Skip to main content

Eye-Tracking Research in Computer-Mediated Language Learning

  • Living reference work entry
  • Latest version View entry history
  • First Online:
  • 163 Accesses

Part of the book series: Encyclopedia of Language and Education ((ELE))

Abstract

Though eye-tracking technology has been used in reading research for over 100 years, researchers have only recently begun to use it in studies of computer-assisted language learning (CALL). This chapter provides an overview of eye-tracking research to date, which is relevant to computer-mediated language learning contexts. We first examine some of the foundational work, basic assumptions and key constructs in eye-tracking research and then explore uses of eye-tracking in second language (L2) educational contexts. We then examine the modest but growing amount of research in CALL settings and illustrate the technique’s facility for contributing to SLA-relevant CALL research. We touch on some of the known CALL-relevant eye-tracking research in progress and also discuss some of the challenges researchers are likely to encounter when employing eye-tracking techniques. We end with a discussion of possible future directions and developments for eye-tracking in CALL settings.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution.

References

  • Bax, S. (2013). The cognitive processing of candidates during reading tests: Evidence from eye-tracking. Language Testing, 30(4), 441–465. doi:10.1177/0265532212473244.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Boers, F., Warren, P., Siyanova, A., & Grimshaw, G. (2015. The effect of different types of glosses on learners’ intake of new words during reading. Paper presented at the Sixth International 0043onference on Task-Based Language Teaching. Leuven, Belgium, September 2015.

    Google Scholar 

  • Brunfaut, T., & McCray, G. (2015). Looking into test-takers’ cognitive processing whilst completing reading tasks: A mixed-methods eye-tracking and stimulated recall study. British Council ARAG Research Reports Online, 1(1). London: British Council. ISSN 2057-5203.

    Google Scholar 

  • Dussias, P. (2010). Uses of eye-tracking data in second language sentence processing research. Annual Review of Applied Linguistics, 30, 149–166. doi:10.1017/S026719051000005X.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Dussias, P. E., Valdés Kroff, J. R., Guzzardo Tamargo, R. E., & Gerfen, C. (2013). When gender and looking go hand in hand. Studies in Second Language Acquisition, 35, 353–387. doi:10.1017/S0272263112000915.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gilabert, R., & Vasylets, L. (2015). The EFL learning potential of in- and out-of-school exposure, with a focus on undubbed videos. Effects of age, proficiency and cognitive differences. Project led by Carmen Muñoz, GRAL group (Grup de Rercerca en Adquisició de Llengües - Language Acquisition Research Group) at the University of Barcelona. Manuscript in preparation.

    Google Scholar 

  • Godfroid, A., & Uggen, M. (2013). Attention to irregular verbs by beginning learners of German: An eye movement study. Studies in Second Language Acquisition, 35, 291–322.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Godfroid, A., Housen, A., & Boers, F. (2010). A procedure for testing the noticing hypothesis in the context of vocabulary acquisition. In M. Pütz & L. Sicola (Eds.), Cognitive processing in second language acquisition (pp. 169–197). Amsterdam: John Benjamins.

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Godfroid, A., Boers, F., & Housen, A. (2013). An eye for words: Gauging the role of attention in incidental L2 vocabulary acquisition by means of eye-tracking. Studies in Second Language Acquisition, 35, 483–517. doi:10.1017/S0272263113000119.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hyönä, J. (2010). The use of eye movements in the study of multimedia learning. Learning and Instruction, 20(2), 172–176. doi:10.1016/j.learninstruc.2009.02.013.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Just, M. A., & Carpenter, P. A. (1980). A theory of reading: From eye fixation to comprehension Psychological Review, 87(4), 329–354. http://dx.doi.org/10.1037/0033-295X.87.4.329

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kuhn, J. (2012). The noticing of correct and incorrect forms in lengthier texts: An ESL eye-tracking investigation. In G. Kessler, A. Oskoz, & I. Elola (Eds.), Technology across writing contexts and tasks (pp. 237–253). San Marcos: CALICO.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lai, M.-L., Tsai, M.-J., Yang, F.-Y., Hsu, C.-Y., Liu, T.-C., Lee, S. W.-Y., et al. (2013). A review of using eye-tracking technology in exploring learning from 2000 to 2012. Educational Research Review, 10, 90–115. doi:10.1016/j.edurev.2013.10.001.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Latimer, N. (2015). Cognitive processes in reading-into writing tasks. Paper presented at the CRELLA/Lancaster Eye-Tracking Research Seminar, 18 June 2015. University of Bedfordshire.

    Google Scholar 

  • Michel, M., & Smith, B. (2017). Measuring lexical alignment during L2 online peer interaction – an eye tracking study. In S. Gass, P. Spinner, & J. Behney (Eds.), Salience in second language acquisition. London/New York: Routeledge.

    Google Scholar 

  • Michel, M., Gilabert, R., & Révész, A. (2015) Eye-tracking and stimulated recall as means of investigating cognitive load and processes during L2 tasks.

    Google Scholar 

  • Montero Perez, M., Peters, E., & Desmet, P. (2015). Enhancing vocabulary learning through captioned video: An eye-tracking study (2015). The Modern Language Journal, 99, 308328. doi:10.1111/modl.12215.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • O’Rourke, B. (2008). The other C in CMC: What alternative data sources can tell us about text based synchronous computer mediated communication and language learning. Computer Assisted Language Learning, 21, 227–251. doi:10.1080/09588220802090253.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • O’Rourke, B. (2012). Using eye-tracking to investigate gaze behaviour in synchronous computer-mediated communication for language learning. In M. Dooley & R. O’Dowd (Eds.), Researching online interaction and exchange in foreign language education: Methods and issues (pp. 305–341). Frankfurt am Main: Peter Lang.

    Google Scholar 

  • Örnberg Berglund, T. (2012). Corrective feedback and noticing in text-based second language interaction. In L. Bradley & S. Thouësny (Eds.), CALL: Using, Learning, Knowing, EUROCALL Conference, Gothenburg, Sweden, 22-25 August 2012, Proceedings. Dublin Ireland: Research-publishing.net. https://doi.org/10.14705/rpnet.2012.9781908416032

  • Örnberg Berglund, T. (2013). Text-based chat and language learning. Opportunities and challenges. In A. Sundberg, C. Rosén, & P. Simfors (Eds.), ASLA 2012 Proceedings. Linköping, Sweden.

    Google Scholar 

  • Poole, A., & Ball, L. J. (2006). Eye-tracking in HCI and usability research. In Encyclopedia of human computer interaction (pp. 211–219). Hershey: Idea Group Reference, cop.

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Prendergast, C. (2011). A Study of Negotiation Routines in SCMC NS-NNS tandem sessions using Eye Tracker Gaze Data. Final Year Project BA Computer Science, Linguistics and a Language. Trinity College University of Dublin. Retrieved August 2015 from https://www.cs.tcd.ie/undergraduate/computer-science-language/bacsll_web/Claire.Prendergast.1011.fyp.pdf

  • Rayner, K. (2009). Eye movements and attention in reading, scene perception, and visual search. The Quarterly Journal of Experimental Psychology, 62, 1457–1506. doi:10.1080/17470210902816461.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Révész, A., Sachs, R., & Hama, M. (2014). The effects of task complexity and input frequency on the acquisition of the past counterfactual construction through recasts. Language Learning, 64, 615–650. doi:10.1111/lang.12061.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Révész, A., Michel, M., & Lee, M. (2016a). Report on the project 'Investigating IELTS Academic Writing Task 2: Relationships between cognitive writing processes, text quality, and working memory'. British Council. IELTS Research Report Series.

    Google Scholar 

  • Révész, A., Michel, M., & Gilabert, R. (2016b). Measuring cognitive task demands using dual task methodology, subjective self-ratings, and expert judgments: a validation study. Studies in Second Language Acquisition, 38, 703–737.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Roberts, L., & Siyanova-Chanturia, A. (2013). Using eye-tracking to investigate topics in L2 acquisition and L2 processing. Studies in Second Language Acquisition, 35, 213–235. doi:10.1017/S0272263112000861.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sagarra, N., & Ellis, N. C. (2013). From seeing adverbs to seeing morphology. Language experience and adult acquisition of L2 tense. Studies in Second Language Acquisition, 35, 261–290.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sharwood Smith, M. (1993). Input enhancement in instructed SLA: Theoretical bases. Studies in Second Language Acquisition, 15, 165–179.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Smith, B. (2010). Employing eye-tracking technology in researching the effectiveness of recasts in CMC. In F. M. Hult (Ed.), Directions and prospects for educational linguistics (pp. 79–98). New York: Springer.

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Smith, B. (2012). Eye-tracking as a measure of noticing. A study of explicit recasts in SCMC. Language Learning and Technology, 16(3), 53–81. http://llt.msu.edu/issues/october2012/smith.pdf.

    Google Scholar 

  • Smith, B., & Renaud, C. (2013). Eye-tracking as a measure of noticing corrective feedback. In computer- mediated instructor-student foreign language conferences. In K. McDonough & A. Mackey (Eds.), Interaction in diverse educational settings (pp. 147–165). Philadelphia: John Benjamins.

    Google Scholar 

  • Stickler, U., & Shi, L. (2015). Eye movements of online Chinese learners. CALICO Journal, 32(1), 52–81.

    Google Scholar 

  • Suvorov, R. (2013). Interacting with visuals in L2 listening tests: An eye-tracking study. Graduate theses and dissertations. Paper 13299. http://lib.dr.iastate.edu/etd/13299

  • van Gog, T., & Scheiter, K. (2010). Eye-tracking as a tool to study and enhance multimedia learning. Learning and Instruction, 20, 95–99. doi:10.1016/j.learninstruc.2009.02.009.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Winke, P. (2013). The effects of input enhancement on grammar learning and comprehension: A modified replication of Lee, 2007, with eye-movement data. Studies in Second Language Acquisition, 35, 323–352.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Winke, P., Gass, S., & Sydorenko, T. (2013). Factors influencing the use of captions by foreign language learners: An eye-tracking study. The Modern Language Journal, 97, 254–275. doi:10.1111/j.1540-4781.2012.01432.x.

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Marije C. Michel .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2017 Springer International Publishing AG

About this entry

Cite this entry

Michel, M.C., Smith, B. (2017). Eye-Tracking Research in Computer-Mediated Language Learning. In: Thorne, S., May, S. (eds) Language, Education and Technology. Encyclopedia of Language and Education. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-02328-1_34-2

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-02328-1_34-2

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-319-02328-1

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-319-02328-1

  • eBook Packages: Springer Reference EducationReference Module Humanities and Social SciencesReference Module Education

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Chapter history

  1. Latest

    Eye-Tracking Research in Computer-Mediated Language Learning
    Published:
    28 March 2017

    DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-02328-1_34-2

  2. Original

    Eye-Tracking Research in Computer-Mediated Language Learning
    Published:
    15 February 2017

    DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-02328-1_34-1