Add comment
Details
(1) Apps Review
Posted on 02 August 2016, 15:47
Last updated 06 August 2016, 1:13
Last updated 06 August 2016, 1:13
App(1): "EC Dictionary 英漢字典"
This apps is an EC/CE offline dictionary which contains around 200,000 vocabulary items. The first benefit is that it helps improve my overall English language ability. In the aspect of vocabulary, the number of vocabulary items is generally rich enough to fulfill my need when searching the meaning of a word, which is rather helpful for me to understand words I have never known before. In terms of definition, this app provides Chinese definition of an English word, which contributes the understanding of the words for those who are using Chinese as their mother-tongue. When talking about the explanation, this apps is likely to provide accurate and extensive clarification. For example, instead of just showing the Chinese definition, part of Speech and reference sentences are also given. Therefore, rather than just memorizing the meaning of the words, I am able to grab the skill of applying and constructing a new word in a sentence in a flexible way when I speak and write English in future. Furthermore, the function of pronunciation allows me to memorize the words alternatively, which produces a multi-learning especially when I am both an audio learner and visual leaner.
Second, this app is highly convenient. The first reason is its offline function, of which I can use anywhere and anytime despite lacking Wi-Fi connection. Moreover, given that it supports a variety of platforms of phones and tablet, I will be able to access this app if I have a cell phone, which is more portable than computers and notebooks.
Last, it is fairly user- friendly since it is not difficult to control and learn the functions of the app. Only simply pressing the alphabets can I know the meaning of the words successfully.
This apps is an EC/CE offline dictionary which contains around 200,000 vocabulary items. The first benefit is that it helps improve my overall English language ability. In the aspect of vocabulary, the number of vocabulary items is generally rich enough to fulfill my need when searching the meaning of a word, which is rather helpful for me to understand words I have never known before. In terms of definition, this app provides Chinese definition of an English word, which contributes the understanding of the words for those who are using Chinese as their mother-tongue. When talking about the explanation, this apps is likely to provide accurate and extensive clarification. For example, instead of just showing the Chinese definition, part of Speech and reference sentences are also given. Therefore, rather than just memorizing the meaning of the words, I am able to grab the skill of applying and constructing a new word in a sentence in a flexible way when I speak and write English in future. Furthermore, the function of pronunciation allows me to memorize the words alternatively, which produces a multi-learning especially when I am both an audio learner and visual leaner.
Second, this app is highly convenient. The first reason is its offline function, of which I can use anywhere and anytime despite lacking Wi-Fi connection. Moreover, given that it supports a variety of platforms of phones and tablet, I will be able to access this app if I have a cell phone, which is more portable than computers and notebooks.
Last, it is fairly user- friendly since it is not difficult to control and learn the functions of the app. Only simply pressing the alphabets can I know the meaning of the words successfully.
App(2): "Offline Thesaurua"
Free Offline Thesaurus dictionary contains over 150000 words. One of the key significances is the provision of synonyms and antonyms. First, most people are able to enrich their vocabulary banks and upgrade their vocabulary level after acquiring a number of synonyms and antonyms from this app. Second, instead of just being informed of the simple meaning the words, it is beneficial for most students, including me, to use different kinds of words when writing an essay. Besides, given that there are always various synonyms to one word, this app encourages me to choose the most accurate word when describing a single matter.
Another important advantage is that it promotes lifelong learning. The function of “BookMark Favourite Words” allows me to save those words I have learnt from this app, so that I am able to review them regularly and complete the review within a short period of time instead of wasting time to re-search the words . Additionally, the function of “Daily word notification” motivates my daily learning since I will have a new word to learn every day, which further expands my vocabulary level. Also, making mobile learning becomes a daily practice not only stops learners from cramming knowledge, but also is an effective way to motivate learning under a relaxing atmosphere.
Another important advantage is that it promotes lifelong learning. The function of “BookMark Favourite Words” allows me to save those words I have learnt from this app, so that I am able to review them regularly and complete the review within a short period of time instead of wasting time to re-search the words . Additionally, the function of “Daily word notification” motivates my daily learning since I will have a new word to learn every day, which further expands my vocabulary level. Also, making mobile learning becomes a daily practice not only stops learners from cramming knowledge, but also is an effective way to motivate learning under a relaxing atmosphere.
(2) Personal Reflection on the influence of mobile technology on English learning
I think mobile learning practice will become more popular in contemporary world since advanced mobile technology seems to contribute a situation that almost everyone possesses at least one smart phone now. Given that most of the current electronic devices are small in size and portable, it is more convenient for us to access English learning materials and learn English through the mobile platform. Compared to the past that most people could learn English through reading dictionary, or switching on the computers once getting online connection, nowadays mobile technology seems to increase the motivation of learning English effectively.
Second, mobile technology fosters interactive learning. Given that most of the apps can be downloaded from “Play Store” or “App Store”, it also provides a platform for users to share their opinions. Therefore, instead of using and acquiring knowledge individually, people can rate and voice out their feelings after using their apps. For example, whether the explanation, examples provided are accurate enough, what can be done more to help improve the apps etc., which enhances our awareness and critical thinking that whether all the information received from the platform is reliable enough, at the same time, enables us to obtain resources that are more dependable.
Second, mobile technology fosters interactive learning. Given that most of the apps can be downloaded from “Play Store” or “App Store”, it also provides a platform for users to share their opinions. Therefore, instead of using and acquiring knowledge individually, people can rate and voice out their feelings after using their apps. For example, whether the explanation, examples provided are accurate enough, what can be done more to help improve the apps etc., which enhances our awareness and critical thinking that whether all the information received from the platform is reliable enough, at the same time, enables us to obtain resources that are more dependable.