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ERIC Number: ED563281
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 2013
Pages: 183
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: 978-1-3035-0996-4
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Pedagogy and Related Criteria: The Selection of Software for Computer Assisted Language Learning
Samuels, Jeffrey D.
ProQuest LLC, Ph.D. Dissertation, Capella University
Computer-Assisted Language Learning (CALL) is an established field of academic inquiry with distinct applications for second language teaching and learning. Many CALL professionals direct language labs or language resource centers (LRCs) in which CALL software applications and generic software applications support language learning programs and individual study. The central research question of this study is: What aspects define the lived experience of CALL professionals as they select CALL solutions for language resource centers or language labs? A subset of related research questions focuses on how CALL professionals consider pedagogical aspects of CALL solutions in making selections, the other aspects that CALL professionals consider in adoption or non-adoption decisions, and how CALL professionals experience satisfaction with the solutions available to them, taking into account these pedagogical and other aspects. This study explores the selection of applications from a phenomenological approach based upon Moustakas's modification of Van Kaam's method. Twenty-five language lab and language resource center directors, members of the International Association for Language Learning Technology (IALLT), were interviewed to ascertain aspects of their lived experience in the selection and use of CALL applications in their educational institutions. Areas of inquiry included the alignment of instructional technologies used for language learning to pedagogical and andragogical approaches; the importance of other factors such as cost, technical support, and provider reputation; and the extent of user satisfaction with each of these elements. The majority of the interviewees indicated that pedagogical alignment between CALL solutions and the pedagogical orientation of the programs they support is a critical factor in their decision-making process. Cost is a factor in the majority of cases, while provider reputation and technical support vary as criteria for adoption. Interviewees also identified varying levels of satisfaction with the CALL solutions available with regard to these factors. They proposed a number of additional user requirements and adoption criteria to be integrated into the development lifecycle of CALL software solutions. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]
ProQuest LLC. 789 East Eisenhower Parkway, P.O. Box 1346, Ann Arbor, MI 48106. Tel: 800-521-0600; Web site: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml
Publication Type: Dissertations/Theses - Doctoral Dissertations
Education Level: Adult Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A