With the prevalence of Large Language Model-based chatbots, middle school students are increasingly likely to engage with these tools to complete their assignments, raising concerns about its potential to harm students' learning motivation and learning outcomes. However, we know little about its real impact. Through quasi-experiment research with…

Flow, a subjective state of optimal engagement and immersion, is characterized by a balance of perceived challenges and skills, interest, attention, and a sense of control (Csikszentmihalyi, 1990). Investigating flow in language learning can provide valuable insights into effective learning processes and contexts (Egbert, 2003). Self-regulated…

This study examines the potential of ChatGPT to enhance grammar development in an academic writing context, where grammar instruction is often overlooked. Adopting a qualitative case study, this research explores how a localized version of ChatGPT can assist first-year undergraduate students in improving their grammar in writing tasks. The study…

Scholars indicated that learners who are strategic with their language learning (e.g., selfregulated learning [SRL], cognitive and meta-cognitive strategies) tend to be more efficient, resourceful, and flexible, and thus have better language learning outcomes (Oxford, 2016; Heo et al., 2012; Plonsky, 2011). Besides focusing on the knowledge,…

The past several years have been witnessing the fast development of information and communication technology, with which an increasing number of serious games are being designed and developed. Randomly selected participants were divided into the treatment and control cohorts. Two experiments, as well as a semi-structured interview, were…

Grounded in the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology 2 (UTAUT2), this study investigates the interplay between key UTAUT2 constructs and motivation modeled by Self-Determination Theory (SDT) in shaping English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners' behavioral intention and actual use of generative AI tools. Accordingly, three research…

The purpose of this study is to examine cross-national differences in students' exploration strategies in a computer-simulated CPS (complex problem-solving) environment and to identify similarities and qualitative differences in the way Hungarian and Chinese students explore a CPS environment. In a sample of 187 Chinese and 835 Hungarian students…

Social networking service platforms and social media have generated a significant amount of discussion and debate regarding their use in second or foreign language learning. However, leveraging digital tools with pedagogical constructs to enhance accessibility and engagement in teaching and learning English idiomatics has not received equal…

In the era of educational informatization, nurturing critical thinking skills has become a central focus. However, the current state of Chinese students' critical thinking development is concerning, prompting researchers to explore effective enhancement strategies. Based on constructivist learning theory, this study leveraged the advancements in…

Amidst the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, this study investigates the impact of Problem-based Language Learning (PBLL) using DingTalk on enhancing Business English Writing skills among Chinese undergraduates. Employing a mixed-method approach, the research involved two phases. In the quantitative phase, a twelve-week quasi-experimental…

We present "doing language testing" sequences; L2 learners decide for themselves to test themselves or each other explicitly on new linguistic items, outside the official task cycle with no professional present, investing extra time and energy. We examine how and why pairs of learners do this, and its impact on their learning. They use…

Game-based instruction has been praised as an effective approach to second language (L2) development, as it can provide a low-stakes, fun, and engaging learning environment. However, in designing digital games for L2 learning, it is important to consider how various game designs and mechanics can affect learning gains. In the current study…

Affordance refers to the opportunity available to a learning activity. Taking affordance as a theoretical and analytical construct, this exploratory study investigates learners' attitudes and the opportunities WeChat may provide for Chinese cultural knowledge (CCK) learning. The aim is to find out the potential new affordances and compare learners…

The use of machine translation has become a topic of debate in language learning, which highlights the need to thoroughly examine the appropriateness and role of machine translation in educational settings. Under the theoretical framework of task-technology fit, this explanatory case study set out to investigate the predictive role of machine…

Generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools have become increasingly accessible and have impacted school education in numerous ways. However, most of the discussions occur in higher education. In schools, teachers' perspectives are crucial for making sense of innovative technologies. Accordingly, this qualitative study aims to investigate how…