When it comes to university students’ English grammar learning, traditional paper-pencil in-class writing tasks are common. Nowadays, various technology tools including artificial intelligence (AI) can assist students’ learning. Using an experiential approach to learning (Kolb and Kolb, 2009), this study firstly attempts to reveal the extent to which technology-mediated grammar learning across course-topics can be realised. Secondly, it aims to report students’ evaluation of this integrated approach of technology-mediated and experiential learning. Methodologically, this study embraces a learning model of “experiencing, reflecting, thinking and acting.” It integrates technology tools and student-centred activities of a 13-week course “English Grammar”. At the term-end, 30 year-2 students posted their responses to open-ended questions onto the University's online forum. The technology tools include (a)an in-house online platform, (b)university-supported Open AI, c)websites and d)YouTube. The hands-on practice activities cover topics: (i)thesis statements, (ii)myths of effective writing, (iii)functions of writing, and (iv)parts of speech. Students use their smartphones in class to (a)post paragraphs onto a university’s online forum when elaborating on a topic, (b)use OpenAI to generate myths of effective writing and discuss their flaws, (c)search for fundraiser websites and evaluate functions of writing, and (d)browse YouTube and explore parts of speech in song lyrics. The above has revealed technology-mediated grammar learning across topics can be successfully realised through experiential learning. Students' qualitative comments regarding this integrated approach are: 1)paper-pencil writing tasks are perceived as "old-fashioned", 2)interaction through technology meets their expections, 3)the development of AI causes them to question the significance of grammar learning.

Authors:
Chi Wai Lee, Hong Kong Metropolitan University, Hong Kong

About the Presenter(s)
Dr Patrick Chi Wai Lee is currently an Assistant professor at Hong Kong Metropolitan University, Hong Kong. He earned his PhD in linguistics and English language at the University of Newcastle upon Tyne.

Connect on Linkedin
https://www.hkmu.edu.hk/as/people/staff-profile/?email=pcwlee&unit=AS&po=N&repeat=w3tc

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