Human-Computer Interaction (HCI)
L2 Acquisition Related to Human-Computer Interaction (HCI)
Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) is the usage and study of the interaction between people and computers via digital technologies. The big benefit of HCI is the thought that technology should be developed to benefit people and help them become more efficient.
This field of study has greatly increased over the years due to increased usage of learning apps, AI tutors, voice assistants, LMS and SMS. L2 learners have a wide variety of new tools to use to assist in the acquisition of a second language.
From my perspective as a TESOL educator with experience working across Japanese elementary schools, universities and Corporate training environments, I have incorporated the usage and been in the process of keeping up to date with the latest and most useful applications for my students and I to use.
Technology does have the added value if used correctly to enhance student’s learning opportunities but it is not advanced (yet) to be a direct supplement to traditional classrooms. If certain procedures, such as teacher involvement through mediation,emotional safety and scaffolding techniques are not in place, can result in an unproductive or weak pedagogical environment.
A very interesting area as discussed in the publication (Meunier, 2022) is the distinction between voice activated native speaker and L2 pronunciation. I have had personal experience of seeing this in action by watching L2 speakers try to connect with Amazon Alexa to no avail, primarily attributed to the L2 pronunciation. There are actual humorous videos on this topic that can be found on YouTube https://youtu.be/HbDnxzrbxn4?si=zxI3P9aOty9iKEos This usage can cause discouragement for L2 learners.
My overall view is that technology is not quite there to be able to be a full substitute for traditional teaching methodologies but the advancement and continued improvement cannot be ignored. Implementing and using will remain the teacher’s role to suit the best needs of the students, allowing an efficient learning environment, with the ultimate goal of the acquisition of L2.
References:
Meunier, F., Pikhart, M., & Klimova, B. (2022). Editorial: New perspectives of L2 acquisition related to human–computer interaction (HCI). Frontiers in Psychology, 13, 1098208
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