The notion that digital games can be effectively employed as tools for learning and teaching has steadily been gaining traction among educational theorists and researchers, with numerous empirical studies pointing to the potential benefits of games for skill and knowledge development. However, a solid understanding of learners' attitudes and…

There is a rich body of literature that details the effects of automated writing evaluation (AWE) on second language (L2) students. However, these studies mostly focus on the impact that automated feedback has on writing performance, i.e. that is, there is a dearth of research on its influence on affective factors. Hence, this study was conducted…

The current study focuses on an e-learning platform called Furago designed to provide language instructors with exercises complementing activities already implemented in their classes. Its objective was to assess the impact the use of Furago could have on the listening skills of first-year Japanese university students. Statistical analyses that…

Digital game-based language learning (DGBLL) is a field that promotes language learning by combining game entertainment and mechanics inducive to learning. Researchers have proposed evidence of various language-learning benefits, yet downsides persist, such as negative stigmas, a lack of participation of non-gamers, and potential adverse…

This study explores the role of an online pre-sessional program in preparing students to matriculate into an English-medium bachelor's program at a Japanese university. The study covers two program sessions, the first of which consisted primarily of international students, and the second comprised mainly of graduates of Japanese high schools. To…

While the use of automated writing evaluation software has received much attention in CALL literature, as Frankenberg-Garcia (2019) notes, empirical research on predictive text and intelligent writing assistants is lacking. Thus, this study addressed this gap in the literature by examining the impact of Grammarly, an intelligent writing assistant…

As teachers and students have abruptly shifted from traditional classroom-based learning to online classes due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there is a need to evaluate the attitudes of learners towards remote foreign language learning, particularly among Japanese students who often have little to no experience with the learning method. Therefore, the…

This study aims to measure student cognitive and metacognitive perceptions regarding computer use in university. This study addresses three key questions: (1) how does the model fit the key construct of metacognitive and self-efficacy beliefs; (2) to what degree do independent variables predict dependent factor outcomes; and (3) how can…

A bring-your-own-device (BYOD) policy advocates student's unrestricted classroom access to their own technology devices to assist in the completion of learning objectives. Literature illustrates that implementing BYOD can cause trepidation at the administrative and teaching levels due to the potential negative consequences and distractions that it…

The ubiquity of smartphones and the growing popularity of smart speakers have given rise to cloud-based, intelligent personal assistants (IPAs), such as Siri and Google Assistant. However, little is known about the use of IPAs for Autonomous Second Language Learning (ASLL). Thus, the aims of this study were twofold: to assess Japanese English as a…

This experimental study examined how VSTF (Visual-Syntactic Text Formatting)-based text benefits reading speed, reading comprehension, reading efficiency and retention for middle and high school students. Prospective within-subjects tests were conducted in Japan on a total of 132 students: 76 high school students from 12th grade and 56 middle…

In this article, the results of a case study are reported. The focus was on the development and implementation of a "regular class" format (a standard lesson plan) for teachers of lower-level English learners whose English CALL courses incorporate ALC Press Inc.'s NetAcademy Next as the main resource. The relevant literature was firstly…

The case study presented in this paper investigates the roles that the Moodle workshop activity module and peer feedback screencast training have on the development of formative peer feedback practices in low level English academic writing classes. The development of 26 first-year Japanese students' peer feedback practices were tracked over 6…

The present study compared the efficacy of computer-mediated peer corrective feedback (CF) among two groups of high-proficiency (n=11) and low-proficiency (n=19) postsecondary Japanese EFL students. They completed a 10-week process writing composition, during which the students were given explicit instruction in metalinguistic peer CF. They then…

In this exploratory study, the author examines both students' and teachers' perceptions of Moxtra, a cross-platform cloud collaboration service, as a blended learning tool in a language course. Participants were 242 first-year students studying General English and 8 teachers at the Bunkyo English Communication Centre (BECC) at Hiroshima Bunkyo…