Handheld learning devices and the use of Sony PlayStation Portable for English language learning

Stanley Leung and Madeleine Tsoi
Caritas Francis Hsu College
Hong Kong SAR, China

Handheld devices, such as mobile phones and video game consoles, have become very popular among youngsters. For example, in the Hong Kong Asia Games Show 2007, Sony sold 6,000 PlayStation Portables (PSPs) for 18 million dollars in four days -- an 80% increase in sales compared to the previous year.

Because of their small size, portability and connectivity, hand-held devices are also being used increasingly in education and are gradually altering the teaching-learning environment in schools and other educational institutions. PSP offers many opportunities for learning both inside and outside classrooms. This paper aims to examine the possibility of using this technology to enhance the effectiveness of English language learning among post-secondary students.

Although technology has the potential to make a positive impact on learning, it is important for educators to consider how the teaching and learning process needs to be changed in order to take full advantage of technological advances.