Finding a voice: learning pronunciation in a second language using a dedicated speech technology

Thomas Kerr*

*Corresponding author for this work

    Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference proceeding contributionpeer-review

    Abstract

    This paper reports on a recent experiment that used Wimba Voice Board (WVB), an online asynchronous recording and playback utility, for teaching basic pronunciation rules to a group of novice learners of Spanish. The experimental design used a pre/post-test format with an intervention where participants in the experimental group were given access to a built-for-purpose Blackboard online unit and encouraged to engage with the learning materials in self-directed study (Victori and Lockhart, 1995; Lee, 1997). Participants were also able to voluntarily upload their own attempts at pronunciation to a WVB module accessed by all group members, listen to attempts uploaded by peers, and provide optional feedback. Control group members were taught the same content in a traditional teacher-led classroom setting. Two focus groups were conducted with members of the experimental group. Analysis of the collected data showed that WVB was able to produce results that were equivalent to those achieved by members of the control group.

    Original languageEnglish
    Title of host publicationASCILITE 2012 - Annual conference of the Australian Society for Computers in Tertiary Education
    EditorsM. Brown, M. Hartnett, T. Stewart
    Place of PublicationTugun, Queensland
    PublisherASCILITE
    Pages1-5
    Number of pages5
    ISBN (Electronic)9780473229894
    Publication statusPublished - 2012
    EventAnnual conference of the Australian Society for Computers in Tertiary Education, ASCILITE 2012 - Wellington, New Zealand
    Duration: 25 Nov 201228 Nov 2012

    Other

    OtherAnnual conference of the Australian Society for Computers in Tertiary Education, ASCILITE 2012
    Country/TerritoryNew Zealand
    CityWellington
    Period25/11/1228/11/12

    Keywords

    • Second language learning
    • Speech technologies
    • Wimba voice board

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