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access icon free Model-based approach to develop learning exercises in language-learning applications

© The Institution of Engineering and Technology
Received 24/04/2017, Accepted 27/01/2018, Revised 22/12/2017, Published 01/02/2018

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).

Inspec keywords: linguistics; software engineering; computer aided instruction

Other keywords: software development; pedagogical tools; Lexiway; grammar; language-learning applications; model-based approach; vocabulary; metamodel; Duolingo; foreign language learning; learning exercises

Subjects: Computer-aided instruction; Software engineering techniques; Humanities computing

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