Intelligent CALL systems for writing development: Investigating the use of Write & Improve for developing written language and writing skill

Curry, Niall ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4471-6794 and Riordan, Elaine (2021) Intelligent CALL systems for writing development: Investigating the use of Write & Improve for developing written language and writing skill. In: CALL Theory Applications for Online TESOL Education. Advances in Educational Technologies and Instructional Design (AETID) . IGI Global, Hershey, Pennsylvania, pp. 252-273. ISBN 9781799866091

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Abstract

Technological innovation in supporting feedback on writing is well established in computer-assisted language learning (CALL) literature. Regarding writing development, research has found that intelligent CALL systems that respond instantly to learners’ language can support their production of better-written texts. To investigate this claim further, this chapter presents a study on learner use of Write & Improve (W&I). The study, based on learner engagement with W&I and learner and teacher surveys and focus groups, demonstrates that learners find W&I to be engaging and motivating. Moreover, there is evidence of improvements in learner writing practices and written language proficiency. For teachers, W&I can render feedback more efficient, allowing them to focus on more complex aspects of learner texts, while spelling and syntactic accuracy are addressed by W&I. Issues also emerge in the use of W&I, which present problem areas for teachers and learners and which signal important future considerations for CALL research.