Technology and Reading: The Effects of CALL Glossing

Abstract

Studies of the effects of L1 glossing on L2 reading comprehension have shown varying results. The present meta-analytic study provides an update of the research of CALL glossing studies and examines key variables related to how CALL glossing can be effective. Findings revealed an overall effect size of .84, which suggests that most readers with CALL glosses should comprehend L2 text more effectively than students without CALL glosses. The present study also found that both productive and receptive tests can be effective in measuring L2 reading comprehension, large amounts of CALL glossing do not necessarily effectively facilitate L2 reading comprehension, and textual glossing with pictures may be the most effective means of CALL glossing.