With the aim of summarizing years of research comparing pedagogies for second/foreign language teaching supported with computer technology and pedagogy not-supported by computer technology, a meta-analysis was conducted of empirical research investigating language outcomes. Thirty-seven studies yielding 52 effect sizes were included, following a search of literature from 1970 to 2006 and screening of studies based on stated criteria. The differences in research designs required subdivision of studies, but overall results favored the technology-supported pedagogy, with a small, but positive and statistically significant effect size. Second/ foreign language instruction supported by computer technology was found to be at least as effective as instruction without technology, and in studies using rigorous research designs the CALL groups outperformed the non-CALL groups. The analyses of instructional conditions, characteristics of participants, and conditions of the research design did not provide reliable results because of the small number of effect sizes representing each group. The meta-analysis results provide an empirically-based response to the questions of whether or not technology-supported pedagogies enhance language learning, and the process of conducting the meta-analysis pointed to areas in research methodology that would benefit from attention in future research.
KeywordsDepartment of Statistics, research methods, meta-analysis, secondary research, second/foreign language learning, computer-assisted language learning
AbstractWith the aim of summarizing years of research comparing pedagogies for second/foreign language teaching supported with computer technology and pedagogy not-supported by computer technology, a meta-analysis was conducted of empirical research investigating language outcomes. Thirty-seven studies yielding 52 effect sizes were included, following a search of literature from 1970 to 2006 and screening of studies based on stated criteria. The differences in research designs required subdivision of studies, but overall results favored the technology-supported pedagogy, with a small, but positive and statistically significant effect size. Second/foreign language instruction supported by computer technology was found to be at least as effective as instruction without technology, and in studies using rigorous research designs the CALL groups outperformed the non-CALL groups. The analyses of instructional conditions, characteristics of participants, and conditions of the research design did not provide reliable results because of the small number of effect sizes representing each group. The meta-analysis results provide an empirically-based response to the questions of whether or not technology-supported pedagogies enhance language learning, and the process of conducting the meta-analysis pointed to areas in research methodology that would benefit from attention in future research.
Blended learning, a combination of face-to-face and online instruction, is seen as one of the most important recent advances in education (Thorne, 2003). While previous CALL studies have looked at various aspects of blended learning in foreign and second language classes, they have not allowed for a sufficient description of what actually happens in an environment of a blended learning class. In order to further advance the research in this area, a framework proposed by Neumeier (2005) was used to describe a technology-enhanced blended-learning model. The case study described here examined an intermediate ESL listening and speaking class in an intensive English program. The class used a commercially available learning management system (LMS), to combine face-to-face classroom learning (face-to-face mode) and online learning in the computer lab and for homework (CALL mode). The main findings of the study indicate that all language skills can be successfully integrated into both modes. These results can inform the design and implementation of new blended learning models as well as the comparison with the existing models.
This study investigated learner behavior and performance in a CALL multimedia listening activity which offered a video and two textual help options-a lecture transcript and subtitles (L2 close captioning) in cases of comprehension breakdowns. In particular, the study examined and compared the learners' use of two help options by looking at the time
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