Corpora Processing and Computational Scaffolding for a Web-based English Learning Environment

The CANDLE Project

Authors

  • Hsien-Chin Liou National Tsing Hua University
  • Jason S. Chang National Tsing Hua University
  • Hao-Jan Chen National Taiwan Normal University
  • Chih-Cheng Lin National Taiwan Normal University
  • Meei-Ling Liaw National Taichung University
  • Zhao-Ming Gao National Taiwan University
  • Jyh-Shing Roger Jang National Tsing Hua University
  • Yuli Yeh National Tsing Hua University
  • Thomas C. Chuang Vanung University
  • Geeng-Neng You National Taichung Institute of Technology

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1558/cj.v24i1.77-95

Keywords:

Bilingual Concordancer, Chinese-English Parallel Corpora, Computational Scaffolding, Natural Language Processing

Abstract

This paper describes the development of an innovative web-based environment for English language learning with advanced data-driven and statistical approaches. The project uses various corpora, including a Chinese-English parallel corpus (Sinorama) and various natural language processing (NLP) tools to construct effective English learning tasks for college learners with adaptive computational scaffolding. It integrates the expertise of a group of researchers in four areas: (a) advances in NLP technologies and applications, (b) construction of a self-access reading environment, (c) exploration of English language learning through written exercises and translations, and (d) use of bilingual corpora for culture-based English learning. In this paper, the conceptualization of the system and its various reference tools (e.g., a bilingual concordancer) for English learning and pilot testing on various modules (e.g., a reading module, Text Grader, and Collocation Practice) are reported.

Author Biographies

  • Hsien-Chin Liou, National Tsing Hua University

    Hsien-Chin Liou, Professor at the National Tsing Hua University, has conducted numerous CALL projects. Her current interest is web-based materials and corpus processing for academic writing.

  • Jason S. Chang, National Tsing Hua University

    Jason S. Chang, professor of computer science at the National Tsing Hua University, has taken a long-term interest in natural language processing and once served as Director of Republic of China Computational Linguistics Association.

  • Hao-Jan Chen, National Taiwan Normal University

    Hao-Jan Chen, associate professor at the National Taiwan Normal University, has developed several ESL learning web sites in Taiwan.

  • Chih-Cheng Lin, National Taiwan Normal University

    Chih-cheng Lin is an associate professor in the English Department at the National Taiwan Normal University, where he has been teaching English language courses, multimedia and language teaching, and academic writing. His current research interests include CALL and EFL reading and writing.

  • Meei-Ling Liaw, National Taichung University

    Meei-Ling Liaw, Professor and Chair of the Department of English at the National Taichung University, has done research on using computer technology to facilitate EFL teaching and learning, intercultural competence, and teacher education.

  • Zhao-Ming Gao, National Taiwan University

    Zhao-Ming Gao, assistant professor at the National Taiwan University, has done research on language technologies, including intelligent computer-assisted language learning and machine translation

  • Jyh-Shing Roger Jang, National Tsing Hua University

    Jyh-Shing Roger Jang, associate professor in the Computer Science Department at the National Tsing Hua University, Taiwan, has done research on speech recognition, speech synthesis, melody recognition, and computer-assisted pronunciation training.

  • Yuli Yeh, National Tsing Hua University

    Yuli Yeh is a retired associate professor at the National Tsing Hua University. Her research interest is development and evaluation of materials for computer-assisted language learning.

  • Thomas C. Chuang, Vanung University

    Thomas C. Chuang, President at Vanung University and Professor in the Department of Computer Science and Information Engineering, has research interests in natural language processing and artificial intelligence.

  • Geeng-Neng You, National Taichung Institute of Technology

    Geeng-Neng You, Associate Professor in the Department of Multimedia Design at the National Taichung Institute of Technology, Taichung, Taiwan, has done research on multimedia design and computer-assisted translation evaluation.

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Published

2013-01-14

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Section

Articles

How to Cite

Liou, H.-C., Chang, J., Chen, H.-J., Lin, C.-C., Liaw, M.-L., Gao, Z.-M., Jang, J.-S., Yeh, Y., Chuang, T., & You, G.-N. (2013). Corpora Processing and Computational Scaffolding for a Web-based English Learning Environment: The CANDLE Project. CALICO Journal, 24(1), 77-95. https://doi.org/10.1558/cj.v24i1.77-95