Internet tools for language learning: University students taking control of their writing

Abstract

Many excellent corpus-based language learning resources (e.g., concordancers) have been freely available on the Internet for some time. Google assisted language learning (GALL) is also gaining increasing acceptance. These tools are a potential resource for English as an additional language (EAL) university students who want to independently improve their academic writing. However, many Australian universities have been remarkably slow to integrate these tools into English language support operations. In this study, Australian EAL university students were trained in Internet-based tools and techniques for language learning and subsequently surveyed on their attitudes and behaviour. Students' competence in using the tools and techniques to correct errors in their writing was also measured. The results revealed that students are enthusiastic and reasonably competent users of Internet-based tools and techniques for independent language learning. It is argued that Internet-based corpus tools and techniques are undervalued by Australian universities, but could be promoted and used to support EAL university student writers.

Online Corpus Tools in Scholarly Writing: A Case of EFL Postgraduate Student

“…In addition to concordancers, Google as a concordance have been considered as one of the highly promising areas to revolutionize language pedagogy and second language writing. Several researchers suggest that in Google-assisted language learning, Internet search engines serve as the concordancing tools (Acar, 201;Conroy, 2010;Panah et al, 2013;Shei, 2008). Moreover, Fletcher (2011), argued that the compiled corpora is supplemented by Web, since the internet provides freshness and spontaneity, scope, linguistic diversity, free access to data.…”

Data-driven Learning in Second Language Writing Class: A Survey of Empirical Studies

“…In Ref. [31] [32], most students showed positive attitudes toward Google as a reference resource in L2 writing. They realized the usefulness of Google in improving the naturalness and accuracy of their writing and expressed their willingness to continue using it in the future writing.…”

“…There is Ref. [31] involving more than 100 participants. In this study, four groups of students with the total number of 165 took part in the experiment.…”

Discussion and Practice on the Specialized English Teaching for Students Majoring in Automation

“…Teaching materials should cover a knowledge area ranging from automation and detective technology, to process control and robot technology, and an overall vocabulary relevant to the subject [5][6]. Textbooks should contain basic and important vocabulary about automation concepts, principles, techniques, and application.…”