Learner Experiences in Autonomous Learning Environments

Abstract

The chapter analyses the topic of the learner experiences and usability in autonomous learning environments, employing learning analytics data coming from monitoring software. Usability measures the easiness of use of a system. A good usability can contribute to improve the engagement of a learning experience. The study is part of a PhD project carried out at the University G.D'Annunzio in collaboration with the University for Foreigners of Siena. It considers Italian as L2 resources implemented in two different digital environments. It focuses on the learner experiences as the “created” relationship between human and computer. The results highlight the importance for educational designers to be pre-emptively aware on the way learners actually interact with the resources and spaces made available to them. The consciousness of this information allows the designer to build environments that could meet the communicative and linguistic needs of the students.