Using Cell Phones and SMS in Second Language Pedagogy

The traditional SLA classroom has been radically redefined by the advent of virtual learning communities. Computer-mediated language learning has become significant, and increased use is made of wireless networked mobile computers to facilitate internet-based language learning. Meanwhile, cell phones are becoming ubiquitous. Students presume their right to personal use during class, frustrating teachers who regard this as disruptive. However, cell phones in class can provide ubiquitous computer-mediated SLA. Existing research provides a general orientation and conceptual framework, and identifies their relevance to taskbased learning, potential for distributed practice, and suitability for encouraging classroom interactivity. An important usage of cell phones in the L2 classroom is capturing SMS into a database that is displayed on a message board. Teachers can use computers to send SMS to students, with particular advantages for administrative purposes. The challenge is to ensure that permitting cell phone use in class does not open a Pandora’s box.