This research explored the integration of dual coding theory and modern computer technology with symmetry into a vocabulary class to improve students’ learning attitude and effectiveness. Three research questions are addressed in this research on the effects of computer-assisted learning based on dual coding theory (DCT). This experimental research was carried out in a high school in a remote rural area in China. The study was conducted in two parallel classes (the experimental and the control) in Grade 8 with a total of 88 students. Our research methods included pre- and post-test, questionnaires, and an interview with symmetry as the focus to obtain the results as follows: (1) Using the integration of computer assisted language learning (CALL) and DCT to effectively improve students’ learning attitude, (2) transforming students’ traditional learning methods into the dual coding method, and (3) enhancing students’ vocabulary learning effectiveness.

For English as a Foreign Language (EFL) students, automatic speech recognition (ASR) technology is the most potential assistant tool to help them improve their spoken English ability. The primary purpose of this study is to investigate learners’ perceptions towards ASR technology after it is applied to traditional classrooms. This study selected 249 English majors from a university in Northeastern China as samples and divided them into a control group consisting of 124 students and an experimental group including 125 students. The participants of two groups used ASR technology in the process of oral practice, and the experimental group also added teacher’s guidance compared with the control group. The teacher gives more detailed instruction in speaking based on the scores provided by ASR technology. Participants needed to complete relevant questionnaires and learning reflective journals during the experiment. The results of the study showed that both participants and instructors held positive and satisfactory attitudes towards the potential of ASR in oral training and believed that the technology could meet many of their needs such as the scoring system to help them more intuitively understand the real speaking level. The findings of this paper will give some implications to oral English teaching in the future.

One of the advantages of multimedia-assisted instruction is that it makes students more interested in sustainable learning and assists them to access information and learn more effectively. This research sought to explore the asymmetric effects of the development of sustainable multimedia-assisted instruction (MAI) on student reading practice in areas such as the implementation of learner autonomy and the improvement of reading ability, primarily based on multimedia technology-assisted instruction. This experiment was conducted in a junior high school in China. Eighty-six students from two parallel grade two classes were selected as research participants. Class One was set as the experimental class (EC) and Class Two was symmetrically designed as the control class (CC). The research results indicate that MAI encouraged students in the EC to adopt reading strategies more frequently and helped them to improve their level of learner autonomy, from a low level to an intermediate level, for the use of an asymmetrical technology, in comparison with the control class. Furthermore, the EC’s reading ability was significantly enhanced. Additionally, there is a discussion of pedagogical implications and constructive suggestions considered to be beneficial for sustainable learning skills, teaching and for further research on the symmetrical application of technology in education. Finally, one of the most significant findings from this study is the effectiveness of combining modern sustainable technology and advanced educational concepts with symmetry in promoting learner autonomy within a sustainable learning model.

New media are used by language learners and teachers inside and outside the classroom to improve basic language skills. This study investigated the uses of new media for enhancing reading skills, stimulating student motivation, and promoting learner autonomy within the context of the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). This research project enlisted approximately 200 university sophomore students from the course “IELTS Reading and Writing”, which was run for non-English major 2016 ISEC (International Scholarly Exchange Curriculum) programme in 2018 at a university in Northeastern China. Students’ perceptions of new media applications were investigated, and a pre-test and post-test were used to examine students’ IELTS reading progress. The research findings indicate that new media can be adapted for IELTS reading classrooms and autonomous learning, which offers learning resources connected to IELTS reading knowledge in class and outside class. New media learning environments greatly improved students’ motivation. Their autonomous learning abilities and advanced academic reading skills were also enhanced. Additionally, the research participants provided advantageous feedback on new media for IELTS reading learning. Finally, the research results could be helpful references for those who intend to conduct the flipped teaching or learning research related to the reform of the advanced English courses teaching such as IELTS education by the effective use of modern educational technology in the future.

(2019). Teacher development in technology-enhanced language teaching. Interactive Learning Environments. Ahead of Print.

(2019). Autonomy in language learning and teaching: new research agendas. Interactive Learning Environments. Ahead of Print.