Real-Time Interactive Visualization Aiding Pronunciation of English as a Second Language

Abstract

Computer assisted language learning (CALL) comprises a wide range of information technologies that aim to broaden the context of teaching by getting advantages of IT. For example, a few efforts have been put on including a combination of voice and its visual representation for language learning, and some studies are reporting positive outcomes. However, more research is needed in order to assess the impact caused by specific visualization styles such as: highlighting syllables and/or wave of sound. In order to explore this issue, we focused at measuring the potential impact that two distinct visualization styles and its combination can have on teaching children the pronunciation of English as a second language. We built a prototype which was designed to assist students while learning pronunciation of syllables. This system was employing two different realtime interactive visualization styles. One of these visualization styles utilizes audio capturing and processing, using a recent technology development: Web Audio API.

Teaching and Learning English at Grammar School Supported by Mobile Touch Technologies

“…With the spread of mobile touch technologies, new applications appeared which can bring the desired effect. Special tools were for example created to test the potential impact of two distinct visualization styles for the learning of English pronunciation with the results recently published (Dibra et al, 2014). As there are quite fe w, below one of them was introduced as an example of the workflow.…”

“Wrapping” X3DOM around Web Audio API

“…This describes a high-level JavaScript API [9] that provides a group of new and reinforced audio properties in Web applications [10]. Wyse et al [11] and Pettersson et al [12] have developed a novel implementation by using Web Audio API in order to achieve their goals for spatial sound. Most of the 3D applications support spatial sound.…”