Transcrobes: An Open, Web-scalable Platform for Radically Personalised L2 Development

This presentation describes a new platform consisting of a set of server and client technologies implementing a Personalised User Model for Lifelong, Lifewide Learning (PUML) for developing second/foreign language (L2) proficiency. Transcrobes is first and foremost a tool that allows learners to meaningfully interact with arbitrary, authentic digital L2, secondly a tool implementing state-of-the-art learning techniques (spaced-repetition, noticing, meta-cognitive support, etc.) on top of this authentic material for achieving learner-defined learning goals, and thirdly a platform for research, data collection and analysis feeding back into the two primary functions.

Due to the critical role reading has in L2 development, the initial development focus is on learner selected, free, extensive reading and tools for building, evolving and presenting sophisticated learner models based on natural interaction with these texts. Texts are analysed using Natural Language Processing, enriched with personalised comprehension aids chosen by the learner and then replaced with rich hypertext in place in real-time using a plugin architecture in popular content consumption applications (browsers, e-readers, etc.). Other modalities such as audio and video are planned. Learners can inspect and interact with the information that the system collects, giving them crucial visibility and control over their data. Learners can then choose to expose parts of that data to other stakeholders, such as caregivers, teachers or solution providers in raw or aggregated form.

The system is an attempt to radically personalise and contextualise the L2 learning process. By giving learners free reign over the both the content and pedagogical focus, yet also providing quantification and metrics that allow them to measure themselves against commonly used benchmarks, they are empowered to explore ideal L2 selves and new L2 identities on their own terms, in their own time. The particular interests, motivations and optimal learning methods for a learner may vary very widely over a typical L2 learning journey, and the tool is designed to adapt transparently with the learner, as the learner's needs evolve over time.

By acting as a layer between learners and authentic digital material and providing the tools for the learner to get meaning from the content, and also a set of learning tools on top of the material, the system will generate potentially very large quantities of real language development data, allowing for the large-scale analysis of real, long-term learner behaviour and L2 development.