SLS 480E is a hands-on class designed for students to evaluate and design language learning apps by understanding and applying theoretical and practical knowledge of research trends in computerassisted language learning (CALL), mobile-assisted language learning (MALL), AI-assisted language learning, instructed second language learning (ISLA), and learning engineering.
The course begins with a historical overview of technological tools for language learning and then delves into learning principles from multiple perspectives. Next, students will critically evaluate existing language learning apps with reference to the learning principles. In the following weeks, students are guided to conceptualize and develop their own language learning app, using state-of-the-art L2 research findings and industry insights. Students will have opportunities to experiment with cutting-edge solutions for prototyping, building, and testing their products. Upon successful completion of the course, students will be equipped with the creative, analytical, and communicative, and AI literacy skills vital for 21st-century language professionals.
This course fulfills an Oral Communication (O)-Focus requirement by incorporating activities, assignments, and projects designed to enhance students’ oral communication skills, including jigsaw reading, think-pair-share, presentations, guided discussions, customer discovery interviews, user testing, hackathon, and product pitches. Together, these oral activities will account for 80% of the final course grade.