachers’ and pupils’ English language proficiency in developing economies like Bangladesh is uncommon. English in Action (EIA), a project designed to contribute to the growth of Bangladesh by providing English language as a tool for better access to the world economy, piloted a number of teacher professional development initiatives that have transformed English language teaching. We present preliminary findings that demonstrate significant changes in classroom practices through the use of mobile technologies and a substantial increase in the amount of English language used by teachers and pupils. We argue that incorporating mobile technologies, particularly audio, within a programme of work-based teacher professional development presents new opportunities for teachers and pupils to acquire English to levels that enable them to participate more fully in economic and social opportunities. This research challenges current assumptions around the use of mobile technologies for development. In conclusion we describe the next phase and scale of EIA’s teacher professional development and considerations for the use of mobile technology within a large-scale teacher education and development programme.