Utilizing Mobile-Assisted Language Learning (MALL): A Necessity in Light of COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

 With the sudden outbreak of Covid-19 pandemic, governments worldwide with all its sectors have worked relentlessly to address the crisis. To limit the virus fast spread, closures have been forced as one strategy. Consequently, the education arena has been highly impacted and put at stake. The crisis has revealed the unreadiness and vulnerabilities of educational systems to face the situation. As a remedial procedure, teaching has been shifted partly or completely online. Thus, the role of internet-based mobile learning in maintaining communication and learning experience has been highlighted. However, with the rapid application of mobile learning, a myriad of benefits, barriers, challenges and conflicting views come through the way. This article examines in particular how language teaching and learning can still continue in light of the outbreak of Covid-19 with the help of mobile-assisted language learning.