Harumi Kashiwagi

Synthetic speech in foreign language learning: an evaluation by learners

Can synthetic speech be utilized in foreign language learning as natural speech? In this paper, we evaluated synthetic speech from the viewpoint of learners in order to find out an answer. The results pointed out that learners do not recognize remarkable differences between synthetic voices and natural voices for the words with short vowels and long vowels when they try to understand the meanings of the sounds. The data explicates that synthetic voice utterances of sentences are easier to understand and more acceptable by learners compared to synthetic voice utterances of words. In addition, the ratings on both synthetic voices and natural voices strongly depend upon the learners’ listening comprehension abilities. We conclude that some synthetic speech with specific pronunciations of vowels may be suitable for listening materials and suggest that evaluating TTS systems by comparing synthetic speech with natural speech and building a lexical database of synthetic speech that closely approximates natural speech will be helpful for teachers to readily use many existing CALL tools.

A Language Learning System Utilizing RFID Technology for Total Physical Response Activities

In this paper, we present a method of integrating a CALL system with RFID tags in a classroom in order to provide the basic support for listening activities based on the concept of Total Physical Response (TPR) Approach. We designed and developed a prototype system with the function of providing corrective feedback. The prototype system has the following three features: (1) Real objects are used as the options for responding to audio questions. (2) A considerable amount of attribute information is used to increase the variation in the questions. (3) The system has a function of providing error messages and additional questions, depending on the degree of a learners mistakes. Results from the experiment suggest that integrating real objects into the learning system by using RFID tags has a potential impact on the language learners.

A Learning Model of Computer Network Technology for Non-Engineering Majors

Various kinds of web pages are effective learning resources about computer network technologies. Some learners actually have acquired skills of learning using various kinds of web resources effectively and efficiently. However, most of novice learners, e.g. non-engineering majors do not have the skills. In this paper, we propose and discuss new teaching strategies aimed to help the novice learners acquire the skills. Our teaching strategies are proposed using examples from a learning model of the skillful users who have acquired the skills. Therefore, we analyze difference of the learning model of skillful users and novice learners, enumerate some problems of the learning model of novice learners, and propose the new teaching strategies to solving the problems. As a result of practicing the teaching strategies, novice learners have acquired the skills of learning using various kinds of web resources effectively and efficiently.