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Speech recognition: overview and accuracy

JALTCALL 2022

Gary Ross & Stephen Henneberry

Abstract: Speech recognition and synthesis are perhaps the last stage in interface technology. For the language learner, the ability to speak to a device that can simultaneously play different roles and accents (female, male, old, young, Irish, Scottish, New Zealand, Fijian, Canadian, US etc.) is opening up speaking opportunities for L2 learners. However, the machine learning engines that allow such interactions are somewhat of a black box. In this study supported by a JSPS Kakenhi Grant as part of a Japanese MEXT Grants-in-Aid for Scientific Research, we look at the accuracy and use of such systems, and this presentation will give an outline of how the technology works, its future, and the preliminary results of this ongoing study.

Online Speech: Speech Recognition in the Classroom

JALT 2021

Gary Ross & Stephen Henneberry

Abstract: In recent years the increase in the availability of computerized speech recognition and speech synthesis has led to exciting possibilities in the field of foreign language learning. Traditionally learning activities do not require students to vocalize their responses. This paper presentation will show an analysis of the effectiveness of speech recognition using online speaking on student reactions over 3 institutions as part of Kakenhi research.

Using Edzil.la to organize your own event

JALT CUE 2021

Gary Ross & Stephen Henneberry

Abstract: Gary and Steve will have an informal discussion about using Edzil.la for your own conference. If you have any questions or would like to use the platform, please feel free to join us.

Online speech: utilizing speech recognition

JALTCALL 2021

Gary Ross, Stephen Henneberry, & Aya Hasan

Abstract: In recent years the increase in the availability of computerized speech recognition and speech synthesis has lead to exciting possibilities in the field of foreign language learning. Computerized speech essentially represents a final stage in the development of a human-computer interface, and in this context, it offers substantial advantages over traditional touch-based interfaces which can eschew language altogether. One activity where this is particularly pertinent is in spaced-learning activities where traditionally students do not need to vocalize their responses, and indeed the responses are often not available to instructors at all. Speech Recognition has further benefits in that every utterance is immediately displayed for students, giving them a more accurate indication of their success with the tested language constructs. The advantage to instructors is in the ability for utterances to be stored as text in a database allowing computer analysis of speech patterns to discern common errors. As the 3rd year of a four-year cross-institutional research grant from the Japanese Government (Kakenhi), this paper will present a speech recognition and speech synthesis system developed by the author within the context of a spaced learning program. We will further show (a) a pattern analysis of the accuracy of the system and patterns of learner usage, (b) an analysis of the effectiveness of spaced-learning using online speaking on student outcomes over 3 institutions, (c) student feedback and reactions on speaking to a machine, (d) how the system deals with pronunciation.

Creating your own event with Eventzil.la

Creating your own event with Eventzil.la

KOTESOL International 2021

Abstract: The team behind Eventzil.la, Gary Ross and Stephen Henneberry, will be giving an informal look at how you can use the system to host your own event, and some pointers and tips to make your event successful. We will be reflecting on the Kotesol2021, and talking about the improvements coming. Eventzil.la has successfully hosted over 1000 presentations and 10,000 participants from small seminars to large international events with hundreds of sessions. Invisible to attendees is the powerful and easy to use admin area that makes this possible, and this session will give also give a brief look at that in action.

Online Classes: Surviving and Thriving in 2021

KOTESOL 2021

Victor Reeser, Rhea Metituk, Rhett BUrton, Aaron Jones, Gary Ross, & Stephen Henneberry

Abstract:

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, online teaching has moved from a position of tenuous acceptance and application into standard practice across the world. From parents to students to educators, everyone has undoubtedly struggled with this shift. In this panel, members of the Multimedia and CALL Special Interest Group (MCALL-SIG) as well as two invited speakers will review positive and negative experiences with online teaching; discuss the challenges of converting standardized offline classes to online classes; explore strategies to adapt offline teaching practices to online classes; and share insights into what it takes to succeed in education today.

The panel will also be prepared to engage with audience members on specific questions related to online education, using technology in their classes, and solutions and resources to assist educators with tech-related issues in their respective classrooms. Attendees will leave with a renewed perspective on online teaching as well as practical solutions to the challenges of teaching offline courses in an online setting.

Line Official: Students actually get the message

Line Official: Students actually get the message

Jalt2020, Eventzil.la (Online)

November 21, 2020 18:30

Abstract: This presentation will demonstrate how to use Line with your students for more immediacy in your communication without compromising your personal Line ID. Making use of the free Line Official system, you can set up direct lines of contact with multiple courses without giving out your personal Line ID. In these times of Emergency Online Teaching, this is possibly the most effective way to push messages to students and be confident they will read them.

Efficient Breakout Room Discussions

August 26, 16:00-18:00

Efficient Breakout Room Discussions

OTJ Summer Sessions: Online Teachers Japan, Zoom session

Session Abstract: This session will discuss the use of defined roles in student group work activities to facilitate more efficient language learning in Zoom breakout rooms. The models that will be shared have been used in my face-to-face classrooms for the past few years, and they have become even more important with the current COVID crisis and the dependence on synchronous video as the mode of classroom communication. This presentation will discuss two models for classroom roles; one developed by Stephen Henneberry and Craig Manning for use at the University of Shimane with lower intermediate students, and another developed by Kevin Ryan for use with more advanced students at Showa Women’s University.

Line Official for Effective Student Communication

OTJ Sessions: Online Teachers Japan, Zoom session

June 27, 2020

Session Abstract: In these times of Emergency Remote Teaching, communication with students has become increasingly important. This presentation will discuss the use of Line Official as a means of securing effective communication with students. Line is the main mode of communication for most Japanese university students, so harnessing it for use in Teacher-student communication nearly guarantees students will get the message. Additionally, the use of Line Official, vs. standard Line, provides the teacher, and students, with a layer of privacy that standard Line groups do not provide. Attendees will leave this presentation with a firm grip on how to use this free resource to manage communication in their classrooms.

Online speech: utilizing speech recognition in the classroom today

JALTCALL 2020

Gary Ross & Stephen Henneberry

Abstract:

This talk will demonstrate a free online system for practicing conversation that utilizes the speech recognition and synthesis capabilities built into modern browsers. For the language learner, the ability to speak to a device that can simultaneously speak using different genders and accents will enable learners to take control of their learning process, by both time- and location-shifting their practice. This allows students to work at their own pace, providing learners with vastly more opportunities to practice speaking while receiving immediate automated feedback.

Speech Recognition’s power is that: (i) Students can practice speaking at any time and receive instant feedback. (ii) Thousands of practices can be graded instantly. (iii) Every utterance can be stored as machine-readable text in a database allowing computer analysis of student patterns to discern common errors which can then be displayed to the instructor automatically. (iv) Machine learning (artificial intelligence) techniques can analyze massive amounts of data to discover deeper spoken patterns and errors.

The talk will give a short demonstration of the system which was developed by the author, talk about future developments such as spaced learning and accent training, and show how teachers can sign up to the system and use it in their classroom.