An intelligent interface for computer assisted language learning

Abstract

This paper begins by contrasting teacher directed computer assisted language learning with the student directed approaches of recent hypertext learning programmes. It concludes that what is needed is an approach where the level and order of the exercises can be tailored to the needs and requirements of individual students. To do this requires:

• 1. a means of constructing an original user profile and of updating this in the light of student performance in the tutorial exercises, and

• 2. a means of generating exercises of an appropriate level from text databases.

The paper next looks at how texts may be automatically assigned a readability grade based on Gunning's Fog Index or Information Density, and how this can be used to generate exercises of varying levels of difficulty. The paper emphasises the importance of giving students feedback to win their co-operation in devising and adhering to a tuition programme. It concludes by discussing the work still to be done.