Abstract
When it comes to language learning, vocabulary learning is the main activity focused on. Vocabulary learning is the main problem and also the goal of new language learners. It is one of the major problems that language learners encounter during learning a new language. Krashen (1989) (cited in Tokac, 2005) points out the role of vocabulary in a language by stating that most of the meaning in a language is carried by words. This is why people visiting a foreign country prefer to take their dictionaries with them rather than grammar books. And on the other hand, nowadays everything is connected to technology and language learning and teaching is not an exception. As Stockwell (2007) cites, vocabulary has been one of the most commonly taught language areas through technology in recent years. Integration of computer and second/foreign language teaching is admired by many researchers. It is clear that technology can help enhance the degree of vocabulary learning, but the point is that which computer assisted vocabulary learning can work better and would be more efficient? In this paper we will discuss and analyze the usage of two kinds of different ways of using technology and see which of the methods will work better. A comparison between vocabulary software flashcard and word clouds (Wordle) on vocabulary learning (retention) will be compared by the researcher. We will see that using which method will encourage learners more and they will do better with which kind of using technology? The study is carried out in Iran on 44 English learners. The result is really surprising. Both of the groups were interested in technology, but one group did really better. Keywords: CALL, CAVL, Software flashcard, Word Clouds, Wordle, Vocabulary learning
Highlights
The importance of vocabulary learning is undeniable
As cited in Eslahcar and Khodareza (2012) vocabulary learning is at the heart of language learning and language use
Integration of computer and second/foreign language teaching is admired by Chapelle (2005). in his article “computerassisted teaching and testing”, he states that these changes in Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) and Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL) were promoted by computer technology in different subjects like: materials development, teaching methodology, classroom research, program evaluation, diffusion or innovation and teacher education
Summary
The importance of vocabulary learning is undeniable. The need for sustained vocabulary learning is clear. Allen (1983) emphasizes the importance of vocabulary learning in ESL He asserts that ESL teachers know thousands of words that speakers and writers of English use and mentions “the need to vocabulary” as a point on which teachers and students agree! By stating that most of the meaning in a language is carried by words, Krashen (1989) points out the role of vocabulary in a language (cited in Tokac, 2005) This is why people visiting a foreign country prefer to take their dictionaries with them rather than grammar books. Zygadlo (2007) explains that it is impossible to conduct a message or communicate in English by those who may know some grammar, but their vocabulary knowledge needs to be enriched. Inability to make appropriate choice regarding what type of vocabulary learning strategy they should adopt in their learning process is one of the major problems that the majority of language learners encounter in initial stages of language learning (Baleghizadeh & Ashoori, 2011)
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