Analysis of Factors Affecting the Auditory Attention of Non-native Speakers in e-Learning Environments

Abstract

: One of the most striking characteristics of e-Learning audiences is their diversity. Native and non-native learners can be expected among such audiences and therefore, when developing e-Learning courses it is important to consider the impact of the language level on learning. Specifically, non-native learners are expected to have a diminished auditory perception compared to native ones and hence reduced attention capabilities that could result in a poorer performance. In this study, we assess the impact of linguistic and auditory factors on the attention of non-native learners, namely semanticity, sentence length and noise level. An English language platform mimicking real e-Learning environments is used and attention is quantified by measuring the number of English words correctly identified during a listening task. Our results show that changes in each factor affect the attention score significantly. Interestingly, the effects of semanticity are apparent in noiseless environment, but vanish in noisy ones. Results also show that in noiseless environments, a change in the length of semantic sentences from small or medium to long causes a significant drop in the attention score. Our results demonstrate the importance of carefully accounting for linguistic and auditory factors when designing effective e-Learning courses, especially when they target global audiences and learners with different language abilities are expected.

Artificial Intelligence in Language Education: Navigating the Potential and Challenges of Chatbots and NLP

“…The quantitative improvements across grammar, vocabulary, reading comprehension, and writing skills all point toward the efficacy of ChatGPT as a learning aid. These tools, i.e., chatbots, play a very important role in improving the auditory attention of non-native speakers in the e-learning environment (Bajaj et al, 2021). Similarly, some of the characteristics of the cognate facilitation effect, according to Casaponsa et al, 2015, could be observed through an improvement in vocabulary and grammar, suggesting language learning technologies that take advantage of linguistic similarities could help facilitate understanding and recall among learners.…”

Accounting Lecture Quality Factors during Online Learning: Student Perceptions

“…Under the umbrella of remote education, e-learning encompasses a wide array of technological applications and learning methodologies, including computer-based learning, internet-driven education, and virtual classrooms (Alkindi et al 2022). Therefore, online e-learning in higher education contexts prioritizes the cultivation of metacognitive, reflective, and collaborative learning, transcending the confines of structured subject-based education to emphasize the value of self-directed, incidental learning that enhances performance (Bajaj et al 2021). A significant body of prior research has demonstrated the myriad advantages of e-learning for students, emphasizing its ability to enhance student focus, flexibility, and communication between professors and students (Chen 2009).…”