A Research on the Effectiveness of DynEd Computer-Assisted English Language Learning – Taking Ningbo Polytechnic as an Example

Abstract

The integration of multimedia-aided English language teaching and learning is one of the trends of abroad and domestic research. DynEd CALL (computer-assisted English Language learning) is a new answer to the challenge of the integration research. This paper explores the DynEd CALL model based on public English teaching reform of Ningbo Polytechnic that has been done for 3 years, which aims to find the effective model of language learning and teaching. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of DynEd CALL model. The data were collected through DynEd Records Manager, on over 1,800 non-English majors from eight institutes of Ningbo Polytechnic, implemented for 1 year. The data included each student’s two Placement Tests, two Speaking Tests (both were done at the beginning and the end of learning DynEd), and detailed information of learning process about the courseware such as studying days, total study hours, study frequency, study score, functional buttons usage and speech recognition. The data also contained a questionnaire followed by 1 year’s DynEd study. Pre-and post-comparative analysis of two Placement Tests and Speaking Tests show that the differences are nearly 0.5 and 0.3 respectively, which means the award-winning, multimedia content keeps students on task and engaged. And the questionnaire indicates students have adopted the concept that language is a skill, not knowledge. DynEd CALL can significantly promote students English learning proficiency, esp. on listening and speaking skills. The improvement on reading and writing skills, however, are not so dramatic comparatively, which are the perspectives we should enhance in the future teaching and research.