Model‐based approach to develop learning exercises in language‐learning applications

Abstract

Owing to factors such as globalisation and the extensive use of the Internet, people are increasingly interested in learning a second and even a third language. From an academic perspective, the process of foreign language learning is defined by methodologies and supported by technology. Language learning applications are composed of learning exercises, which are pedagogical tools to introduce new language concepts (new vocabulary, grammar etc.). The development of this type of applications is complex due to the diversity of language learning methodologies, the variety of execution environments (web, mobile and desktop) and the number of different technologies that can be used. This study proposes a model-driven approach developing software to support different language learning processes. These processes consist of different learning exercises running on different platforms. The authors' proposal describes a metamodel that defines the entities and their relationships to define learning exercises for learning applications. This metamodel enables designers to support the development of language learning applications. This study illustrates the expressiveness and reuses power of the proposal by modelling learning activities from two different learning processes (Lexiway and Duolingo).

A domain specific language notation for a language learning activity generation tool

“…In our case, the metamodel is the one shown in Fig. 1, and presented in detail in [36] and [37]. Fig.…”

“…The graphical notation for the abstract syntax defined in [37] was implemented as an Eclipse IDE plugin using the Eclipse Graphical Framework (GMF) 16 that is part of the Eclipse Modeling Project (GMP) 17 . These tools are multi-platform because Eclipse IDE runs on MacOS, Linux, and Microsoft Windows.…”

“…As we saw in [37], the "fill-in the gaps" abstraction is at the base of the modelling of all types of activities supported by the editor. This is the main abstraction mechanism available in the editor, but other new abstraction mechanisms cannot be managed or created.…”

“…The implementation of the DSM will be based on the specification of an abstract syntax based on the metamodel presented in [36] and explained in detail in [37], which supports the development of language learning applications that separates the definition of language learning methodologies in 5 concerns. These 5 concerns structure the learning methodologies in terms of concepts, multimedia resources, user interface, activities and their workflow.…”

“…3 we will present the graphical notation for the abstract syntax defined in the metamodel shown in Fig. 1 and presented in [37].…”