Mobile Learning In Interpreter Training:Students' Experience And Perceptions

This study aims to investigate the integration of mobile devices,such as mobile phones and laptops,in interpreting students' self-directed learning.The rationale behind it is that although mobile devices are currently widely used in our society,and growing attention has been paid to using them as educational tools,there has been insufficient considerations regarding their employment in the context of interpreter training.To investigate the application of mobile devices in interpreting learning and students' attitudes towards using mobile devices in assisting interpreting learning,this study conducted semi-structured interviews with six postgraduate students at Xiamen University.Based on theories of mobile learning,interpreter training and self-directed learning,this study intends to answer two research questions.Firstly,how are mobile devices used by interpreting students in their self-directed learning?Secondly,what are interpreting students' perceptions of the employment of mobile devices in their learning?Results show that interpreting students rely heavily on mobile devices during their self-directed learning.Among the five domains of self-directed learning including(1)diagnosing interpreting learning needs,(2)formulating interpreting learning goals,(3)identifying interpreting learning resources,and(4)adopting interpreting learning strategies and(5)evaluating interpreting learning outcomes,interpreting students apply mobile learning in(1),(2),(3)and(4),but not in(5).It is found that interpreting students basically hold positive attitudes towards conducting their self-directed learning through mobile devices,despite limitations and problems in the process.Students are satisfied with the portability and Internet access offered by the devices,but they also point out problems such as(1)lack of feedback,(2)distraction,(3)difficulty in finding appropriate resources,and(4)health concern.On the strength of the findings,some suggestions about applying mobile learning in interpreting students' self-directed learning are provided.It is hoped that this study can provide insights for interpreter trainers and trainees to integrate mobile learning in their teaching and learning to improve training quality and efficiency,and enrich interpreter training theories by including new dimensions from mobile learning.