Using Alexa for Flashcard-Based Learning

Abstract

Despite increasing awareness of Alexa's potential as an educational tool, there remains a limited scope for Alexa skills to accommodate the features required for effective language learning. This paper describes an investigation into implementing 'spaced-repetition', a non-trivial feature of flashcardbased learning, through the development of an Alexa skill called 'Japanese Flashcards'. Here we show that existing Alexa development features such as skill persistence allow for the effective implementation of spaced-repetition and suggest a heuristic adaptation of the spaced-repetition model that is appropriate for use with voice assistants (VAs). We also highlight areas of the Alexa development process that limit the facilitation of language learning, namely the lack of multilingual speech recognition, and offer solutions to these current limitations. Overall, the investigation shows that Alexa can successfully facilitate simple L2-L1 flashcard-based language learning and highlights the potential for Alexa to be used as a sophisticated and effective language learning tool.

Efektifitas Media Flashcard untuk Meningkatkan Pemahaman Kemandirian Belajar Peserta Didik

“…Hal ini tidak jauh berbeda dengan pernyataan dari Amir Hamzah Suleiman yang menyatakan bahwa media flashcard bisa menghasilkan orang menangkap ide atau informasi yang terkandung di dalamnya dengan jelas, bahkan lebih jelas dari apa yang diungkapkan dengan kata-kata ataupun tulisan. Artinya media flashcard lebih realitas menunjukkan pokok masalah dibandingkan dengan menggunakan media verbal semata (Skidmore & Moore, 2019).…”

Voice Assistants and Smart Speakers in Everyday Life and in Education

“…An Alexa skill called "Japanese Flashcards" was developed by Skidmore and Moore (2019). Flashcards are commonly used to study vocabulary.…”

Using Amazon Alexa as an Instructional Tool During Remote Teaching

“…The blueprints offer the average user guidance to create customized and personal voice user interface activities. As virtual assistants’ capabilities continue to multiply, the blueprints provide conversational frameworks of short exchanges that offer endless opportunities for practice (Rosell-Aguillar, 2018; Skidmore & Moore, 2019).…”

“…The user must use the existing forms to adapt the strategies they develop for their audience unless they have coding abilities. However, with some ingenuity and software advancements, Alexa could go beyond facilitating simple exercises and move toward more valuable and complex learning experiences (Skidmore & Moore, 2019). Although the COVID-19 pandemic is the reason that caused us to look at new and burgeoning technology opportunities, the universal acceptance of home AI devices and their ease of access will be what help their longevity.…”