Computer-assisted Language Learning Research Articles

USE OF MODERN TECHNOLOGIES IN THE DEVELOPMENT PROCESS OF MOBILE APPLICATIONS IN THE E-COMMERCE

The article provides a detailed analysis of the application of information technologies and the possibilities of their effective use in the e-commerce market. The main technologies for the development of mobile applications based on the Android operating system, relevant software environments and programming languages ​​are considered. Possible scenarios for the use of programs are formed, taking into account their functionality. The analysis of native and cross-platform approaches to mobile application development was carried out.

The Positive Perceptions of Technology Utilization in EFL Vocational High School Classroom From In-service and Pre-service Teachers

This study describes and compares in-service and pre-service teachers’ perception and utilization of technology in the form of computer-assisted language learning (CALL) and mobile-assisted language learning (MALL) in English as a Foreign Language (EFL) Vocational High School Classroom. This research was conducted at one of the vocational high schools in Surakarta and accommodated a multiple case study. The data of the research was obtained through document analyses, interviews, and observations. This study accommodated interactive model data analysis. The findings of this study revealed that teachers show positive and negative views on technology usage in the classroom. The positive themes found in the study are familiarity, ease of use, ease of access, interest in use, and provision of various options and qualified sources while the negative themes were mostly technical problems. This study also revealed that both groups of teachers utilized technology for three main themes: (1) presenting, (2) assisting, and (3) assessing. The differences in terms of perception and utilization of technology usage between both groups teachers were revealed to be small. To conclude, while both groups hold positive views, the actual utilization of technology is still limited so that teachers should explore more on technology usage for future implementation. Keywords: CALL, EFL, MALL, Perception, Teacher

Nexus of essay writing and computer-assisted language learning (CALL) in English language classroom

Purpose This study aims to explore computer-assisted language learning (CALL) activities to improve the English essay writing of Pakistani university students. It highlights the role of CALL in the language proficiency model cognitive academic language proficiency (CALP), which can enable second language learners to engage in more critical thinking skills effectively. Furthermore, it aims to explore English language teachers’ experience about the use of CALL-based activities in English language classrooms or labs. Design/methodology/approach This study followed a pre-post study design to examine whether the structure of an essay and computer-based activities helped to improve English language proficiency among non-native speakers. This design is adopted to investigate the effects of CALL activities on students’ English essays. This study used data from 198 students and after this, four English teachers were interviewed to know their opinions and observations about these CALL-based activities and students’ essay writings. Pre- and post-test data was analysed in percentages and further examined through a t-test. The findings of teachers’ interviews were further analysed through Nvivo software to develop an understanding of research questions through significant themes. Findings The pre-test results confirmed that students’ language proficiency is underdeveloped and informal. Students needed help constructing introductory paragraphs with the reader’s hook, background information, three-point thesis statement and transitional hook. Whereas, post-test results showed that students’ English language proficiency in essay writing was found improved with the use of technological tools and CALL-based activities. Furthermore, it was observed that structure and teacher feedback in essay writing are vital for English proficiency. Originality/value This study benefits English language teachers, administrators, language policymakers and syllabus designers at colleges and universities. The debate over how to improve English language proficiency and academic achievement presents diverse challenges across several countries. Non-native speakers, at an undergraduate level, can significantly improve academically and become proficient in English essay writing with the help of structural guidelines and the use of educational technology. This article demonstrates a two-way process to improve an objective definition of English language development, which is conceivable if the technology is adopted.

Significance of Listening Skills in Enhancing the Communication Skills

The acquisition of any kind of knowledge is dependent on the learners' capacity to listen. Active listening is crucial for effective communication and achieving academic excellence. Students may improve their communication abilities by developing their listening skills. Despite its significance, hearing has been neglected in the realms of second language acquisition, research, instruction, and evaluation. This research aims to investigate the importance of listening skills in improving communication abilities. Learners who possess high listening skills have the potential to acquire proficient communication abilities. Engaging in activities such as listening to music, viewing English movies, and attending English language classes has been shown to enhance students' listening abilities. This research demonstrates the efficacy of Computer Assisted Language Learning in enhancing students' listening abilities. Acquiring listening skills enables pupils to enhance their communication abilities.

Measuring the linguistic similarity of discourse from open-world role-playing games to the real world through an additive multidimensional analysis

Abstract Digital games can provide rich sources of second language (L2) input; however, the extent to which gaming discourse is similar to real-world discourse has been a topic of debate in the computer-assisted language learning community. To quantitatively measure the extent to which gaming discourse shares linguistic similarity with real-world discourse, this study reports the findings of an additive multidimensional (MD) analysis comparing registers in open-world role-playing games to real-world registers using Biber’s (1988) Dimension 1: ‘Involved versus Informational Production.’ Results indicate that gaming discourse provides extensive language exposure that shares much linguistic similarity across a wide range of real-world contexts. Importantly, however, these similarities only become salient when the situational characteristics of gaming discourse are considered and parsed appropriately into register categories.

Exploring the Dual Potential of Artificial Intelligence-Generated Content in the Esthetic Reproduction and Sustainable Innovative Design of Ming-Style Furniture

The present research aims to explore the dual potential of artificial intelligence-generated content (AIGC) technology in the esthetic reproduction of Ming-style furniture and its innovative design while promoting sustainable practices and cultural heritage preservation. For this purpose, a combination of methodologies integrating the principles of grounded theory, empirical research, sustainable design, and design practice and evaluation techniques is employed. The results are as follows: First, the three-level coding method in grounded theory is used to construct a multi-dimensional esthetic feature library of Ming-style furniture, including 6 esthetic feature dimensions and 102 groups of esthetic elements. Second, a set of databases specifically for Ming-style furniture is developed based on the Midjourney platform. The AIGC exclusive toolkit for furniture (MFMP) contains a language package of 61 keywords and a basic formula for Ming-style furniture design. The MFMP toolkit accurately reproduces Ming-style furniture esthetics through empirical validation. Finally, combined with sustainable design principles, a new path is explored in order to utilize the MFMP toolkit for the sustainable and innovative design of new Chinese-style furniture. The research results demonstrate that AIGC enhances traditional and modern furniture design, offering tools for industry growth in a sustainable way and preserving cultural heritage.

Regulatory network analysis based on integrated miRNA-TF reveals key genes in heart failure

The etiology and pathophysiology of heart failure are still unknown. Increasing evidence suggests that abnormal microRNAs (miRNAs) and transcription factors (TFs) expression may be associated with the development of heart failure. Therefore, this study aims to explore key miRNAs, TFs, and related genes in heart failure to gain a greater understanding of the pathogenesis of heart failure. To search and download the dataset of mRNA chips related to heart failure from the GEO database (GSE59867, GSE9128, and GSE134766), we analyzed differential genes and screened the common differentially expressed genes on two chips using R language software. The binary interactions and circuits among miRNAs, TFs, and corresponding genes were determined by Pearson correlation coefficient. A regulatory network of miRNAs, TFs, and target genes was constructed based on bioinformatics. By comparing the sequences of patients with and without heart failure, five downregulated genes with hypermethylated mRNA and three upregulated genes with hypomethylated mRNA were identified. The miRNA-TF gene regulatory network consisted of 26 miRNAs, 22 TFs and six genes. GO and KEGG analysis results revealed that BP terms like cellular response to organic substance, cellular response to cytokine stimulus, and KEGG pathways like osteoclast differentiation, MAPK signaling pathway, and legionellosis were enriched of the DEGs. TMEM87A, PPP2R2A, DUSP1, and miR-92a have great potential as biomarkers for heart failure. The integrated analysis of the mRNA expression spectrum and microRNA-transcription factor-gene revealed the regulatory network of heart failure, which may provide clues to its alternative treatment.

Smart Operation Control of Power and Heat Demands in Active Distribution Grids Leveraging Energy Flexibility

Demand flexibility plays a crucial role in mitigating the intermittency of renewable power sources. This paper focuses on an active distribution grid that incorporates flexible heat and electric demands, specifically heat pumps (HPs) and electric vehicles (EVs). Additionally, it addresses photovoltaic (PV) power generation facilities and electrical batteries to enhance demand flexibility. To exploit demand flexibility from both heat and electric demand, along with the integration of PVs and batteries, Control and Communication Mechanisms (CCMs) are formulated. These CCMs integrate demand flexibility into the distribution grids to obtain economic benefits for private households and, at the same time, facilitate voltage control. Concerning EVs, the paper discusses voltage-based droop control, scheduled charging, priority charging, and up-/down-power regulation to optimize the charging and discharging operations. For heat demands, the on-off operation of the HPs integrated with phase change material (PCM) storage is optimized to unlock heat-to-power flexibility. The HP controllers aim to ensure as much self-consumption as possible and provide voltage support for the distribution grid while ensuring the thermal comfort of residents. Finally, the developed CCMs are implemented on a small and representative community of an active distribution grid with eight houses using Power Factory software and DIgSILENT simulation language (DSL). This scalable size of the active distribution network facilitates the careful study of symbiotic interaction among the flexible load, generation, and different houses thoroughly. The simulation results confirm that the integration of flexible demands into the grid using the designed CCMs results in the grid benefiting from stabilized voltage control, especially during peak demand hours.

A Concrete Syntax Transformation Approach for Software Language Processing

In this paper we present an approach for software language processing tasks such as code generation, reverse-engineering and refactoring, based upon text-to-text (T2T) transformations expressed using the concrete syntax of the source and target software languages. The goal of the approach is to provide simpler and more usable techniques for specifying such tasks, compared to model-to-model (M2M) or model-to-text (M2T) transformation approaches. We evaluate the approach on language processing tasks of domain-specific language (DSL) tool support, software abstraction, model transformation, reverse engineering and program translation, and show that it can be effective for these tasks.

Multimedia glosses and second language vocabulary learning: A second-round meta-analysis

The use of glosses to aid vocabulary learning in second languages has been one of the most actively studied areas in computer-assisted language learning (CALL) literature. To compile research articles that examine the effect of utilizing glosses on second language (L2) vocabulary learning, the present study employed a second-order meta-analysis technique. The second-order meta-analysis is a study that synthesizes and analyzes the findings of multiple meta-analyses rather than individual primary studies, providing a higher level of abstraction and overview of existing evidence. The study synthesizes the results from seven primary meta-analyses conducted between 2008 and 2023, which included 136 original studies. Results showed that the overall mean effect size for using glosses was medium (g = 0.63 for the fixed-effect size model and 0.76 for the random-effect size model). The results showed that moderators had a significantly mitigated the effects of multimedia glosses. In particular, beginner-level students benefited greatly from being exposed to multimedia glosses, resulting in a large effect size. Additionally, the recognition test tended to produce a higher effect size compared to other types of vocabulary tests. Furthermore, glossing was found to be more effective in improving vocabulary acquisition in expository texts rather than narrative texts. Moreover, single-mode glosses were reported to be more effective than multi-mode glosses. The findings indicated that in-text glosses, out-text glosses, and bottom glosses exhibited a small effect size, whereas pop-up and margin glosses demonstrated a medium effect size. Implications for language learning and suggestions for future meta-analytic research are provided.

Navigating linguacultures through fanfiction: unveiling opportunities and challenges in the Chilean EFL school context

Recently, fanfiction has gained attention in the field of computer-assisted language learning (CALL) as it provides space for language practice to facilitate genre-based writing and literacy development. However, there is limited research on using fanfiction as a pedagogical tool to encourage both language and culture learning in diverse foreign language (FL) school contexts. To address this gap, this article presents a pedagogical innovation that aligns fanfiction with a linguacultural (LC) framework to involve students in collaborative, technology-enhanced LC learning. The study involved 15 EFL school teachers in Chile who participated in a workshop on LC-based fanfiction project design. Data collected included teachers’ project plans and reflective journals. Analysis of teachers’ project plans identified creative opportunities for bi-linguacultural practice, online exchange, and identity reflection. Triangulation with teachers’ reflective journals revealed the benefits of fanfiction for enhancing student engagement, language creativity, cultural awareness, and use of information communication technologies (ICTs). However, challenges were identified, ranging from student-related issues to the complexities of remote teaching in rural areas. This study emphasizes the significance of exploring pedagogical innovations in diverse FL contexts, to identify and challenge the contextualized barriers hindering successful integration of language, culture, and technology in the classroom.

Exploring the role of personal quantification in alleviating generalized anxiety disorder among Chinese PhD students: A cross-sectional study.

Personal quantification plays a crucial role in preserving individual mental health. However, in previous research, its effectiveness in alleviating generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) has not been conclusively established. This study explores the impact of personal quantification on GAD among PhD students. The research data was obtained through questionnaires distributed to 308 PhD students across universities in China. Among these students, 118 anxiety-free participants were excluded, yielding valuable data from 190 students with GADs. We employed Python programming language and SPSS software for the empirical analysis. The results illustrated that personal quantification significantly and negatively impacted GAD (β = -0.148, P = .002), concurrently producing a significantly positive effect on self-efficacy (β = 0.359, P < .001). Further analysis showed that through 5000 sampling iterations and a 95% confidence level, self-efficacy significantly reduced certain symptoms of GAD (β = -0.1183; P = .026; 95% Cl: -0.2222 to -0.0144). Moreover, when the coefficient of self-efficacy was significantly negative, the impact of personal quantification on GAD remained statistically significant (β = -0.1056; P = .033; 95% Cl: -0.2025 to -0.0087). The findings indicated that personal quantification has a significant role in alleviating GAD among PhD students, which is partly mediated through self-efficacy. This study contributes valuable insights to the nonpharmacological alleviation of GAD in Chinese PhD students.

Student-teachers’ professional agency development through ADDIE model of CALL teacher preparation

Developing teachers’ professional agency through standard models of instructional designs is critical in helping them deal with the barriers in designing and implementing online learning environments. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to explore the role of an ADDIE (Analysis–Design–Development–Implementation–Evaluation) model of the computer-assisted language learning (CALL) teacher preparation program (TPP) in developing TEFL (teaching English as a foreign language) student-teachers’ professional agency (PA). We conducted an instrumental (exploratory) case study to explore the PA development of 18 TEFL student-teachers who took a CALL course that was designed based on ADDIE. The deductive thematic analysis of student-teachers’ autobiographical narratives, unstructured interviews, and course projects showed that each stage of ADDIE contributed to developing the dimensions of the PA. We concluded that the constructive role of the ADDIE model of CALL TPP in developing TEFL student-teachers’ PA might be due to ADDIE’s capability to construct a context for developing student-teachers’ dynamic capacity to tackle educational concerns and provide a context of playing different professional roles. The study bears implications for TEFL teacher educators to consider the action-based nature of PA when the ADDIE model is implemented.

Methodological characteristics in technology-mediated task-based language teaching research: Current practices and future directions

Abstract In the past two decades, the synergistic relationship among task-based language teaching (TBLT), instructed second language acquisition, and computer-assisted language learning has gained increasing interest.Technology-mediated TBLT combines these three research domains by integrating the use of technology with task-based approaches for second language (L2) learning purposes. Since the emergence of this framework, empirical studies have increasingly explored the incorporation of tasks with technology-mediated settings for L2 learning and teaching purposes. To understand the methodological characteristics of technology-mediated TBLT research to date, we conducted a systematic search and reviewed 254 technology-mediated TBLT studies published between 2000 and 2022 in peer-reviewed journals and book chapters. These studies were coded for methodological features, research foci, and types of technology. We further examined the role of technologies in task performance to identify their effectiveness in creating authentic tasks. The findings revealed that technology-mediated TBLT research investigated a rather limited scope of contexts, learner groups, and linguistic features, with little attention paid to evaluating the quality of task outcomes. The types of technology used were skewed toward computer-mediated communication. The results also showed that studies examined various interactional features, and the majority reported both quantitative and qualitative data. Furthermore, technologies were integrated into task design to create meaningful language use contexts. Based on these findings, we share suggestions for future technology-mediated TBLT research.

SMS based reservoir condition monitoring sensor system for pumped hydro storage in mini-grids

Solar mini-grids are a cost-effective and efficient method of improving energy access in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in low-income communities. However, conventional battery storage systems have reduced the affordability of solar mini-grid-generated electricity, necessitating the development of alternative energy storage systems such as pumped hydro storage to replace lithium-ion batteries. This paper introduces a model for an SMS-based fluid parameter monitoring system to provide visibility of reservoir conditions during peak and off-peak periods. The model uses hardware such as voltage regulators, sensors, microcontrollers, and C- programming language software. Sensors monitor various parameters in the reservoir and penstock, transmitting signals to a microcontroller for analysis. The results are relayed to a display unit and personnel's mobile phones for alert notifications, ensuring precise and accurate reporting. Simulation results show the reliability of the design to monitor water levels, water temperature, flow rate, and transmission through SMS to mobile devices for timely reporting. The paper recommends the development and commercialization of this model for larger applications, such as monitoring dams for irrigation and power generation.

Optimization Through Artificial Neural Network and Compare with Response Surface Methodology for Multiples Yield

Cotton slub yarn is widely used in denomination and any other casual, physical and mechanical Conditions. The data for the underlying purpose was collected from the Department of Polymer Engineering, National Textile University, and Faisalabad. R-Programming language software is used for analysis. The output of cotton depends on several factors whose cumulative influence on Process efficiency has a direct influence. The purpose of the research was to optimize the 100% cotton slub yarn model (slub length, slub thickness, pause length and linear density) for multiples yield (elongation, imperfection, strength, coefficient of mass variation and hairiness) as Optimizing is a way of identifying and enhancing the performance of the constructed framework by assessing a set of quality parameters, such as process efficiency using two methods response- surface methodology (RSM) and artificial neural network (ANN) and the results are compared using mean square error (MSE). Furthermore, coefficients of determination () and the mean square error root (RMSE) are used for greater accuracy. However, the ANN has consistently performed better than the RSM in all the aspects. The final selected ANN model was able to simultaneously predict the five output parameters with an RMSE of 0.229.

Predicting the Potential Risk Area of the Invasive Plant Galinsoga parviflora in Tibet Using the MaxEnt Model

The Tibetan plateau, with complex and diverse ecosystems, is an important ecological security barrier to China. However, climate change and the spread of invasive plant species have imperiled the once pristine and diverse ecosystem of the region. To prevent the further spread and control of invasive plants, it is important to delineate the potential distribution patterns of alien invasive plants at the regional scale across Tibet and understand their responses to climate change. Galinsoga parviflora Cav., a member of the family Asteraceae, is an annual herbaceous plant distributed globally as an invasive weed and possesses characteristics that make it highly invasive, such as a strong ability to proliferate and disperse. The species is also known to have an allelopathic effect. There has been no report on the spatial distribution of G. parviflora in Tibet. Using field survey data, we investigated the risk of G. parviflora invasion and its impacts on the ecological safety of Tibet. We employed the MaxEnt model using the R language and SPSS software to optimize and select model parameters and data. We acquired various environmental variables along with current and future climate change scenarios (two carbon emission scenarios, SSP126 and SSP585, for the years 2050 and 2090) to predict the geographic distribution and potential risk areas in Tibet that G. parviflora can invade. The MaxEnt model accurately predicted the distribution of G. parviflora in Tibet with an average AUC of 0.985. The most suitable environmental conditions in which G. parviflora performed the best in Tibet included a mean annual temperature of 6.2–10.0 °C and an elevation range of 2672–3744 m above sea level. Our results indicate that low precipitation during the coldest quarter of the year (mean temperature −2–3 °C) was the most important variable predicting G. parviflora distribution. The results also showed that the species was hardly found when precipitation in the coldest quarter exceeded 155 mm. The current potential invasion risk areas for G. parviflora included the river valleys of central, southeastern, and eastern Tibet. With future climate change scenarios (i.e., SSP126, SSP585), the suitable habitats for G. parviflora distribution will likely shift to northwest regions from the southeast. Particularly under the highest carbon emission scenario (i.e., SSP585), the potential risk area expands more rapidly, and the center of distribution shifts to northwest regions. These findings provide useful information about the current and future changes in G. parviflora distribution in Tibet, which is crucial for the comprehensive and proactive management and control of G. parviflora under future climate change.

Effect of Mobile Assisted Language Learning (MALL) Attitude and Practices in University Students

This study explores how technology, particularly mobile devices, is changing the landscape of foreign language learning. Traditionally, foreign language education relied on various methods and techniques, but the rise of technology and changing teacher attitudes have paved the way for innovative approaches. Mobile Assisted Language Learning (MALL) represents the latest evolution, following the earlier Computer Assisted Language Learning (CALL) approach. This research investigates the impact of MALL on student attitudes and practices in foreign language learning. The mixed study involved 40 university students from various majors. Data was collected through a 5-point Likert scale survey and follow-up semi structured interviews with some volunteers. The findings revealed a strong belief among students that mobile devices are highly effective for language learning. Students highlighted the advantage of instant access to target language input through mobile tools. Overall, participants' high mobile phone use, media preferences, and frequency of mobile phone usage all pointed towards a positive attitude towards the role of mobile phones in their foreign language development. The findings of this study extend beyond the immediate research and can be applied by future researchers, teachers, parents, and others interested in language learning.

Teaching and Learning English in the Digital Era: Opportunities and Challenges

This paper examines the opportunities, challenges, and perspectives of teaching and learning English in the digital era. With the rapid advancement of technology and its integration into educational settings, English language instruction has experienced significant transformations. The paper explores the potential benefits of digital tools and platforms in language learning while also addressing the challenges in the digital language classroom. Based on a review of previous studies and a comprehensive analysis, it further discusses the evolving roles of teachers and learners in this digital landscape and presents strategies for effective implementation and utilization of technology in English language education. The findings offer to share expertise, disseminate the lessons learned, and recommend best practices collected from scholarship. Sustainable solutions to specific problems and perspectives to cope with future challenges have been proposed with the recommendation of effective systems such as Computer Assisted Language Learning (CALL), Mobile Phone Assisted Language Learning (MPALL) and other sophisticated tools that fit some specific situations.

Hey &lt;i&gt;Google&lt;/i&gt;, Let’s Write

Writing involves more than attention to form (e.g., orthography, grammar), since it requires attention to text type, content, and genre. However, most students of English as a second language (L2) tend to prioritize linguistic accuracy in their writing, to the detriment of the content of their texts. Automatic speech recognition (ASR) has the potential to mitigate this, as it reduces the cognitive burden of writing by facilitating the text input process (using a skill most humans possess—speaking), offering assistance in spelling, and allowing a focus on other aspects of the task (e.g., cohesion, content). Automatic speech recognition is not only accessible and free, but it also fulfills Chapelle’s (2001) criteria of an effective computer-assisted language learning tool (e.g., authenticity, learner fit). Despite these affordances, there is a dearth of studies examining the possible affordances of ASR for writing. This mixed methods, one-shot study examines L2 writers’ perceptions of using ASR to write using the technology acceptance model (TAM). Seventeen (N = 17) undergraduate students at a Canadian university were provided with training on Google Voice Typing (Google Docs) and carried out a series of ASR-based writing tasks over a two-hour period. In order to measure their perceptions of the target criteria, participants filled in a TAM-informed survey consisting of statements about their experience with ASR scored on a 7-point Likert scale. To further explore the participants’ perceptions, semi-structured interviews followed. Findings indicate positive perceptions of ASR’s usefulness in terms of language learning and its ease of use due to the user-friendly voice commands. This suggests that ASR has pedagogical potential, thus requiring further examination to determine its optimal use for L2 writing.