Catherine Caws

A New Learning Object Repository for Language Learning: Methods and Possible Outcomes

Learning objects and repositories have been receiving more and more attention in the area of computer assisted language learning. The integration of learning object repositories into language programs presents both opportunities and challenges. This paper considers these as they arise specifically in conjunction with the development of an online collection of resources for teaching and learning French as a second language. This paper evaluates the specific characteristics of this new collection and focuses on the design and procedures used in the development of such a collection. The paper also outlines a program aimed at understanding the situated use of this collection of resources in French language learning contexts.

Evaluating a web-based video corpus through an analysis of user interactions

As shown by several studies, successful integration of technology in language learning requires a holistic approach in order to scientifically understand what learners do when working with web-based technology (cf. Raby, 2007 ). Additionally, a growing body of research in computer assisted language learning (CALL) evaluation, design and development, has indicated that analysis of learners’ behaviours is an essential element to implementing high-quality technology (e.g., Chapelle, 2001 ; Levy & Stockwell, 2006 ). Hence, carefully evaluating the effectiveness of CALL by collecting empirical data on user interactions while focusing on the process of learning is integral to a holistic understanding of students’ behaviours (e.g. Felix, 2005 ; Hemard, 2006 ). This article examines a design-based research that seeks to analyse and understand the dynamics of user interactions with a specific web-based CALL tool in the context of a French as a second language (FSL) course. To this end, we present a sample of results based on an analysis of specific tasks carried out with this CALL tool that is designed in part to encourage students’ integration of critical and electronic literacies. By way of conclusion, we identify the steps that are necessary to enhance this particular CALL system and help users better achieve their learning goals. In particular, we explain the process of recycling our results in the next design phase of the CALL tool in a continuous improvement effort.

Constructing a Data-Driven Learning Tool with Recycled Learner Data

This paper discusses a data-driven learning (DDL) tool, which consists of a learner corpus for L2 learners of German. The learner corpus, in addition to submissions from ongoing current users, has been constructed from millions of submissions from a variety of activity types of approximately 5000 learners who used the E-Tutor CALL system over a period of five years. By following a cyclical process of development, implementation, and evaluation, adapted from the ADDIE model, E-Tutor helped us not only to inform language teaching pedagogy and to provide system enhancements generated by the outcomes of vast data collections, but also to expand an existing learning environment (e.g., Tutorial CALL) to include DDL. The article discusses the cyclical process of collecting and recycling learner data by also focusing on the design features of the DDL tool of E-Tutor within the ADDIE framework and providing data on student usage.