Improving lexical errors in EFL writing by using software-mediated corrective feedback

Abstract

This research aims at revisiting the role of software when it comes to providing learners with corrective feedback on their pieces of writing. The study, based on the analysis of handwritten and software-corrected versions of essays written by 33 undergraduate students enrolled in the undergraduate degree programme in English Studies at a Spanish University contributed to confirming the assumption that technology can indeed be a useful tool in the teaching and learning process. More specifically, this study demonstrated that students could reduce significantly the number of lexical errors in their essays through the autonomous use of error-correction software and that, over time, the students can improve on their ability to avoid such errors. Nevertheless, the study has also confirmed that software can in no way completely replace teachers, as computer programming is quite limited and there are errors that only proficient language users can detect and correct.