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This qualitative study aims to explore how the production of language learning materials using spherical video-based virtual reality (SVVR) affords pre-service teachers multiliteracy development while also attempting to discover their perceptions toward adopting this emerging technology for future language teaching. Data from multiple sources was collected from pre-service English teachers enrolled in a TESOL graduate program in Taiwan, including video-recordings of the participants' presentations on their final SVVR projects and their self-generated VR teaching materials/artifacts, with two one-to-one semi-structured interviews further analyzed based on thematic analysis. The major findings demonstrate that through conducting the SVVR project, participants learned: (1) to compose multimodal lessons; (2) to concretize intangible contexts for learning; and (3) to use space as a mode for teaching and learning. The authors presented insights into affordance of SVVR material production for their multiliteracy development of engaging pre-service English teachers, as well as their perceptions with regard to this SVVR hands-on experience. Moreover, the authors offer recommendations for putting such experience into practice.

This mixed-methods research explored the affordances of a writing instruction featuring constructivist learning, reading-writing connection, flipped learning, and online intercultural exchanges with regard to English-as-a-foreign-language (EFL) learners' writing performance and intercultural sensitivity. Forty-eight Taiwanese English-major undergraduate students were each paired with an American undergraduate partner, had intercultural online exchanges, completed two essays (a descriptive essay and an argumentative essay), and had revisions based on their peers' feedback. Multiple sources of data over a semester included the pre- and post-tests on the two essay writing tasks, responses to an intercultural sensitivity scale, and focus-group interviews. The instruction design enhanced the EFL learners' writing outcomes, strengthened their cross-cultural observations, and increased their intercultural sensitivity. This study highlights the practice with a focus on developing writing skills and intercultural sensitivity using online intercultural exchanges.

This study aimed to foster development of the 21st-century five core competencies, including Creativity and innovation, Critical thinking and problem solving, Communication, Collaboration, and Computer-information literacy using Student-Centered Active Learning in an instructional design in which student groups created their own virtual reality content. Fifty humanities students participated. Mixed-methods data collection included a questionnaire, VR artifacts grades, student reflective journals, and focus group interviews. The most important findings were that (1) the instructional design of the study led to improvement in all of the five competencies of 0.01 significance or better (2) additional cycles of VR artifact production led to increases in empirical quality, and (3) the participants also found the hands-on VR creation projects to be distinctive and motivating. This VR content creation project provides detailed implications and guidance for instructors seeking to replicate a hands-on technology-oriented instructional design in order to strengthen the 21st-century core competencies.

Employment of idioms is essential to reach higher English expressive levels, especially for English as Foreign Language (EFL) learners. However, English idioms are challenging for both instructors and learners because the complex content of idioms depends on understanding their cultural context. Most mobile language applications are for vocabulary acquisition. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to develop an animation/video-based application, "My English Idiom Learning Assistant" (MEILA), to explore the different idiom learning behaviors, as well as the relationships of their learning behaviors to MEILA. To explore the relationship between the learning outcomes and the learning behaviors, the researcher used logs from the MEILA database. The participants consisted of 59 freshmen from two English conversation classes in one private university in central Taiwan. Students experienced the learning activities over 3 weeks. The researcher adopted idiomatic understanding pre- and posttests for the study as well as in-depth interviews. The results revealed that MEILA significantly enhanced idiomatic learning outcomes. The sequential analysis used provides language instructors an example of monitoring learning behaviors to improve teaching materials and methods. The findings may stimulate more mobile-assist language learning (MALL) researchers, English instructors, and app designers to create innovative mobile environments for English idiomatic learning.

The authors conducted a worldwide survey to explore the experiences of higher education faculty who converted classes to distance learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. Most respondents experienced much higher workloads and stress than in face-to-face classes. Previous experience with Online Distance Learning (ODL) predicted positive faculty response. Less than half used a school-provided LMS [learning management system], instead using a wide range of other technologies. Respondents said they learned the need for adaptability and good planning, emphasizing doing what it takes to serve their students. There was high variability in most answers, indicating that the experiences of individual teachers ranged widely between positive and negative. The researchers provide recommendations based on the findings, including the need for better ODL instructional design training as part of long-term professional development for faculty and remembering the importance of all student higher education experiences, many of which are beyond the scope of the actual classes.

The purpose of this study was to design and develop a theory-based summary writing online tool, named Summary Writing-Pal (SW-PAL), to assist English as a second language students in improving their summary writing. It also evaluates the effectiveness of SW-PAL in enhancing the students' summary writing performance and examines their perceptions about it. This mixed-method empirical study involved 53 English as a second language students majoring in computer science at a local university. Two intact groups were randomly chosen as the control and experimental groups with 26 and 27 students, respectively. The control group was taught using the conventional method, while the experimental group was taught using SW-PAL. Both groups were given a pre- and post-summary writing test. A Split-Plot Analysis of Covariance test was used to examine the effectiveness of the SW-PAL tool. A focus group interview was conducted to gather qualitative data on perceptions about the SW-PAL tool. Quantitative findings revealed that students' summary writing performance improved significantly due to the SW-PAL with a large effect size of 0.42. Qualitativewise, the users perceived SW-PAL to be useful as a motivating, challenging, and self-learning tool. Recommendations for practice for language instructors who wish to incorporate such a tool into their language instruction and suggestions for future research are discussed.

The Test-of-English-for-International-Communication (TOEIC) is an important proficiency test for achieving the benchmark of future employment for English language learners worldwide. However, game-based apps for acquiring TOEIC vocabulary have remained scarce. Therefore, an empirical study was conducted to examine the effects of the self-developed the smartphone app "Saving Alice" for optimizing the acquisition of TOEIC vocabulary and spelling among EFL learners. Multiple sources of data were collected to investigate how "Saving Alice" affected vocabulary acquisition, including a demographic survey, pre- and post-tests on TOEIC vocabulary, and semi-structured interviews. Both the quantitative and qualitative findings showed that "Saving Alice" significantly enhanced the student learning outcomes, and that frequency of using game-based mobile apps (GBMAs) correlated with learning outcomes.

Developing communicative ability of English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners is essential when it comes to authentic learning. Nevertheless, conventional textbook usage and English instruction often fail to be learner-engaging. With the help of high-immersion Virtual Reality (VR), language learning can be transformed into a more self-directed learning experience, using a simulated authentic environment to enhance engagement. Therefore, a three-dimensional learning system, Virtual Reality Life English (VRLE), was developed to provide learners with an authentic setting to facilitate communicative ability development. Seventy-two low-achieving junior high school students were recruited as participants. Multiple data sources were collected for both quantitative and qualitative data analysis of VRLE, including a pre-test/post-test addressing communicative performance, an Igroup Presence Questionnaire (IPQ) for the students' perception of perceived presence, and a semi-structured interview. The primary affordances were the beneficial application of VRLE to English communicative ability and an enhanced sense of presence in an EFL context. Furthermore, the students were positive about the learning experience. The study proves the potential of incorporating high-immersion VR technology in an EFL context. Nevertheless, the challenge of its accessibility needs careful consideration in future research to place VR in an advantageous position for language learning.

Motivation has played an essential role in learning, leading to various research areas across diverse disciplines. While the literature is replete with findings supporting the essentiality of motivation in an individual's academic success, demotivation (a.k.a. negative motivation) has been underexplored, even though it has been a widespread phenomenon observed in language learning, particularly in the field of English writing in EFL settings. To keep leaners motivated and engaged, innovative pedagogies have been proposed, among which flipped learning and writing instruction have received extra attention. Previous studies have shown the effectiveness of flipped learning and online writing practices on enhancing student motivation and learning outcomes. Nonetheless, research on how the aforementioned instructional practices could be integrated to facilitate English writing among EFL learners still remains scarce, let alone a detailed probe into demotivational factors that might exist in such an innovative instructional design. Therefore, this study examined demotivation factors in EFL writing and the effects of the online flipped writing instruction on EFL writing proficiency. Forty-eight sophomore English-majors in Taiwan were paired with American college peers. Multiple sources of data over a semester included pre- and post-tests on two genres (descriptive/argumentative), 'Demotivation Scale', reflective journals, and interviews. The results revealed that the online flipped writing instruction enhanced the students' writing proficiency (both globally and locally), and that four characteristics of the flipped instruction were observed not to cause demotivation in English writing, including self-interest, classroom atmosphere and teaching material, writing product, and teaching method and content. The participants held positive perceptions about the online flipped writing instruction and such learning experience enhanced cross-cultural observation. Based on these findings, pedagogical implications are provided.

This paper focuses on the design and evaluation of a theory-based computer-assisted summary writing learning environment called Summary Writing-PAL (SW-PAL). The SW-PAL was developed based on four aspects: summarizing strategies, learning theories, prior knowledge, and cognitive load. A quasi-experiment that involved 58 undergraduates majoring in Computer Science was conducted to examine the effectiveness of SW-PAL in writing summaries. Two intact classes were selected with 28 and 30 students in control and experimental groups, respectively. The conventional teaching approach was employed in the control group, whereas the SW-PAL was introduced to the experimental group. Pretest and posttest were administrated to both groups. The findings indicated that SW-PAL improved students' summary writing performance. A significant variance was noted between intrinsic and extraneous cognitive load among students with varying levels of English proficiency in the experimental group, signifying that the SW-PAL is more suitable for students with lower language proficiency.

This study examines the relationships among the three essential language-related components--motivation, confidence, and ability--following a series of live videoconference interactions between Taiwanese EFL students and a native speaker. 227 students enrolled in the five advanced conversation classes at a private technical university in central Taiwan participated in this study. Based on quantitative evaluation of student perceptions, the major findings were (1) motivation, confidence, and ability correlated directly, but motivation of the students increased the most as a result of strong videoconference instructional design; and (2) confidence in interacting with native speakers was the best predictor of students' perceived ability. All data supported the benefits of EFL classroom teachers providing their students authentic experiences interacting with native speakers, and the value of Internet videoconferencing for this interaction. These findings provide a valuable framework for instructors in any foreign language to build a global, cross-cultural classroom. (Contains 6 tables.)

Instruction in English is a priority around the globe, but instructional methodologies have not always kept pace with the changing needs of students. To explore the benefits of the flipped classroom model for learners of English as a Foreign Language, the researchers used flipped learning and Wen's Output-driven/Input-enabled model to design a holistic oral training course that included extensive online written and verbal communication for the learning of a wide range of English idioms. The participants were 48 sophomore English majors in two required English oral training classes. A within-subjects research design exposed all participants to learning English idioms by flipped learning, using the LINE smartphone app, and by conventional instruction. A mixed research method was employed, using multiple sources of data collection, including pre- and post-tests on idioms, two questionnaires ("Perception of Flipped Learning Experience" and "Technology Acceptance Model"), the teachers' in-class observations, and semi-structured focus-group interviews. The results revealed that the theory-based flipped instruction using online written and oral interaction not only enhanced the participants' motivation, making them more active in using idioms in class, but also significantly improved their idiomatic knowledge, indicating that the flipped learning was successful in achieving the instructional goals of the class. The authors present insights into the impact of theory-based flipped learning on motivation and idiomatic acquisition; student impressions of the online platform used, LINE; and offer recommendations for practice.

To achieve better adaptive learning for mobile-assisted language learning (MALL), individual prior knowledge proficiency, perceptual learning style, and learning behavior should all be considered in system development. While reviewing the existing literature about MALL research, the researchers of this study found very few recent studies exploring the relationship between mixed-modality learners and learning effectiveness by observing the system operating behaviors. Therefore, the researchers developed a MALL system, MyEVA Mobile, employing mixed-modality vocabulary learning, to assist students who have English as a foreign language to improve their vocabulary. To explore the effect of the system on university students with different learning attitudes and English proficiencies (English majors and non-English majors), the study used a mixed quantitative and qualitative methodology to analyze the subjects' learning achievements, perceptual learning styles, learning strategy preferences, and learning behaviors. The results of this study demonstrated how different learning behaviors varied with learners with different learning styles through diverse observations. The findings of this study are expected to provide a good reference for future MALL system development incorporating context-aware learner support as well as a direction for future researchers who wish to conduct a similar MALL study.

Since the advent of new technology for learning, innovative language instructors have been constantly seeking new pedagogy to match the potential of technology-enhanced instruction. While previous studies have supported the adoption of technologies to facilitate language teaching and learning, research into enhancing English as a foreign language (EFL) learners' oral proficiency by creating an online learning community in a flipped classroom remains insufficient. Therefore, the current study examined the impact of an online learning community in a flipped classroom, specifically via mobile platforms, on EFL learners' oral proficiency and student perceptions. Fifty English-majored sophomores enrolled in two oral training classes at a four-year comprehensive university in central Taiwan participated in this study. A mixed method was employed to analyze multiple sources of data, including pre- and post-tests on oral reading and comprehension questions, a "Community of Inquiry" (CoI) questionnaire, and semi-structured focus-group interviews. The results from multiple sources indicated that the online learning community not only facilitated meaningful and positive collaboration but also significantly improved the participants' oral proficiency, thus leading to more active engagement in highly interactive learning activities, such as storytelling, dialogue collaboration, class discussion, and group presentations.

This study surveys work that has been done in the field of Mobile Assisted Language Learning. The researchers surveyed 70 corresponding authors of past MALL studies with formatted and open-ended questions, treating them as expert "participant-observers" of their own studies. The findings present details from the respondents about the MALL environments of the studies, the extent to which the MALL technology used in the studies has subsequently been incorporated into the curriculum, factors that positively or negatively affected such MALL integration, and insights of the respondents about the benefits of MALL. Although respondents cited a wide range of potential benefits from MALL use, most indicated that there was no actual curriculum integration resulting from their study, or that MALL was only integrated at the level of a single class meeting. This dismal level of integration suggests that researchers are using MALL for short-term tests and that researchers are exposing students to MALL to achieve academic publications, but with little intent to use it over the long term. The authors propose a framework of conditions, many or all of which must be met, in order to allow broad curriculum integration of MALL in the future.

This study demonstrated an e-learning system, MyEVA, based on a mixed-modality vocabulary strategy in assisting learners of English as a second language (L2 learners) to improve their vocabulary. To explore the learning effectiveness of MyEVA, the study compared four vocabulary-learning techniques, MyEVA in preference mode, MyEVA in basic mode, an Internet dictionary, and a traditional paper-based dictionary. The findings indicate that the mixed-modality with preference-mode setting stimulated the greatest vocabulary acquisition and the best retention for L2 students. The more proficient students in the study selected a preferred strategy that they employed consistently. Less proficient students did not select a preferred strategy and improved less than their more proficient fellow students. Researchers also provided recommendations for language teachers, curriculum designers, and in particular, the developers of English e-learning systems.

This exploratory computer assisted-language learning (CALL) study used a computer-mediated communication (CMC) interface to allow English as a foreign language (EFL) writing students in classes at two universities to give each other anonymous peer feedback about essay-writing assignments reacting to selected news stories. Experts also provided feedback review. Follow-up questions were facilitated by the interface. The students felt that they benefitted from the instructional design, but found that the peer review focused most on things like grammar whereas the experts focused on organization and structure, making the expert feedback more valuable. Researchers found that more complex issues discussed in the source news articles resulted in lower outcome scores, based on a rubric, than did source material simpler issues. The study also compared performance of students with higher and lower ability and evaluated the quality of the review comments. Conclusions and recommendations for practice are provided. This study is significant because it used CALL/CMC technology to provide online interactivity between students and reviewers in an open forum that allowed students to seek follow-up clarification to the comments of reviewers. The review process, therefore, was not a one-way anonymous communication from reviewer to student but rather allowed interactive discussion of the points and suggestions made by the reviewers.

This paper presents a design for a cutting-edge English program in which elementary school learners of English as a foreign language in Taiwan had lively interactions with a teaching assistant robot. Three dimensions involved in the design included (1) a pleasant and interactive classroom environment as the learning context, (2) a teaching assistant robot designed and built by the researchers as instructional technology (instructional tool/medium), and (3) the need for improved motivation and learning outcomes and positive learning experiences of the students as the core research problem. This Human-Robot Interaction (HRI) led to better pedagogical effects on learning and teaching by (1) employing a vivid, enjoyable teaching approach; (2) adopting practical, interesting learning materials; and (3) creating a natural, enjoyable learning context. Both quantitative and qualitative findings of this study indicate that the students' English learning experiences were enhanced, as were their motivation and learning outcomes as a result of this HRI. This paper, instead of merely suggesting design criteria for robots, provides a set of instructional design guidelines that other researchers can follow to create an innovative and enjoyable English classroom that employs an interactive robot as an assistant for enhancing English acquisition while simultaneously reducing the pressure and teaching load of the English instructors.

This conceptual, interdisciplinary inquiry explores Complex Dynamic Systems as the concept relates to the internal and external environmental factors affecting computer assisted language learning (CALL). Based on the results obtained by de Rosnay ["World Futures: The Journal of General Evolution", 67(4/5), 304-315 (2011)], who observed that the systems approach is separate from, and complimentary to, the analytical/experimental model of analysis, the authors use a systems analysis approach to identify a typology of environmental factors that are internal and external to the CALL student, and internal and external to the school. The typology is presented in a CALL ecology model (CEM) along with implications for pedagogy. The authors believe that the systems orientation will become more and more important in the overall understanding of best practices in computer assisted language learning.

This study examined whether faded prompts and feedback facilitated students' reflective writing skills. Reflective writing skills are important skills for students to acquire in college. They are teachable; however, they require time and practice for students to improve and excel in. Reflective writing skills involve the use of metacognitive strategies such as self-evaluation, self-monitoring, and self-questioning. Based on previous research, we developed a mechanism to provide personalized support for various levels of students, and we provided an environment where students can share their writing with others and receive feedback from their peers and experts. The results showed that faded prompts promoted students' reflective writing skills, but feedback did not. This research revealed a considerable gap in the literature regarding feedback from peers and experts. The results are discussed relative to supporting mechanisms in the intelligent tutoring system.

Teachers of English as a Foreign Language (EFL) in Taiwan often use an outdated lecture-memorization methodology resulting in low motivation, confidence, and ability on the part of students. Innovative educators are exploring use of technology, such as videoconferences with native speakers, to enrich the classroom; however few guidelines have been developed for effective videoconference instructional design. This study used a survey methodology, Exploratory Factor Analysis, and Structural Equation Modeling to examine which elements of learning via videoconferencing most beneficially affect motivation, confidence, and ability. The study found that long-term changes in ability are best predicted by enjoyment of the learning experience. The data also suggested that even a small amount of authentic interaction in English made students more comfortable in applying their skills, more confident in what they learned, and more inspired to make global, cross-cultural connections. Therefore, EFL instructors should strive to use student-centered active learning and to offer their students interactions with native speakers, including interactions via distance technology. (Contains 3 figures and 4 tables.)