Twenty-two academics and researchers from the U.S. and Europe contribute ten chapters exploring the range of speech technologies in computer-assisted language learning (CALL) in the U.S. and Europe. Divided into sections that track the stages of CALL science, the text covers the theory and research that serves as the foundation of CALL science; analysis of the needs of the intended learners; research to explore, adapt, and refine core speech technologies to meet the identified user needs; the integration of speech technologies into full-featured CALL prototypes; and evaluation of CALL systems. Preceding each section of the book is an introduction that describes how the chapters in the section fit the corresponding stage of CALL and highlights issues raised by the chapters. For academics, researchers, and students in CALL, language and speech technologies, audiology and speech sciences, computational and information sciences. linguistics, and similar fields. Annotation ©2008 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
This collection examines the promise and limitations for computer-assisted language learning of emerging speech technologies: speech recognition, text-to-speech synthesis, and acoustic visualization. Using pioneering research from contributors based in the US and Europe, this volume illustrates the uses of each technology for learning languages, the problems entailed in their use, and the solutions evolving in both technology and instructional design. To illuminate where these technologies stand on the path from research toward practice, the book chapters are organized to reflect five stages in the maturation of learning technologies: basic research, analysis of learners’ needs, adaptation of technologies to meet needs, development of prototypes to incorporate adapted technologies, and evaluation of prototypes. The volume demonstrates the progress in employing each class of speech technology while pointing up the effort that remains for effective, reliable application to language learning.
