An instrumented mobile language learning application for the analysis of usability and learning

Abstract

Mobile applications for language learning (MALL) is a field that is at large dominated by translation-based learning approaches. Moreover, MALL feature a number of common practices that may not effectively address learning or may even increase the number of user errors. In this tool paper, we introduce a language learning application equipped with instrumentation code to collect data about user behavior and use such data in different ways. The most obvious use is to provide statistics and patterns of learning of the users, which can be used by users to adjust their learning approaches and by researchers to study learning processes and attitudes. For the benefit of the user collected data can be also exploited to drive the synthesis of exercises that best suit the user’s language level and learning approach and are not likely to cause usability errors. The main use of the application is, however, as a tool for research purposes. In fact, it is a tool for testing new forms of exercises and their combination on samples of users, thus providing valuable information for research in language learning as well as supporting the software development process of new MALL. Finally, an additional feature of the tool is the conversion of the collected data into a formal description of the user’s behaviour to be used for formal verification and validation purposes.