EDUCATIONAL APPLICATIONS OF THE EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES AVAILABLE ON HANDHELD DEVICES SUCH AS iPAD AND iPHONE

This article explores the unique features offered by the latest handheld devices such as iPad and iPhone for learning and teaching. The teaching capabilities of iPad and iPhone through their numerous educational application programs (widely referred to as apps) from the teacher’s point of view, has been identified. A number of useful and relevant iPad and iPhone apps for learning and teaching languages have been identified as part of this research project. In particular, the more human-like interface features, offered by Apple devices such as iPad and iPhone have been investigated for educational purposes. Preliminary studies by the author have demonstrated that students have a preference for using a smart handheld device in helping them with their studies. The unique touch interface, portability low cost and readily availability of apps are amongst the favourite features of iPad and iPhone.