Dedicated design and usability of a context-aware ubiquitous learning environment for developing receptive language skills: a case study

There has been little informal learning research concerning the issues and learning factors for students who are engaged in receptive language skills (reading and listening) development in a Context-Aware Ubiquitous Language Learning (CAULL) context. Therefore, the researchers first developed a CAULL environment for students to learn the surroundings of Cheng Kung Lake with the use of the handheld PDA, the wireless internet, and RFID readers and tags. There were three sections in the learning content about Cheng Kung Lake, including the reading units, scenario-based conversations, and RFID-generated Q&A in the reading and audio clips. Further, there were 47 intermediate-proficiency-level graduate students participating in this study. The results indicate that most students benefited from using this kind of CAULL and improved their receptive language skills, as well as demonstrate students' positive attitudes towards the implementation. Finally, design and development issues, affecting learning factors, problems and suggestions in such a CAULL environment were discussed.