A Systematic Exploration of Language Learning Technologies

Abstract

There is an ever-growing number of language learning technologies designed for teaching English, and they commonly take the form of applications for mobile devices and websites. Because learning a language provides personal and professional opportunities, this chapter's researchers conducted a case study that examined the functionality and quality of websites designed to teach English using Puentadura's substitution, augmentation, modification, and redefinition (SAMR) scale. This case study opens with an overview of the edtech marketplace before explaining how the researchers used SAMR to analyze websites designed for teaching English. The researchers found that the majority of websites functioned at SAMR's lower levels and that their design presented challenges when navigating through their content. This chapter concludes with multiple recommendations for both developers and researchers regarding ways to increase the websites' functionalities and improve their design.