Affiliations: Department of Mathematics and Computer Science,
Wheaton College, Norton, MA 02766, USA. E-mail: [email protected] | Department of Computer and Information Sciences,
University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA. E-mail: [email protected],
http://www.eecis.udel.edu/research/icicle
Abstract: The ICICLE project is a Computer-Assisted Language Learning (CALL)
environment geared toward teaching English as a second language. This paper
reports on an initial prototype application of the system for deaf learners of
written English. A primary focus of the ICICLE effort has been devoted to
enabling the system to adapt to a learning user over the evolution of language
proficiency. In this paper, we overview and motivate the design of our novel
user modeling component that integrates Selinker's Interlanguage theory
and other research in Second Language Acquisition in order to accurately
represent a learner's internal grammar as it changes over time. The
objectives of this effort are two-fold: to accurately diagnose and respond to
learner errors, and to focus tutorial feedback on those errors which are most
relevant to the learner's acquisition process.
Keywords: Intelligent Tutoring Systems, CALL, natural language processing, student modeling