The design and evaluation of a multimodal ubiquitous learning application for EFL writers

ABSTRACT

This study presents the design of a multimodal ubiquitous learning application (MULA) with different augmenting effects for enhancing English as a Foreign Language (EFL) academic writing instruction. In a pilot project, 17 undergraduates engaged in ubiquitous learning and writing at a green building and provided survey responses and interview feedback about their ubiquitous writing experience. The survey results were categorized into perceptions about (a) the ubiquitous learning mode, (b) effective writing facilitation, (c) motivation, self-efficacy, and attitude, (d) self-regulation, and (e) system usability. Interview results further illustrated how using MULA led to positive and negative experiences during ubiquitous writing. A final synthesis on the findings led to the identification of seven affordances that made MULA a potential tool for enhancing writing instruction in EFL settings. The seven affordances were considered effective design elements for multimodal context-aware ubiquitous learning that served the purpose of enriching English academic writing instruction. Implications about creating multimodal ubiquitous learning applications in higher education are also provided.

KEYWORDS:

• EFL
• academic writing
• multimodality
• ubiquitous learning
• augmented reality

Acknowledgements

We are grateful to the undergraduate students who participated in the study. This work was supported by the Ministry of Science & Technology in Taiwan (MOST 108-2511-S-006-005-MY3, MOST 105-2511-S-006-006-MY3), and (MOST 108-2511-H-224-009).

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Correction Statement

This article has been republished with minor changes. These changes do not impact the academic content of the article.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Ministry of Science and Technology of Taiwan [grant numbers MOST 108-2511-S-006-005-MY3, MOST 105-2511-S-006-006-MY3, MOST 108-2511-H-224-009].

Notes on contributors

Vivien Lin

Vivien Lin is an Assistant Professor at National Yunlin University of Science & Technology, Taiwan. Dr. Lin received her Ph.D. degree from the Department of Foreign Languages & Literature at National Cheng Kung University (NCKU) in Taiwan. Her research interests include Robot-Assisted Language Learning, Context-Aware Ubiquitous Learning, Academic Writing, and Computer Assisted Language Learning. She can be reached through the email [email protected].

Yu-Hsuan Lin

Yu-Hsuan Lin is a Ph.D. Candidate, is currently enrolled in the Department of Information and Learning Technology, National University of Tainan. She is now the Secretary-General of the Association of Technology Arts Education, an information teacher of National Chimei Senior High School. She has been invited to lecture at universities, junior high and elementary schools. The specialty areas of her interest are Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality, e-Learning, Digital Tour, and Digital Art. She has received many research awards, such as the Best Paper Award of 2017,IEEE ICASI Conference, Best Paper Award of GCCIL Conference in 2017, the Best Paper Awards of IC3 Conference in 2019, the Best Paper Awards of TWELF Conference in 2020. She serves as a member of editorial review board for many international conferences.

Min-Chai Hsieh

Min-Chai Hsieh is currently an Assistant Professor at the Department of Multimedia and Animation at Tainan University of Technology, Taiwan. He has published more than 60 academic papers and two professional books. One of the AR professional books titled, ‘Augmented reality is so fun! A new technology application combining virtuality and reality', was the first literature about augmented reality in Taiwan. Dr. Hsieh serves as a reviewer for more than 10 academic journals. His research interests include augmented reality, virtual reality, interactive multimedia design, digital learning and affective computing.

Gi-Zen Liu

Gi-Zen Liu is a Distinguished Professor in the Department of Foreign Languages & Literature at NCKU in Taiwan. He 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. Professor Liu received K. T. Li Honorary Scholar Award in Taiwan in 2016. Prof. Liu has been serving as a member of editorial boards of several international journals, including Journal of Computer Assisted Learning, International Journal of Mobile Learning and Organization, and JALT CALL Journal. As a corresponding author of this article, Prof. Liu can be reached through the email [email protected].

Hao-Chiang Koong

Hao-Chiang Koong Lin is a Professor in the Department of Information and Learning Technology, National University of Tainan. He is now the President of the Association of Technology Arts Education, and the Director of Research Group of Innovative Design of Learning Software. He also worked as a CIO and department chair in Tainan National University of Arts and MingHsin Universityof Science and Technology. He received his Ph.D. degree in Computer Science from National Tsing-Hua University, 1997. He has published more than 350 internationally refereed research papers focused on affective computing, learning and education technology, digital arts, interaction design, e-commerce, and artificial intelligence. He serves as a member of editorial review board for several international journals and many international conferences.