Development and Evaluation of a Thai Learning System on the Web Using Natural Language Processing

Authors

  • Suyada Dansuwan Assumption University
  • Kikuko Nishina Tokyo Institute of Technology
  • Kanji Akahori Tokyo Institute of Technology
  • Yasutaka Shimizu National Institute for Educational Policy Research of Japan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1558/cj.v19i1.67-88

Keywords:

Natural Language Processing, Thai Learning System, Phrase Structure Rules, Syntactic Trees, Error Processing, System Evaluation, Factor Analysis

Abstract

The Thai Learning System (TLS) is designed to help learners acquire the Thai word order system. TLS facilitates the lessons on the Web using HyperText Markup Language (HTML) and Perl programming which interfaces with Natural Language Processing (NLP) by means of Prolog. The system introduces an easily understandable presentation of a sentence structure by indicating syntactic trees and case grammar principles. Behind TLS, Prolog analyzes affirmative sentences with Thai phrase structure rules and a computational lexicon, and Perl programming transforms the Prolog results back into a user interface display. The system contains interactive features, pictures, sounds, and informative feedback. Questionnaires and factor analysis were used to evaluate the system. The results of the evaluation showed that TLS has an effective user interface and handles learners' input efficiently.

Author Biographies

  • Suyada Dansuwan, Assumption University

    Suyada Dansuwan is currently Lecturer in the Faculty of Computer Science and Technology at Assumption University, Thailand. She is particularly interested in the development of multimedia language learning with Internet, Web technology, and Prolog programming. Her major areas of research interests are distance learning, natural language processing, and statistical processing for system analysis. She received a B.S. in Information Management in 1993 and a M.S. in Artificial Intelligence and Natural Language Processing in 1995 from Senshu University, Japan, a D. Eng. in Research and Development of Educational Technology in 2001 from Tokyo Institute of Technology, Japan.

  • Kikuko Nishina, Tokyo Institute of Technology

    Kikuko Nishina (Ph.D., Tokyo Institute of Technology) is Professor at the Tokyo Institute of Technology. She works in the International Student Center and the Department of Human System Science of Graduate School of Decision Science and Technology. Her research involves Japanese language study, Natural Language Processing, Japanese Teaching as Second Language and developing CALL systems.

  • Kanji Akahori, Tokyo Institute of Technology

    Kanji Akahori (Ph.D., Tokyo Institute of Technology) is a professor at the Tokyo Institute of Technology. He works at the Center for Research and Development of Educational Technology and Department of Human System Science of Graduate School of Decision Science and Technology. His research involves computer-assisted learning systems, such as intelligent CALL, the Internet, human computer interaction and cognitive processing models based on neural networks.

  • Yasutaka Shimizu, National Institute for Educational Policy Research of Japan

    Yasutaka Shimizu graduated from the Tokyo Institute of Technology in 1964, and received his Masters and Doctor of Engineering degrees in 1966 and 1971, respectively. Since 1969 he has worked at the Tokyo Institute of Technology. From 1994 to 1998 he was the Director of the Center for Research and Development of Educational Technology (CRADLE), and from 1998 to 2000 he was the Dean of the Graduate School of Decision Science and Technology. In 2001, he retired from the Tokyo Institute of Technology and is Professor Emeritus. He is currently the Director of Educational Resources at National Institute for Educational Policy Research and Professor of the National Institute of Multimedia Education. He is President of the Japan Society for Educational Technology.

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Published

2013-01-14

Issue

Vol. 19 No. 1 (2002)

Section

Articles

How to Cite

Dansuwan, S., Nishina, K., Akahori, K., & Shimizu, Y. (2013). Development and Evaluation of a Thai Learning System on the Web Using Natural Language Processing. CALICO Journal, 19(1), 67-88. https://doi.org/10.1558/cj.v19i1.67-88