scholarly journals On the benefits of multimodal annotations for vocabulary uptake from reading

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
F Boers ◽  
Paul Warren ◽  
Georgina Grimshaw ◽  
Anna Siyanova
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Coding Theory ◽  
Word Meaning ◽  
Single Mode ◽  
Dual Coding ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
Computer Assisted Language Learning ◽  
Dual Coding Theory ◽  
New Words

© 2017 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group. Several research articles published in the realm of Computer Assisted Language Learning (CALL) have reported evidence of the benefits of multimodal annotations, i.e. the provision of pictorial as well as verbal clarifications, for vocabulary uptake from reading. Almost invariably, these publications account for the observed benefits with reference to Paivio's Dual Coding Theory, suggesting it is the visual illustration of word meaning that enhances the quality of processing and hence makes new words more memorable. In this discussion article, we explore the possibility that it is not necessarily the multimodality per se that accounts for the reported benefits. Instead, we argue that the provision of multimodal annotations is one of several possible means of inviting more and/or longer attention to the annotations–with amounts of attention given to words being a significant predictor of their retention in memory. After reviewing the available research on the subject and questioning whether invoking Paivio's Dual Coding Theory is an optimal account for reported findings, we report an eye-tracking study the results of which are consistent with the alternative thesis that the advantage of multimodal glosses for word learning lies with the greater quantity of attention these glosses attract in comparison with single-mode glosses. We conclude with a call for further research on combinations and sequences of annotation types, regardless of multimodality, as ways of promoting vocabulary uptake from reading.

scholarly journals On the benefits of multimodal annotations for vocabulary uptake from reading

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
F Boers ◽  
Paul Warren ◽  
Georgina Grimshaw ◽  
Anna Siyanova
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Coding Theory ◽  
Word Meaning ◽  
Single Mode ◽  
Dual Coding ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
Computer Assisted Language Learning ◽  
Dual Coding Theory ◽  
New Words

© 2017 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group. Several research articles published in the realm of Computer Assisted Language Learning (CALL) have reported evidence of the benefits of multimodal annotations, i.e. the provision of pictorial as well as verbal clarifications, for vocabulary uptake from reading. Almost invariably, these publications account for the observed benefits with reference to Paivio's Dual Coding Theory, suggesting it is the visual illustration of word meaning that enhances the quality of processing and hence makes new words more memorable. In this discussion article, we explore the possibility that it is not necessarily the multimodality per se that accounts for the reported benefits. Instead, we argue that the provision of multimodal annotations is one of several possible means of inviting more and/or longer attention to the annotations–with amounts of attention given to words being a significant predictor of their retention in memory. After reviewing the available research on the subject and questioning whether invoking Paivio's Dual Coding Theory is an optimal account for reported findings, we report an eye-tracking study the results of which are consistent with the alternative thesis that the advantage of multimodal glosses for word learning lies with the greater quantity of attention these glosses attract in comparison with single-mode glosses. We conclude with a call for further research on combinations and sequences of annotation types, regardless of multimodality, as ways of promoting vocabulary uptake from reading.

scholarly journals The Effects of Computer-Assisted Learning Based on Dual Coding Theory

Symmetry ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (5) ◽  
pp. 701
Author(s):  
Xianghu Liu ◽  
Chia-Hui Liu ◽  
Yang Li
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Coding Theory ◽  
Dual Coding ◽  
Traditional Learning ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
Computer Assisted Learning ◽  
Dual Coding Theory ◽  
Modern Computer ◽  
Learning Attitude ◽  
Post Test

This research explored the integration of dual coding theory and modern computer technology with symmetry into a vocabulary class to improve students’ learning attitude and effectiveness. Three research questions are addressed in this research on the effects of computer-assisted learning based on dual coding theory (DCT). This experimental research was carried out in a high school in a remote rural area in China. The study was conducted in two parallel classes (the experimental and the control) in Grade 8 with a total of 88 students. Our research methods included pre- and post-test, questionnaires, and an interview with symmetry as the focus to obtain the results as follows: (1) Using the integration of computer assisted language learning (CALL) and DCT to effectively improve students’ learning attitude, (2) transforming students’ traditional learning methods into the dual coding method, and (3) enhancing students’ vocabulary learning effectiveness.

Need and Possible Criteria for Evaluating the Effectiveness of Computer-Mediated Communication

2011 ◽  
pp. 154-164
Author(s):  
Yi-Chieh Ho
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Computer Mediated Communication ◽  
End Users ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
Computer Assisted Language Learning ◽  
Mediated Communication ◽  
Advantages And Disadvantages ◽  
Computer Mediated

Computer-mediated communication (CMC) has been a ‘hot’ topic in computer-assisted language learning (CALL); however, its effectiveness remains uncertain. This chapter reviews the nature of CMC, pinpoints the advantages and disadvantages of incorporating it into language learning, considers factors that may affect the quality of CMC, and identifies possible directions for future studies. The author argues that sound criteria are lacking for the evaluation of the effectiveness of CMC and attempts to identify a set of possible criteria for classroom-based studies drawing from literature in language teaching and learning. The author also urges engineers to consider these criteria when designing new software, so that end users can conveniently measure its effectiveness and record their own progress.

A Comparative Study of Open-Access Websites for Autonomous Learning of English

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 83-95
Author(s):  
María Elena Gómez-Parra ◽  
Roberto Espejo-Mohedano
Keyword(s):  
Open Access ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Autonomous Learning ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
Computer Assisted Language Learning ◽  
Critical Perspective ◽  
Valuable Contribution ◽  
Authentic Materials ◽  
Professional Guidance

Computer-assisted language learning (CALL) benefits from undeniable steps forward such as the use of authentic materials, real communicative contexts and the ubiquity of learning. However, to discriminate the quality of digital resources for autonomous language learning from a critical perspective is not an easy task due to its diversity. This article offers the evaluation of a selected set of open-access and institutional websites for the learning of English as a Second Language (ESL) as the result of a research project for which expert-validated tools have been used. The statistical analyses carried out offer interesting data on the highest- and lowest-ranked ESL sites from both technical and academic viewpoints related to the quality of the resources offered. The conclusions address at a valuable contribution to the orientation of autonomous learning as an inherently human activity, but which nowadays still needs professional guidance and support.

Guerrilla fan translation, language learning, and metalinguistic discussion in a Catalan-speaking community of gamers

ReCALL ◽  
2020 ◽  
pp. 1-18
Author(s):  
Boris Vazquez-Calvo
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Cultural Production ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
Computer Assisted Language Learning ◽  
New Members ◽  
Fertile Ground ◽  
Language Classrooms ◽  
Learning Language ◽  
Effective Integration

Abstract Driven by their affinity to popular culture, fans frequently engage in linguistic practices that may be conducive to language learning. This study seeks to find out how a group of Catalan-speaking gamers decided to start producing fan translations of video games from English into Catalan. Based on a digital ethnography (online interviews and observation of the group’s activity), two types of analysis were conducted: a content analysis for recurrent trends and a focused analysis of internal metalinguistic discussions on the quality of translations. Results indicate that fan translators (1) organize hierarchically with set roles and functions, (2) curate their group identity and care for the promotion of Catalan as a vehicle for cultural production, (3) learn language incidentally in three ways: while translating (ensuring the comprehension of English and the linguistic quality and creativity of the transfer into Catalan), through sharing language doubts with their peers on their Telegram group and dialogically agreeing on pragmatically acceptable English-Catalan translations, and through metalinguistic discussions on translation tests received from potential new members. The study resonates with a novel subfield in computer-assisted language learning: language learning in the digital wilds, which might be fertile ground for studies on incidental and informal language learning online. The study may also serve as inspiration for effective integration of translation into language classrooms in a manner that bridges vernacular fan translation and pedagogic translation, considering the importance of metalinguistic discussion for language learning and the sociocultural dimension of both translation and language learning.

scholarly journals The Effect of Computer-assisted Language Learning (CALL) on Immediate and Delayed Retention of Vocabularies in General English Course

2017 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 231
Author(s):  
Mozhgan Sedaghatkar
Keyword(s):  
University Students ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Language Learners ◽  
Language Teaching ◽  
Vocabulary Learning ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
Computer Assisted Language Learning ◽  
Vocabulary Test ◽  
New Words ◽  
Significant Difference

Vocabulary learning is essential for language acquisition; however, it is considered problematic for the second language learners. As a teacher of General English Course, I witness majority of students state that "It’s difficult for me to remember long words", "I rapidly forget new words", "I frequently repeat words", etc. As a matter of fact, learning vocabulary is one of the most boring tasks that language learners face with. Hence, different ways have been tried towards making vocabulary learning easier. In this regard, recent years have shown an interest in using computers for foreign language teaching and learning. A previous decade, the use of computers in the language classroom was of concern only to a small number of specialists. However, with the introduction of multimedia computing and the Internet, the role of computers in language teaching has now become a key issue that great numbers of language teachers throughout the world face with. In this regard, the present study sought to investigate the effect of computer assisted language learning (CALL) on immediate and delayed retention of vocabularies among Iranian university students in General English Course. In this regard, 58 students from Payam Noor University of Aradan and Garmsar, Iran, were selected at random on the basis of Nelson test and then were divided into experimental and control groups each one including 29 students. A vocabulary test (as a pretest) was administered to the subjects in both groups. The goal was to check what words were unknown to the subjects in both groups. After the administration of the vocabulary test, about 21 words out of 114 new words were omitted since these words were known to the subjects in both groups. During the study, the researcher taught each group in 3 sessions (each session 90 minutes). After completion of each session, both groups were assessed through an immediate posttest. The subjects were also assessed for delayed posttest one month after teaching sessions (posttest 2). The results obtained throughout the study indicated that there was a significant difference between CALL users and nonusers in favor of the experimental group (p<0.05). It was also concluded that the university students had a positive attitude toward using CALL for learning vocabulary. In light of the findings of the study, the effectiveness of CALL on immediate and delayed retention of vocabularies was approved. 

scholarly journals Assessing the quality of TTS audio in the LARA learning-by-reading platform

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-5
Author(s):  
Elham Akhlaghi ◽  
Anna Bączkowska ◽  
Harald Berthelsen ◽  
Branislav Bédi ◽  
Cathy Chua ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Open Source ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
Computer Assisted Language Learning ◽  
Text To Speech ◽  
Human Voice ◽  
L2 Learning ◽  
Learning By Reading

A popular idea in Computer Assisted Language Learning (CALL) is to use multimodal annotated texts, with annotations typically including embedded audio and translations, to support L2 learning through reading. An important question is how to create the audio, which can be done either through human recording or by a Text-To-Speech (TTS) synthesis engine. We may reasonably expect TTS to be quicker and easier, but humans to be of higher quality. Here, we report a study using the open-source LARA platform and ten languages. Samples of LARA audio totaling about three and a half minutes were provided for each language in both human and TTS form; subjects used a web form to compare different versions of the same item and rate the voices as a whole. Although human voice was more often preferred, TTS achieved higher ratings in some languages and was close in others.

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