Computer Assisted Language Teaching: The Pedagogy and Possibilities of the Icelandic Online system

Abstract

This article describes the history, development, and contributions of the Icelandic Online learning system to Computer-Assisted Language Learning (CALL). Icelandic Online (www.icelandiconline.com) (IOL) is a curated, open online language course that was launched initially in 2004. Since then, over 330,000 people have visited the website and about a third have completed one or more of the five courses offered, some in three different modes. In the article, the pedagogical foundations of the courses are presented. While the technology has been upgraded regularly, the instructional methodology has stood the test of time in the rapid technological changes that have taken place in online instruction. The methodology was based on accepted theories about adult second language learning and the changing learning context in online worlds. Then, research findings on students’ progress in the courses according to the built-in tracking system and surveys of users’ views are presented. The findings describe students’ behavior online and calls for the revision of how student retention LMOOCs (Language Massive Open Online Courses) are measured, and what learning objects are effective, i.e. which study materials and teaching methods are likely to be successful in computer-assisted language teaching. Finally, the possibilities of the IOL learning system to teach languages other than Icelandic will be described including in interim learning spaces such as in Virtual Reality.

Keywords: Computer Assisted Language Learning, adult second language learning, student behavior in distance learning, retention in LMOOCS