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…

Virtual reality (VR) is gaining momentum in language education thanks to technological advances and technology at a cost that is affordable for deploying a learning experience. However, there is a need for more research to identify the topics that are most suitable to be taught using VR in English as a foreign language (EFL) courses. In order to…

This article reports an empirical study on embedding digital literacies in the language teacher education curriculum with pre-service and in-service teachers enrolled in a graduate-level language teaching method course. Two different types of technology-mediated collaborative tasks were implemented, one being collaborative reading for writing…

Our study examines written corrective feedback generated by two online grammar checkers (GCs), Grammarly and Virtual Writing Tutor, and by the grammar checking function of Microsoft Word. We tested the technology on a wide range of grammatical error types from two sources: a set of authentic ESL compositions and a series of simple sentences we…

Although early ASR-based dictation programs were criticized for lack of accuracy and explicit feedback for L2 pronunciation practice, teachers and researchers have shown renewed interest. However, little is known about student reactions to ASRbased dictation practice. This qualitative study examines student perspectives, identifying advantages and…

Drawing from activity theory and its notion of contradictions of various levels, the present study analyzes tensions that emerged during a six-week telecollaborative project between American learners of Japanese (AMU students) and Japanese learners of English (JPU students) regarding expectations and manners of interaction. Transpacific groups of…

This study examines the English language learning outcomes of young Chinese L1 children when using a digital self-guided learning tool, ABCmouse "English Language Learning Academy" (ABCmouse ELL), created by Age of Learning, Inc. and designed based on principles of second language research. In a pretest, posttest study design, experiment…

This study investigates the effectiveness of teaching pronunciation with instructional software to a cohort of Chinese learners of English aged 13 to 16 at lower-intermediate level. It also explores the relationship between learners' attitudes towards pronunciation and their pronunciation learning. Participants were 60 students at a language…

In the past decade, a new wave of writing assessment has evolved as a result of advances in computer technology, highlighting the potential of automated writing evaluation (AWE) in the L2 writing curriculum (Warschauer & Ware, 2006). Today's innovative AWE programs offer ESL instructors promising solutions for providing immediate feedback and…

This study examined the use of automatic speech recognition (ASR) scored elicited oral response (EOR) tests to assess the speaking ability of English language learners. It also examined the relationship between ASR-scored EOR and other language proficiency measures and the ability of the ASR to rate speakers without bias to gender or native…

In the listening component of the IELTS examination candidates hear the input once, delivered at "normal" speed. This format for listening can be problematic for test takers who often perceive normal speed input to be too fast for effective comprehension. The study reported here investigated whether using computer software to slow down…

Writing assistance systems, from simple spelling checkers to more complex grammar and readability analyzers, can be helpful aids to nonnative writers of English. However, many writing assistance systems have two disadvantages. First, they are not designed to encourage skills learning and independence in their users; instead, users may begin to use…

Participatory design (PD), or the collaboration between software engineers and end users throughout the design process, may help improve CALL design practices. In this case study, four ESL learners, a software designer, and a language teacher created and evaluated a series of paper prototypes concerning help options in computer-based second…

This study examined the range of instructional technology use in international teaching assistant (ITA) programs in U.S. universities and the perceptions ITA professionals have of this use. It consisted of two phases of data collection: telephone interviews and a web-based survey. The study identified and rank ordered 15 technology practices; the…

In this paper we present a system for automatic correction of errors made by learners of English. The system has two novel aspects. First, machine-learned classifiers trained on large amounts of native data and a very large language model are combined to optimize the precision of suggested corrections. Second, the user can access real-life web…