The Path of Speech Technologies in Computer Assisted Language Learning: From Research Toward Practice

by Holland; Melissa

• ISBN13: 9780415960762
• ISBN10: 0415960762
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2007-12-13
• Publisher: Routledge

Summary

This collection examines the promise and limitations for computer-assisted language learning of emerging speech technologies: speech recognition, text-to-speech synthesis, and acoustic visualization. Using pioneering research from contributors based in the US and Europe, this volume illustrates the uses of each technology for learning languages, the problems entailed in their use, and the solutions evolving in both technology and instructional design. To illuminate where these technologies stand on the path from research toward practice, the book chapters are organized to reflect five stages in the maturation of learning technologies: basic research, analysis of learners? needs, adaptation of technologies to meet needs, development of prototypes to incorporate adapted technologies, and evaluation of prototypes. The volume demonstrates the progress in employing each class of speech technology while pointing up the effort that remains for effective, reliable application to language learning.

Table of Contents

List of Figures
List of Tables
The Path of Speech Technologies in CALL: Tracking the Science	p. 1
Sampling the Research Base: Language Pedagogy, Speech Perception	p. 19
Applications of Technology to Language Acquisition Processes: What Can Work and Why	p. 25
Applications of Formant Detection in Language Learning	p. 44
Analyzing Needs: The Case of a Pronunciation Tutor	p. 67
Perceptual Underpinnings of Automatic Pronunciation Assessment	p. 71
Adapting Speech Technology: The Examples of Visualization and Synthesis	p. 85
Visualization of Speech Patterns for Language Learning	p. 91
Speech Synthesis for Language Tutoring Systems	p. 123
Developing Prototype Systems: The Examples of Pronunciation Training and Proficiency Testing	p. 151
Design Features of Three Computer-Based Speech Training Systems	p. 155
Logic and Validation of a Fully Automatic Spoken English Test	p. 174
Evaluating Systems: The Case of a Reading Tutor	p. 195
4-Month Evaluation of a Learner-Controlled Reading Tutor That Listens	p. 201
Balancing Learner and Tutor Control by Taking Turns: Faster and Better Mixed-Initiative Task Choice in a Reading Tutor That Listens	p. 220
Contributors	p. 241
Index	p. 247
Table of Contents provided by Blackwell. All Rights Reserved.