Gonulal, Talip

Intelligent personal assistants (IPAs), which are voice-activated agents enabling human–computer interaction, have recently been reported to be pedagogically useful agents in language learning. IPAs use various forms of humor to better communicate with users and to compensate for any performance limitations. In order to understand the IPAs’ sense of humor and their language teaching potential, this study investigated language learners’ reactions to IPA’s humor responses. Forty-two English language learners, whose language levels varied from intermediate to upper-intermediate, engaged in humorous interactions with one particular IPA (i.e. Google Assistant), which was installed on their mobile devices, by using 15 funny prompts. The learners were then asked to rate the IPA’s responses in terms of how funny they were and to share their perceptions of the potential use of IPA in language learning processes. The results indicated that the learners rated most IPA responses as quite humorous and found the IPA’s overall sense of humor to be higher than average. Further, learners reported that IPAs could be highly useful agents to improve both their overall English and their discrete language skills. Overall, this study shows that IPAs with some sense of humor have a lot to offer to language learners.

Taslibeyaz, Elif

The purpose of the present study was to examine the effect of scenario-based interactive videos, on students’ achievement and their development of self-regulated learning behaviors, when used in an English grammar course. Scenario-based interactive videos can present an experience-centered learning environment that enables students to be more active in the learning process. A true experimental research design was used. The sample consisted of 84 seventh-grade non-native speakers from an elementary school. The students were divided into two groups. The experimental group used scenario-based interactive videos, while the control group used non-scenario-based interactive videos. Pre and post-tests were conducted to measure achievements of the students in each group. Moreover, screen log data were examined to evaluate their self-regulated learning behaviors. Finally, the results showed that the students in the experimental group were more successful than those in control group with regard to their achievement level on the posttest. The experimental group showed self-regulated learning behaviors more than the control group did.

Taslibeyaz, Elif; Dursun, Onur Burak; Karaman, Selcuk

This study aimed to compare the effects of interactive and non-interactive videos concerning the autism spectrum disorder on medical students’ achievement. It also evaluated the relation between the interactive videos’ interactivity and the students’ decision-making process. It used multiple methods, including quantitative and qualitative methods. The participants were 60 medical students, divided into two groups. One group watched an interactive video while the other watched a non-interactive video. Pre- and post-tests were used to evaluate the students’ relevant achievements in each group. Moreover, a think-aloud protocol was used to evaluate the decision-making process of the group who watched the interactive video. The pre- and post-test results indicated an increase in the achievements of students in the tested groups. Students who watched the interactive video were found to be more successful. Finally, watching interactive videos was shown to positively affect medical students’ decision-making process.