Open AccessThe Impact of Using Automated Writing Feedback in ESL/EFL Classroom Contexts
Author(s) -
Ameni Benali
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
english language teaching
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1916-4750
pISSN - 1916-4742
DOI - 10.5539/elt.v14n12p189
Subject(s) - affordance , constructive , psychology , quality (philosophy) , peer feedback , second language writing , mathematics education , pedagogy , computer science , second language , linguistics , philosophy , process (computing) , epistemology , cognitive psychology , operating system
It is undeniable that attempts to develop automated feedback systems that support and enhance language learning and assessment have increased in the last few years. The growing demand for using technology in the classroom and the promotions provided by automated- written-feedback program developers and designers, drive many educational institutions to acquire and use these tools for educational purposes (Chen & Cheng, 2008). It remains debatable, however, whether students’ use of these tools leads to improvement in their essay quality or writing outcomes. In this paper I investigate the affordances and shortcomings of automated writing evaluation (AWE) on students’ writing in ESL/EFL contexts. My discussion shows that AWE can improve the quality of writing and learning outcomes if it is integrated with and supported by human feedback. I provide recommendations for further research into improving AWE tools to give more effective and constructive feedback.