AMobile-Device-SupportedPeer-AssistedLearningSystem.docVIP

A Mobile-Device-Supported Peer-Assisted Learning System for Collaborative Early EFL Reading Yu-Ju Lan1, Yao-Ting Sung2, and Kuo-En Chang3 National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei, Taiwan 1Yu-Ju Lan, Doctoral candidate Address: Department of Information and Computer Education, National Taiwan Normal University, 162, Sec. 1, Ho-Ping E. Rd., Taipei, Taiwan. Telephone: 886-1 E-Mail: yujulan@ 2Yao-Ting Sung, Ph. D. Address: Department of Educational Psychology and Counseling, National Taiwan Normal University, 162, Sec. 1, Ho-Ping E. Rd., Taipei, Taiwan. Telephone: 886-2- ext 509 E-Mail: sungtc@.tw 3Kuo-En Chang, Ph. D. Corresponding Author Address: Department of Information and Computer Education, National Taiwan Normal University, 162, Sec. 1, Ho-Ping E. Rd., Taipei, Taiwan. Telephone: 886-2- ext 18 E-Mail: kchang@.twPaper Submitted to: Language Learning Technology Category: Articles Revised Version 6/10/2007A Mobile-Device-Supported Peer-Assisted Learning System for Collaborative Early EFL Reading ABSTRACT Collaborative learning methods which emphasize peer interaction, in which students work together to accomplish shared goals, have been widely applied to increase the intensity and effectiveness of EFL reading programs. However, simply grouping students heterogeneously and assigning them group goals does not guarantee that effective collaborative learning will ensue. This research included two studies. In Study One, the weaknesses of collaborative learning in a traditional EFL setting were observed. Then, in Study Two, a mobile-device-supported peer-assisted learning (MPAL) system was developed for the purpose of addressing the identified weaknesses. Two classes of twenty-six third grade students participated in the present research to examine the unique contribution of MPAL to collaborative EFL reading activities. The collaborative behavior of elementary EFL learners was videotaped and analyzed. Detailed analysis of the videotaped behavior indicated that MP