Computer-assisted Language Learning Research Articles

The use of information technology for analysis and prediction of climate changes

The article provides a brief overview of the issue of global warming and the factors that influencing climate change. The relevance of the research lies in the need for a comprehensive analysis of climate data and prediction of further trends, both in the short term and the long term, as climate affects evolutionary processes, biosphere balance, the availability of resources essential for the functioning of the technosphere, the amount of primary production produced by producers, all of which collectively ensure the existence of human civilization. Significant fluctuations in the climate, both towards warming and cooling, can disrupt stability and lead to the destruction of the technosphere, economic and social upheavals. The research is based on previous studies conducted using data from 1 100 meteorological stations in Australia, which showed the need to revise the approach to grouping monitoring stations: trends in average temperature changes across the continent, and monitoring stations grouped according to their distance from the coast, showed a general synchronicity of warming and cooling periods, but different dynamic patterns in recent decades. It was decided to study the climate data of one state (Victoria) and compare the results with previous studies. Python programming language packages were used for data processing, analysis, visualization, and forecasting. Data from two monitoring stations in cities located in the south and north of the state were separately analyzed, showing a general trend of slight warming. The trend in temperature changes in the state showed a pattern different from the continental dynamics obtained in previous studies, which confirmed the validity of the chosen approach to studying the climate on the continent. Based on the information obtained, the average temperature was predicted for both the entire state and selected cities.

Adopting Gartner’s hype cycles to investigate the lifespan of computer assisted language learning from EFL learners' perspectives

It is crucial to study how L2 learners use technology when examining the lifespan technology in L2 pedagogy. Therefore, we adopted Gartner’s hype cycles to investigate the lifespan of CALL from the perspectives of EFL learners. To this end, we utilized an explanatory narrative design and gathered and analysed the perspectives of 87 EFL learners regarding the CALL lifespan using autobiographical narratives and semi-structured interviews. The results of the deductive thematic analysis presented motivating and demotivating factors that were asserted to affect EFL learners’ uptake of CALL technologies. Moreover, the findings revealed that EFL learners had fallacies about CALL in the first stages of using technology for L2 learning and tended to reduce those fallacies later on. Therefore, it can be concluded that EFL learners start their use of CALL with some misconceptions stemming from the motivating factors of CALL, continue their use of CALL by facing some demotivating factors originating from fallacies about CALL that they have already committed, and finalise their use of CALL by exploring about CALL features that help them avoid their fallacies. The study has implications to shorten the time of reaching the awareness zone by the L2 learners.

Using model-driven engineering to automate software language translation

The porting or translation of software applications from one programming language to another is a common requirement of organisations that utilise software, and the increasing number and diversity of programming languages makes this capability as relevant today as in previous decades. Several approaches have been used to address this challenge, including machine learning and the manual definition of direct language-to-language translation rules, however the accuracy of these approaches remains unsatisfactory. In this paper we describe a new approach to program translation using model-driven engineering techniques: reverse-engineering source programs into specifications in the UML and OCL formalisms, and then forward-engineering the specifications to the required target language. This approach can provide assurance of semantic preservation, and additionally has the advantage of extracting precise specifications of software from code. We provide an evaluation based on a comprehensive dataset of examples, including industrial cases, and compare our results to those of other approaches and tools. Our specific contributions are: (1) Reverse-engineering source programs to detailed semantic models of software behaviour, to enable semantically-correct translations and reduce re-testing costs; (2) Program abstraction processes defined by precise and explicit rules, which can be edited and configured by users; (3) A set of reusable OCL library components appropriate for representing program semantics, and which can also be used for OCL specification of new applications; (4) A systematic procedure for building program abstractors based on language grammars and semantics.

Research on the mechanism of Angelicae dahurica in treating viral pneumonia based on network pharmacology

Objective: Network pharmacology was used to investigate the mechanism of Angelica dahurica in the treatment of viral pneumonia. Methods: The active components and their targets of Angelica dahurica were searched in systematic pharmacology database and analysis platform of Traditional Chinese Medicine, and then the targets were converted to gene names in UniProt database. After that, the related targets of viral pneumonia were searched by GeneCards database. The application of Venny 2.1 database could construct the "active components key targets" network. Cytoscape 3.7.0 software was used to construct the " Angelica dahurica-active components-viral pneumonia-targets" interaction network. After acquiring four overlapping target genes, it is crucial to utilize the STRING database to get the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network. The Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis of core target genes were performed by using R language software for the intersection of drug action targets and disease targets. Results: In total, six effective active components were obtained by searching, including beta-sitosterol, sitosterol, kaempferol, stigmasterol, luteolin and quercetin. The PPI network was made by taking the four key target proteins after intersection. The biological functions involved in GO enrichment analysis include maturation of proteins, response to oxygen levels, regulation of mitochondrial outer membrane permeability in apoptotic signaling pathways, and response to decreased oxygen levels, etc. The biological pathways and biological processes involved in KEGG incorporate Apoptosis - multiple species, Platinum drug resistance, p53 signaling pathway, and Toxoplasmosis, etc. Conclusions: These findings will provide insights into Angelicae dahurica treatment for viral pneumonia.

The Impact of Computer-Assisted Language Learning (CALL) on Iranian EFL Learners' Vocabulary Learning: A Comparison of Traditional and CALL-based Instruction

The Impact of Computer-Assisted Language Learning (CALL) on Iranian EFL Learners' Vocabulary Learning: A Comparison of Traditional and CALL-based Instruction

Can didactic audiovisual translation enhance intercultural learning through CALL? Validity and reliability of a students’ questionnaire

PurposeThis study aims to delve into the interplay between didactic audiovisual translation (DAT) and computer-assisted language learning (CALL), exploring their combined impact on the development of intercultural competence (IC) among learners of English as a foreign language (EFL).Design/methodology/approachUsing a quasi-experimental approach with a quantitative research design, the study analyses the outcomes of a questionnaire answered by 147 students across 15 language centres in Spanish Universities. These participants actively engaged in completing the lesson plans of the Traducción audiovisual como recurso didáctico en el aprendizaje de lenguas extranjeras project, a Spanish-Government funded research initiative aimed at assessing the effects of DAT on language learning.FindingsThe current study confirms the reliability of the instrument developed to measure students’ perceived improvement. Beyond validating the research tool, the findings of the current study confirm the significant improvement in intercultural learning achieved through DAT, effectively enhancing students’ motivation to engage in language learning.Research limitations/implicationsThe current research solely examines students enrolled in higher education language centres. This paper closes with a CALL for additional research, including participants from other educational stages, such as primary or secondary education. In the broader context of CALL research, this study serves as a valuable contribution by exploring the potential of DAT in fostering IC in EFL settings.Originality/valueThis research confirms the potential of DAT and CALL to promote students’ learning process, as the combination of these approaches not only yields linguistic benefits but also intercultural learning.

An FPGA‐based tool for supporting the design, modeling, and evaluation of hybrid object recognition systems on computer engineering courses

AbstractThe field of computer vision is characterized by computationally intensive algorithms and techniques with strict real‐time requirements. Field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) are based on a concurrent paradigm which allows the design of efficient hardware architectures and has positioned FPGAs as an ideal device for implementing compute‐intensive applications. For this reason, FPGA technology has had a great impact in areas such as computer vision, where one of the main objectives for researchers working in this field is to create efficient automatic object recognition systems. Therefore, the need to provide undergraduates with the necessary skills to design FPGA‐based object recognition systems is evident. With this aim in mind, it is essential that specialization courses related to the design of these systems include the required resources for the student to apply the theoretical knowledge in solving practical problems. In this article, we present a development tool designed to help students, teachers, and researchers during the design‐modeling‐implementation process of object recognition systems based on FPGAs. The proposed tool operates under a modular approach as this facilitates the working on any of the phases of a recognition system and it is considered as a hybrid because the other phases can be developed using a software language. An empirical evaluation involving undergraduates enrolled in a Computer Engineering program was conducted to create a hardware architecture for the DAISY descriptor that uses the homogeneous features of objects immersed in images to produce an efficient representation. By considering similar descriptors such as Scale‐Invariant Feature Transform (SIFT) and Histogram of Oriented Gradients (HOG), DAISY is computed by convolving orientation maps instead of using weighted sums of gradient norms, which offers the same kind of invariance at a lower computational cost for the dense case. The results obtained during such an evaluation indicated that students consider this FPGA‐based tool to be an alternative to receiving practical training on designing systems for solving problems related to the area of object recognition.

Technology-mediated task-based language teaching: a CALL evaluation framework and its pedagogical implications

This paper proposes an updated framework for the evaluation of the computer-assisted language learning (CALL) framework, further developed from Chapelle (2001) and González-Lloret and Ortega (2014). Based on a review of prominent previous CALL evaluation frameworks, an exploration of relevant literature in formal evaluation and my own first-hand practical experience, 1 this paper provides an updated computer-mediated task evaluation framework to aid student language learning. The current paper makes use of a hybrid evaluation framework drawing from Chapelle (2001) and González-Lloret and Ortega (2014), identifying and addressing gaps in their frameworks. The proposed CALL framework is based on nine criteria: primary focus on meaning, goal-orientation, learner autonomy, affective dimension, authenticity, reflective learning, learner fit, positive impact, and practicality. The chosen criteria permit the elaboration of an evaluation framework that takes recent research findings on best practices in the design of CALL tasks into account. This paper provides a detailed explanation of the proposed CALL evaluation framework and pedagogical design, which will allow CALL designers and teachers to assess the design and evaluate the effectiveness of their technology-mediated language tasks.

Implementation of thyroid eye disease registry in Iran: rationale and research protocol.

To describe the implementation of a registry system for patients with thyroid eye disease (TED) in Iran to obtain more information about its nature, prevalence, and annual incidence, as well as extend insight into the etiology, pathogenesis, and eventually make an accurate prognosis of different medical or surgical treatment methods. After receiving approval from the Disease Registry Committee of Iran University of Medical Sciences (IUMS) in 2019 and the Ministry of Health and Medical Education (MOHME) in 2020, the protocol was introduced in three consecutive phases at regional, provincial and national levels. The establishment of a registry committee in Rassoul Akram Hospital, one of the medical centers affiliated to IUMS, was the first step to organizing the registry project's main core. The steering committee included six subgroups of required subject fields. The members are experts in developing a guideline, providing a new dataset, drawing an outline for the next steps, and structuring user-friendly software through several panel discussion meetings. The data is collected from clinical and para-clinical/imaging findings, laboratory evaluations, and their selected treatment strategy, retrospectively and prospectively. The purpose is to broaden our knowledge about the profile of TED; accordingly, data related to patients' demographics, thyroid gland disease (status, duration, treatments, and function tests), general medical and ocular history, along with visual/ocular exams resulting TED status are collected and recorded in a 2- language software. The web-based software system is accessible at https://orc.iums.ac.ir . To maintain data security, prioritized user access was defined for different members. Furthermore, diverse methods, such as employing trained staff and utilizing software validation rules, were implemented to control data quality in every step of data collection, entry, and registration. Medical records of retrospective subjects were also evaluated and entered after accuracy verification. Iran's TED registry provides practitioners with comprehensive data on natural history and phenotype variations in clinical features and outcomes. It facilitates patient recruitment and, consequently, earlier diagnosis on a large scale which helps improve treatment and quality of life for patients.

Digital echoes of heritage: toward a culturally balanced pedagogy in technology-enhanced bilingual education

PurposeThis study aims to investigate the integration of heritage language and culture in technology-enhanced bilingual education and examine the dominance of the English language and culture in computer-assisted language learning settings.Design/methodology/approachThis research used a narrative inquiry methodology. The data came from semi-structured interviews with 25 bilingual teachers in the Kurdistan region of Iraq and Texas.FindingsThe study found a significant bias in the use of technology toward the target language, often at the expense of heritage language and culture. The curricula analyzed were predominantly focused on superficial cultural elements of the target language, leading to a neglect of deeper cultural engagement.Originality/valueThis research highlights the phenomenon of cultural cringe within bilingual education and the skewed use of technology toward the target language.

Design and simulation implementation of SPI protocol interface based on Verilog

The SPI bus protocol can communicate with multiple peripherals without address bits. The transmission speed is fast and the configuration is simple and flexible, which solves the problem of serial communication between microprocessors and peripherals. In order to simply realize the function of the SPI bus and verify its stability, the SPI bus is designed and simulated verified using Verilog language and Modelsim software. The results show that the design realizes the full-dus-duserial synchronous communication function of SPI bus, with high data transmission stability and a data transmission speed of more than 2Mb/s. At the same time, during the test, it is found that the serial communication protocol can continue to be improved in terms of reliability, stability, and efficiency. Under the current social needs, the security of serial communication protocols is also put forward higher requirements and needs to be further adapted to the needs of the Internet of Things.

Comparing programming languages for data analytics: Accuracy of estimation in Python and R

AbstractSeveral open‐source programming languages, particularly R and Python, are utilized in industry and academia for statistical data analysis, data mining, and machine learning. While most commercial software programs and programming languages provide a single way to deliver a statistical procedure, open‐source programming languages have multiple libraries and packages offering many ways to complete the same analysis, often with varying results. Applying the same statistical method across these different libraries and packages can lead to entirely different solutions due to the differences in their implementations. Therefore, reliability and accuracy should be essential considerations when making library and package usage decisions while conducting statistical analysis using open source programming languages. Instead, most users take this for granted, assuming that their chosen libraries and packages produce accurate results for their statistical analysis. To this extent, this study assesses the estimation accuracy and reliability of Python and R's various libraries and packages by evaluating the univariate summary statistics, analysis of variance (ANOVA), and linear regression procedures using benchmarking data from the National Institutes of Standards and Technology (NIST). Further, experimental results are presented comparing machine learning methods for classification and regression. The libraries and packages assessed in this study include the stats package in R and Pandas, Statistics, NumPy, statsmodels, SciPy, statsmodels, scikit‐learn, and pingouin in Python. The results show that the stats package in R and statsmodels library in Python are reliable for univariate summary statistics. In contrast, Python's scikit‐learn library produces the most accurate results and is recommended for ANOVA. Among the libraries and packages assessed for linear regression, the results demonstrated that the stats package in R is more reliable, accurate, and flexible; thus, it is recommended for linear regression analysis. Further, we present results and recommendations for machine learning using R and Python.This article is categorized under: Algorithmic Development > Statistics Application Areas > Data Mining Software Tools

Learning from COVID-19: how Indonesian English teachers see computer-assisted language learning?

<span lang="EN-US">The COVID-19 outbreak has transformed various parts of life, including teaching and learning methods. Teachers, especially Indonesian English teachers, were taken aback by the abrupt transition from offline to online instruction because it was unanticipated and unprepared. This paper attempted to investigate how teachers implement their pedagogical knowledge in the online environment during the pandemic and how they improve on using computer-assisted language learning (CALL) during the sudden shift from offline to online instruction. The findings revealed that teaching methods are being adapted to accommodate the features of the online platform. In order to adjust to this new situation, teachers use their creativity to adapt the stages of cooperative learning, collaborative learning, and class discussion in an online context. Participating in virtual workshops and training also helps teachers improve their digital skills concerning internet material. In the future, the results of the present study can be applied to improve the teacher education curriculum. Specifically, it is suggested to construct a course for the teacher education curriculum that places pre-service teachers in diverse and challenging conditions.</span>

'Exploring Silences in the Field of Computer Assisted Language Learning' Anwar Ahmed

Exploring Silences in the Field of Computer Assisted Language LearningAnwar AhmedCham: Palgrave Macmillan, US $ 39, ISBN 9783031065019 (e-book), 131 pages, 2022

Examining the Significance of Intercultural Communicative Competence Development in Trainees during Pre-service Training.

The aim of this study is to discuss the need for improved intercultural communicative competence (ICC) training for pre-service Chinese as a Second Language (CSL) teachers who travel abroad to teach. Previous studies have shown that pre-service CSL teachers often struggle with intercultural communication, and this study investigates the reasons behind their difficulties and suggests ways to address them. The researchers used the Intercultural Sensitivity Scale (ISS) and the Intercultural Effectiveness Scale (IES) to measure the ICC of 217 pre-service CSL teachers. The study found that while pre-service CSL teachers have strong intercultural communicative emotional ability, their behavioral ability in intercultural communication is weak. In particular, they lacked skills in interactive control, interactive relaxation, identity management, information skills, and behavioral flexibility. The study proposes several strategies to improve ICC training for pre-service CSL teachers. One potential approach is the use of Computer Assisted Language Learning to provide teacher-trainee students with opportunities to practice intercultural communication skills in simulated contexts, receive personalized feedback, and engage with authentic materials and cultural information relevant to their host country. CALL could also facilitate communication between pre-service CSL teachers and former CSL teachers, providing a platform for information exchange and additional psychological support. The study also suggests that pre-service training should distinguish between foreign language learning and intercultural communication skills training. Specifically, it recommends that foreign language proficiency should be improved, while training should focus on educational culture and work culture in the host country, rather than providing a general introduction to the national conditions of the country. Finally, the study proposes that pre-service training should establish contact between pre-service CSL teachers and former CSL teachers as early as possible so that trainees can learn specific relevant information in advance, which can help them get ready, avoid intercultural communication mistakes, and obtain additional psychological support. By incorporating CALL and addressing the areas of weakness identified in the study, pre-service CSL teachers can be better prepared to navigate the challenges of intercultural communication and provide effective and culturally sensitive instruction abroad.

Computer Assisted Language Learning in English Teaching: Availability of Teaching and Learning Resources to Enhance Students’ Performance in English as Subject in Technical Secondary Schools, Nyanza District

The implementation of appropriate methods in English language teaching holds a crucial role in improving students' academic performance. Despite English being a core subject and medium of instruction in Rwanda's educational system, in Technical Secondary Schools from southern province, poor performance in English subject has been observed in national examinations and school-level assessments. The objective of this research was to determine the level of availability of teaching and learning resources for the integration of the Computer Assisted Language Learning (CALL) and its effect on students’ performance in English subject. Research was carried out in 8 Technical Secondary schools from Nyanza District in southern province. The study utilized a sample of eight Head teachers and employed the descriptive research design with a quantitative method. Data were collected using questionnaires in the form of a likert scale. To analyze the data descriptive and inferential analysis were used. Findings indicated that the existing teaching and learning resources to integrate CALL are insufficient to help students in learning English through CALL, thus performance enhanced. It is shown by the inferential analysis with a P value of 0.64 which is greater than 0.05 of the significant correlation. Therefore it implies the negative correlation. The research recommends that the Ministry of Education should avail sufficient computers and internet connection to Technical Secondary schools to enable the integration of CALL in English teaching therefore performance enhanced.

The Use of Technology in English Language Teaching: A Thematic Analysis to Investigate the Effectiveness of Integrating Technology in the English Language Classroom

This research paper explores the effectiveness of integrating technology, specifically computer-assisted language learning (CALL) and mobile applications, in the English language classroom. The study adopts a qualitative approach using thematic analysis to explore the experiences, perceptions, and attitudes of English language teachers and students towards the integration of technology. Data collection methods include interviews, observations, and document analysis. The findings of this study shed light on the benefits, challenges, and implications of incorporating technology in English language teaching, ultimately providing insights for educators and policymakers.

Centering Equity for Multilingual Learners in Preservice Teachers’ Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK)

Recent calls encourage teacher education programs to examine how they address equity within educational technology coursework. This study therefore conceptualizes equity specifically related to using digital tools with multilingual learners. Drawing on a technological pedagogical content knowledge (TPACK) framework informed by prior research on (language) teacher education and computer-assisted language learning, this study examines how preservice teachers described their knowledge base specifically related to using digital tools equitably with multilingual learners. Qualitative analysis of 17 preservice teachers’ course discussions, assignments, and interviews revealed that preservice teachers purposefully reflected on and selected digital tools to use that would support students’ language development and leverage students’ interests. They also reflected on structural inequities and advocacy related to technological implementation. This study encourages teacher educators to support preservice teachers in developing technologically savvy practices that are also linguistically responsive and humanizing by centering equity in TPACK.

From screen to society: second language learners’ cultural adaptation and identity reconstruction in virtual knowledge communities

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to examine the impact of computer-assisted language learning on cultural adaptation and language learning in non-traditional classroom settings.Design/methodology/approachThe data of this study came from extended periods of observation, multiple rounds of semi-structured interviews and home visits. Using narrative inquiry, it analyzes an immigrant's journey of language learning and cultural adaptation within a virtual knowledge community.FindingsThe findings of this study reveal the profound impact of virtual knowledge communities on enhancing second language learning and facilitating cultural adaptation.Originality/valueThis study offers original insights by demonstrating the transformative power of virtual knowledge communities for the purpose of second language acquisition and cultural adaptation.

Use of Electronic Devices in the Teaching and Learning of the English Language in Oyo State Senior Secondary Schools

Purpose: The dwindling standard of Nigerian students’ performances in SSCE English language has become worsened. As a result, this study will focus at employing electronic approach in language teaching called Computer Assisted Language Teaching (CALL) to improve the learners’ poor performances in WASSCE, NECO and UTME and other English language external examinations. Computer Assisted Language Learning (CALL) is a novel electronic approach to language pedagogy being introduced in 1980s in Deakin University, USA was used in this research as a theoretical tool.
 Methodology: This research used Brade’s (2007) teleconferencing and Sussaine Herring’s (2001) Computer Assisted Language Learning (CALL) as theoretical framework for the study. Coupled with this, questionnaires was administered among 360 students and 36 teachers from 18 purposively selected senior secondary schools in Oyo State. Stratified randomly sampling approach was used in selecting the respondents. Besides, electronic tools like projector and other power-point gadgets down-linked equipment gadgets that are used in electronic language teaching called tele-conferencing was purchased for teaching the respondents. A lecture room was furnished for keeping the gadgets purchased and for using video or tele-conferencing in language teaching in teaching the respondents.
 Findings: The findings revealed that this electronic approach to English language in Nigeria has improve the poor standard of students’ performances in external examinations like WASSCE, NECO and also improve students’ communicative and linguistic competence in English language in Oyo State.
 Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The government and educational authorities in Oyo State should prioritize investments in digital infrastructure, including providing schools with an adequate number of electronic devices and ensuring reliable internet connectivity. This will facilitate seamless integration of technology into the teaching and learning process.