Polat, Hamza

Videos have become an indispensable part of both online and blended learning environments. However, the design of such videos requires careful consideration of multimedia learning principles to reduce the cognitive load during the instruction. In this regard, the purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of text-positions presented at two videos on eye-fixation duration and remembering. An experimental research with one-shot case study design was employed to meet this purpose. Two videos about financial issues were selected from a public TV channel archive: one of them included on-screen texts located at the bottom, and the other included informative texts located on the right side of the screen. A total of 61 students first watched these videos by interacting with an eye-tracking device in a human-computer interaction lab and then completed a retention test. The results indicated a significant positive correlation between total eye fixation duration and retention test scores. Additionally, the fixation duration of the participants was higher when the texts were presented on the right side of the videos than that when texts were presented at the bottom. The total fixation durations for longer text were higher than those for shorter text.

Gonulal, Talip

The present study sought to explore how English language learners (ELLs) used Instagram, a popular social networking site, for language learning purposes and to reveal their attitudes towards and experiences in using it as a mobile-assisted language learning (MALL) tool. Special interest was also placed on whether there were any distinct ELL profiles in using Instagram for independent and informal language learning. In this mixed-methods study, both quantitative and qualitative data were concurrently collected through an online comprehensive survey consisting of three sections. Ninety-seven Instagram using ELLs took part in this study. Basic descriptive statistics and a cluster analysis were conducted on the quantitative data, and a thematic analysis on the qualitative data. The results showed that Instagram has the potential to help ELLs to improve overall language skills in general, and vocabulary and communication skills in particular. Further, ELLs’ experiences in using Instagram as a MALL tool for informal language learning were largely positive. Additionally, two different language learner profiles (i.e., novice and experienced) emerged based on Instagram use habits and orientations. Overall, this study indicated that social networking platforms and MALL applications can be used as an effective mobile language learning tool.