scholarly journals Exploring the efficacy of pre-service teachers as makers of virtual language/culture learning environments

2021 ◽  
Vol 4 ◽  
pp. 14-32
Author(s):  
Sabrina Priego ◽  
Meei-Ling Liaw
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Virtual Environments ◽  
Social Presence ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Target Language ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
Computer Assisted Language Learning ◽  
Language And Culture ◽  
The Social

Previous literature in the area of computer assisted language learning in Second/Foreign Language (L2/FL) education has highlighted the benefits of using virtual environments for learning the target language and culture (e.g. Blyth, 2018; Lloyd, Rogerson, & Stead, 2017; Shih, 2015). In addition, a number of researchers have demonstrated that one of the important attributes of virtual environments for language learning is the affordances of physical and social presence (e.g. Cho, Yim, & Paik, 2015; McKerlich, Riis, Anderson, & Eastman, 2011; Peterson, 2011; Wang, Lawless-Reljic, Davies, & Callaghan, 2011). However, to our knowledge, no previous studies have investigated the affordances of virtual environments from the makers’ point of view. In this present study, 22 Canadian pre-service teachers used a 360 degree camera and Virtual Reality (VR) software to construct VR environments that were used as cultural virtual tours. They then invited 24 Taiwanese students to interact with them in their created immersive environments. Analyses of the pre-service teachers’ final written reflections showed that most of them reported that they experienced a sense of physical and social presence in their self-created VR environments and that they enjoyed participating in the VR project. However, various factors, such as the design of the task, technical difficulties with the VR equipment, and limits of the social VR network were also found to have negatively influenced their satisfaction with the VR experience. Findings from this study might inform other L2/FL teachers who design VR environments and integrate social VR in their classes. Suggestions for future research are also provided.

scholarly journals EFL learner collaborative interaction in Second Life

ReCALL ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. 20-39 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark Peterson
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Virtual Worlds ◽  
Second Life ◽  
Target Language ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
Computer Assisted Language Learning ◽  
Multiuser Virtual Environment ◽  
Computer Based ◽  
Collaborative Interaction

AbstractThis paper reports on the task-based interaction of English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners in the 3D multiuser virtual environment (MUVE) Second Life. The discussion first explores research on the precursors of MUVEs, text-based 2D virtual worlds known as MOOs. This is followed by an examination of studies on the use of MUVEs in Computer Assisted Language Learning (CALL). The discussion then focuses on an investigation of the Second Life-based text chat of learners located at a university in Japan. Data analysis reveals that the environment, and tasks, elicited types of collaborative interaction hypothesized as beneficial in the sociocultural account of language development. Collaborative interaction identified in the data involved peer-scaffolding focusing on lexis, and correction. The data further showed that the participants actively maintained a supportive atmosphere through the provision of utterances designed to signal interest, and the extensive use of positive politeness. These factors facilitated social cohesion, intersubjectivity, and the consistent production of coherent target language output focused on the tasks. Participant feedback was broadly positive, and indicates that specific features of Second Life such as individual avatars, coupled to the computer-based nature of the interaction, appeared to enhance discourse management, engagement, and participation. The findings suggest that Second Life provides an arena for learner centered social interaction that offers valuable opportunities for target language practice, and the development of autonomy. Areas of potential for future research are identified.

scholarly journals The spread of computer-assisted language learning

2009 ◽  
Vol 43 (1) ◽  
pp. 66-74 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carol A. Chapelle
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Language Learners ◽  
Comparative Research ◽  
Applied Linguistics ◽  
Clear Distinction ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
Computer Assisted Language Learning ◽  
Culture Learning ◽  
Language And Culture ◽  
Research Perspectives

This paper argues that the vertical spread of computer-assisted language learning (CALL), i.e., a spread throughout language materials and curricula, makes it difficult to draw a clear distinction between CALL and other language materials. In view of the emphasis that teachers, researchers, and administrators have placed on evaluating CALL, I argue that some valuable lessons about materials evaluation can be drawn from reflection on issues in CALL evaluation. In particular, I discuss the opportunities for professionals to reconsider assumptions held about comparative research, draw upon research perspectives and methods from applied linguistics in materials evaluation, and include critical perspectives which examine the opportunities that materials offer language learners to engage in language and culture learning.

LANGUAGE LEARNING THROUGH SOCIAL COMPUTING: OCCASIONAL PAPERS OF THE APPLIED LINGUISTICS ASSOCIATION OF AUSTRALIA, 16.Robert Debski, June Gassin, and Mike Smith (Eds.). Melbourne: ALAA & The Horwood Language Centre, 1997. Pp. viii + 224. A$12.00 paper.

1999 ◽  
Vol 21 (3) ◽  
pp. 502-503
Author(s):  
Carol A. Chapelle
Keyword(s):  
Collaborative Learning ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Classroom Practices ◽  
Social Computing ◽  
Applied Linguistics ◽  
Target Language ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
Computer Assisted Language Learning

The papers in Language learning through social computing introduce the classroom practices and philosophical underpinnings of computer-assisted language learning (CALL), which builds on collaborative approaches to L2 teaching and learning. The majority of the essays address general issues in collaborative learning through CALL, describing the authors' experience and reflections on L2 activities designed to engage learners in interesting discussions and projects, many of which rely on target language materials from the Internet.

Why Studying Individual Differences in CALL?

2019 ◽  
pp. 26-49
Author(s):  
Maryam Tayebinik ◽  
Marlia Puteh
Keyword(s):  
Individual Differences ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Learning Process ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Net Generation ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
Computer Assisted Language Learning ◽  
Extensive Literature ◽  
Mediated Learning ◽  
Delivery Methods

The present chapter aims to highlight the importance of studying individual differences (IDs) in Computer-Assisted Language Learning (CALL). This study begins with a brief overview of drastic changes in educational delivery methods by wide application of technological tools and ends by developing a framework that emphasizes on the need for studying IDs in CALL settings. To gain a comprehensive support to develop this framework, an extensive literature review was conducted by focusing on a) instruction and technology integration, b) natural aptitude of Net generation for technology-mediated education, c) utilizing technology in language learning process, d) CALL properties, e) CALL advantages in second language learning, f) the effect of IDs in language learning, g) common taxonomies of IDs in language learning process, and h) the role of IDs in technology-mediated learning environments. This study motivates future research to find relationship between IDs and language learning CALL environments.

The Potential of Text-to-Speech Synthesis in Computer-Assisted Language Learning

2020 ◽  
pp. 149-169
Author(s):  
Neasa Ní Chiaráin ◽  
Ailbhe Ní Chasaide
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Auditory Feedback ◽  
Speech Synthesis ◽  
Literacy Skills ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
Computer Assisted Language Learning ◽  
Text To Speech ◽  
Written Form ◽  
Text To Speech Synthesis

This chapter describes the potential of text-to-speech synthesis (TTS) as a tool that can transform CALL platforms. Illustrating this point, a specific platform, An Scéalaí, is presented. By incorporating TTS, this platform facilitates the training of literacy skills, writing, and reading, with an emphasis at all times on the spoken language. The platform is described, as is the way in which it functions as a personalised tutor, prompting the learner towards self-correction. The prompts are delivered in both spoken/auditory form (using TTS voices) and in written form. The auditory feedback enables prooflistening, as well as spoken instructions pertaining to specific errors not picked up in the prooflistening process. The learner's progress is monitored throughout and records of the process are harvested for future research. The language in focus is Irish, and the linguistic complexities being targeted in the present implementation are explained, along with the relevant sociolinguistic context.

A Review of Research on the Application of Digital Games in Foreign Language Education

2022 ◽  
pp. 1948-1971
Author(s):  
Mark Peterson ◽  
Jeremy White ◽  
Maryam Sadat Mirzaei ◽  
Qiao Wang
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Language Education ◽  
Digital Games ◽  
Role Playing ◽  
Target Language ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
Role Playing Games

The use of digital games represents an expanding domain in computer-assisted language learning (CALL) research. This chapter reviews the findings of 26 learner-based studies in this area that are informed by cognitive and social accounts of SLA. The analysis shows that massively multiplayer online role-playing games (MMORPGs) are the most frequently investigated game type and the majority of studies involved EFL learners in higher education. Mixed methods were the most frequent research tool utilized by researchers. Limitations of current research include the preponderance of small-scale experimental studies that investigated only a limited number of factors. Although the research is not conclusive, findings indicate that game play facilitates collaboration, the production of target language output, vocabulary learning, and reduces the influence of factors that inhibit learning. This chapter concludes by identifying promising areas for future research.

scholarly journals Review of Studies on Technology-Enhanced Language Learning and Teaching

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 524 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rustam Shadiev ◽  
Mengke Yang
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Learning Technologies ◽  
Target Language ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
Computer Assisted Language Learning ◽  
Future Studies ◽  
Learning And Teaching ◽  
Learning Journal ◽  
Review Study ◽  
Common Target

In this study, we reviewed articles on technology-enhanced language learning and teaching. We aimed to summarize the content of reviewed articles in the following categories: (1) the number of articles published by journals and by year; (2) languages and skills; (3) technology used; (4) promising technologies. We reviewed 398 research articles. The highest number of articles was published in 2017 (n = 80), whereas the lowest number was published in 2014 (n = 53). The Computer Assisted Language Learning journal published the highest number of articles (n = 100), whereas the lowest number of published articles appeared in IEEE Transactions on Learning Technologies (n = 3). The most common target language was English (n = 267). Writing, speaking, and vocabulary gained the most attention in published articles. Twenty-three different technologies were identified and they were used 406 times. Based on our results, we made several implications and suggestions for future studies. This review study can serve as a guide for teaching and research communities who plan on designing language learning and teaching activities supported by technologies.

THE VISUALIZATION OF FOREIGN LANGUAGE VOCABULARY IN CALL.Angela Heidemann. (Duisburg Papers on Research in Language and Culture No. 28). Frankfurt am Main: Peter Lang, 1995. Pp. 128. $32.95 paper.

1999 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. 152-153
Author(s):  
Paul Nation
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Language ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
Computer Assisted Language Learning ◽  
Learning Program ◽  
Frankfurt Am Main ◽  
Language And Culture ◽  
Visual Elements ◽  
The University

This book, which is one of a series of papers from the University of Duisburg, is a justification of the visual elements of a particular computer-assisted language learning program for learning Dutch called EuroLex. About one third of the book is a description of the EuroLex program. Because of this, it suffers from the seemingly unavoidable problem that many accounts of CALL programs face, and that is the need for elaborate step-by-step description of the operation of the program when five minutes working with the actual program would convey more information more effectively.

CALL research: Where are we now?

ReCALL ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 32 (2) ◽  
pp. 127-144 ◽  
Author(s):  
John Gillespie
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Structure Theory ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
Computer Assisted Language Learning ◽  
Short Period ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Small Cohort

AbstractThis article considers the current position of computer-assisted language learning (CALL) research by producing an integrative synthetic overview of all the articles published in three leading international CALL journals: ReCALL (in its 31st year of publication), the CALICO Journal (its 36th) and Computer Assisted Language Learning journal (its 32nd) over a sustained recent period: 2006–2016. They are judged sufficiently representative to enable broad trends to be detected and the sector’s strengths and weaknesses to be identified. The focus is on CALL research’s international reach, the range of topics researched and the nature of the studies themselves. The findings suggest that CALL research is growing internationally in the number of countries and researchers involved. A wide range of topics is researched, but there is a concentration of papers published on a cluster of popular areas. Consequently, fewer articles are published on a large number of CALL topics or, in some cases, rarely studied. The research methods employed are rigorous: in writing, structure, theory, literature awareness, and discussion and presentation of results, yet there are still weaknesses. Most empirical studies are small scale: based on one institution, a small cohort of students, over a short period of time and seldom followed up. Based on these findings, suggestions are made with a view to broadening and strengthening CALL research through targeting neglected strategic areas with special journal issues and conferences, and improving the quality of research projects. Key areas for future research are proposed.

The monolingual problem of computer-assisted language learning

ReCALL ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 32 (3) ◽  
pp. 307-322 ◽  
Author(s):  
Judith Buendgens-Kosten
Keyword(s):  
Product Development ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Skill Development ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
Computer Assisted Language Learning ◽  
Commercial Products ◽  
Third Language ◽  
Linguistic Resources ◽  
Research Areas

AbstractThis paper sets out to discuss the monolingual problem within computer-assisted language learning (CALL) research and CALL product development, namely a lack of knowledge about how CALL products and projects can support learners in using all their linguistic resources to achieve language-learning- and language-using-related goals, and a lack of CALL products and projects that realize this potential, or that support specific plurilingual skill development. It uses an analysis of CALL-related papers to demonstrate how far CALL is impacted by a monolingual bias that it inherited from language learning pedagogy. An analysis of articles from four CALL journals across 10 years shows that although the words bilingual and multilingual appear in these journals fairly regularly, terms such as plurilingual, third language, tertiary language, L3, translanguaging, and translingual are extremely rare. Also, only eight articles could be identified that use any of these eight keywords in their title. Trends across those papers are identified. In a discussion of existing CALL products and projects that incorporate more than one language, it is argued that while commercial products often include more than one language, this is frequently in a behaviorist or grammar-translation tradition, while innovative plurilingual products and projects tend to be non-commercial and often EU/EC-funded initiatives. The article argues that CALL research and product development can not only avoid this monolingual bias, but also actively contribute to our knowledge of how all linguistic resources can be used for language learning. It makes suggestions for relevant future research areas related to multilingual computer-assisted language learning (MCALL).

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