Abstract:

One of the most advanced technologies brought to bear on language learning is automatic speech recognition (ASR). It is proposed that ASR-enhanced materials for self-study can effectively increase the student's learning twofold over conventional self-study materials. Past and current efforts at the U.S. Military Academy are described, aimed at integrating advanced ASR into courseware authoring systems. Practical, technical, and pedagogical issues confronting both programmers and courseware developers are discussed. Possible directions for this emerging technology are forwarded based on past research, current experimental evidence, and the future of language learning in an era of technology.

Author: Stephen A. LaRocca, John J. Morgan, Sherri M. Bellinger