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Adaptive learning environments seem as viable solutions for overcoming some of the problems closely associated with heterogeneous groups of language learners who learn a language when the human teacher is not immediately present: they adapt various aspects of the learning process to the characteristics and needs of individuals. The focus of this technology showcase presentation is one such web-based adaptive system for English language learning named LLS (Language Learning System), developed at our institution. The system currently caters only for the reading skill and has a dual role: (1) to solve the problem of the initial lack of data concerning a (new) learner accessing the system and (2) to employ continuously gathered learner data for systematic guidance with the aim of developing higher level competences. Its knowledge domain is organised following the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, granulated so as to offer detailed data on the learner’s ever-changing state of competences, and designed to be easily extended to other skills as well. The presentation offers first-hand insights and explanations of both front- and back-ends of the developed software, as it addresses the questions of system architecture and organisation, domain design and implementation technologies. This is combined with a hands-on demonstration of system use for all four types of defined users: guests, who can only access the public interface ; learners, who take an initial placement test, do reading comprehension activities or choose to revise concepts using the prepared learning materials ; teachers, who are responsible for defining the language learning domain, setting up tasks and linking them to the competences they aim to examine, preparing learning materials for the concepts of the learning domain and following the progress of individual students ; and administrators, who assign systems users to a particular learning domain defined within the system. |
