Dra. Badilla-Quintana, María Graciela

Mobile devices are efficient tools of language learning since they enable students to learn and practice anywhere and anytime with personalized content and progress. The article analyzes the incorporation of the use of mobile devices for teaching English as a second language in higher education. This research was developed on a positivist paradigm, with a descriptive and quantitative methodology. The sample was formed by 32 students of Basic English courses belong to DUOC UC Institute, in Chile who practice their writing skills through systematic activities developed during 2013 in the Virtual Platform Blackboard. The results of this study suggest that students reacted positively to the use of technology, but expressed concern about the technological difficulties. Main findings confirm that the use of technology enables student's practice of English, transforming and improving the learning environment inside of the classroom and students feel comfortable and secure because they have a teacher and technology's support.

The aim of this quantitative, exploratory and descriptive research is to know if teachers that work in intercultural contexts develop ICT competences by using virtual platforms. The innovation of the teaching-learning processes is promoted through the virtual platform, keeping a connection by forming school networks among schools in indigenous contexts. 51 teachers from 10 schools from the Bío–Bío and Araucanía regions in Chile were part of the development of the networks. The main results show that the participant teachers increased their ICT competences in the different dimensions of the use of the ICT: pedagogical management, knowledge management, deepening of knowledge; and social, ethic and legal dimensions, by applying the knowledge and talent management models.