Computer support for second language learners’ free text production: initial studies

• writing documents, reviewing process. This paper discusses the role of computer-based language tools for adult writers in the context of second language learning. It presents initial studies of second-language learners who write with the aid of a language tool developed at our department. The studies focus on the revision process in authentic free text production. A method for collecting data from free text production has been developed and explored. In the study, the users seemed to be supported by the language tool, and they followed the advice from program when appropriate feedback was given. The method used seems to be adequate both in pointing out the directions for an extended study, and also in pointing on which parts of the language tool that must be further developed and improved. As a complement to the study of the writers, interviews with teachers have been conducted. There is an overlap between the errors the teachers said were important and the errors the language tools searches for. 1

Subject headings

NATURVETENSKAP  -- Data- och informationsvetenskap (hsv//swe)

NATURAL SCIENCES  -- Computer and Information Sciences (hsv//eng)

Publication and Content Type

ref (subject category)

art (subject category)