English for tourism and AR-assisted context-aware ubiquitous learning: a preliminary design-based research study

Abstract

With the rise of augmented reality (AR) and context-aware ubiquitous learning (CAUL), pedagogical designers in computer assisted language learning are increasingly developing authentic English for Specific Purposes (ESP) learning environments. However, there has been little research regarding the development of evidence-based principles for English for tourism purposes (ETP) through AR-based CAUL. The purpose of this study was to provide a preliminary analysis of the design principles and develop a learning model based on a rigorous four-phase Design-Based Research procedure. The researchers first developed a location-based AR application for ETP and formulated the first set of design principles. This application was further tested and refined in an iterative process, with data collected from three different sources. The data collection methods included an online questionnaire, onsite observations, and semi-structured expert interviews. All the data was triangulated and analyzed, and a team of experts evaluated the design principles. Results showed that the technical affordances of mobile AR devices should form the basis for the design. The application needs to seamlessly provide multimodal scenery-based AR learning supports to fulfill individual needs in blended learning contexts. Furthermore, a user-friendly interface with personalized functions and a portfolio recording the learning progress needs to be included. Multimodal authentic ETP dialogs and terminology are also necessary in order to build students’ ETP speaking competence. Moreover, the learning material should be compatible with the main theories which drive language learning in CAUL. In light of the findings, a learning model was established to guide AR-based ETP learning and serve as template for future studies in other ESP fields.

Keywords:

• Augmented reality (AR)
• context-aware ubiquitous learning (CAUL)
• design-based research
• English for tourism purposes (ETP)
• English for specific purposes (ESP)

Acknowledgments

We would like to show our appreciation for the students participating in this study. This research has been supported by a government research grant.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

National Science andTechnology Council, Taiwan; Ministry of Education, Taiwan.

Notes on contributors

Keng-Chih Hsu

Keng-Chih Hsu is a Lecturer in the Language Center at National Pingtung University of Science and Technology in Pingtung, Taiwan. He is also a PhD student in the Department of Foreign Languages & Literature at National Cheng Kung University (NCKU) in Taiwan. His research interests include computer assisted language learning, context-aware mobile learning, blended language learning, online oral communication, and AR in Learning Technology.

Neil E. Barrett

Neil E. Barrett is an Assistant Professor in the Center for Bilingual Education at Southern Taiwan University of Science & Technology (STUST), Tainan, Taiwan. He completed his doctoral dissertation on the role of new learning technologies for second language academic oral presentations. Dr. Barrett’s research interests cover the influence of technology on second language teaching and learning in areas such as second language writing with technology, academic oral presentations, mobile learning, and ubiquitous learning systems. Neil has published articles in international peer reviewed journals such as CALL, Review of Educational Research, Computers and Education, the Journal of Computer Assisted Learning, Human Behavior and Emerging Technologies, and the Journal of Science Education & Technology.

Gi-Zen Liu

Gi-Zen Liu is a Distinguished Professor and Chairperson in the Department of Foreign Languages & Literature at NCKU in Taiwan. Prof. Liu received his PhD degree in Instructional Systems Technology from Indiana University Bloomington, in the U.S., in 2003. His research interests include computer assisted language learning, context-aware mobile learning, plagiarism avoidance, blended language learning, online writing tutorials, and Learning Technology. Prof. Liu received K. T. Li Honorary Scholar Award in Taiwan in 2016. Currently, Prof. Liu serves as an Associate Editor of Journal of Computer Assisted Learning, as well as serves as an Editorial Board member of Journal of Mobile Learning and Organization.