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29 Jan 2019
Report

Using Technology to Support English Language Learners in Higher Education: A Study of Voxy’s Effect on English Language Proficiency

Ann-Marie Faria, Rebecca Bergey, Ashley Simpson Baird, and Alex Lishinski

Image of college students in a computer lab

Although English language learners (ELLs) have an increasing presence in postsecondary education, their unique needs are often unmet by institutions of higher education, partly resulting from their diversity—they vary in their educational backgrounds, English proficiency levels, career goals, and reasons for learning English. Many ELLs spend valuable time and money on remedial courses that do not meet their educational needs, which makes them less likely to persist in their coursework or enter a degree track.

Findings provide promising evidence that Voxy can support English language learning in community college language labs.

Technology-mediated English language instruction may be a solution to the pressing challenges that postsecondary institutions face in providing personalized instruction to ELLs, because it allows instruction to be tailored to an individual’s English proficiency, academic needs, and professional interests. This study specifically tested the efficacy of one such educational technology—Voxy, a web- and mobile-based application—for improving ELLs’ English language proficiency.

The purpose of this quasi-experimental study was to understand whether access to Voxy’s online platform as part of the regular coursework in a community college language laboratory improved ELLs’ English language acquisition after one semester. The two primary research questions were these:

  • Does access to Voxy’s web and mobile platforms increase ELLs’ English language proficiency after one semester?
  • How is student use of the Voxy platform related to English language proficiency?

After one semester of use:

  • Students with access to Voxy had larger English language gains than their peers in the comparison group.
  • Platform usage was lower than recommended, but students consistently used Voxy outside of regular lab times.

Findings provide promising evidence that Voxy can support English language learning in community college language labs.

PDF icon Using Technology to Support English Language Learners in Higher Education: A Study of Voxy’s Effect on English Language Proficiency (PDF)

Related Centers

Center

The Center for English Language Learners (ELLs) at AIR

English language learners (ELLs) face the challenge of acquiring content knowledge in English at the same time as they acquire English as an additional language. These students can be supported by conducting rigorous research and evaluation to improve instruction and learning, evaluating policy to inform decision-making, and enhancing ELL practice at the district, school, and classroom level. The core of AIR's work supporting ELLs is done through the Center for English Language Learners.

Related Work

5 Mar 2018
Report

Group-of-EL-college-students-488148896-cropped.jpg

Image of group of college-age English learners

Serving English Language Learners in Higher Education: Unlocking the Potential

Higher education institutions increasingly are faced with the challenge and opportunity of serving English learners (ELs) on their campuses. This white paper describes profiles of three types of English learners in higher education and details the motivations, experiences, and challenges that each EL faces in his or her academic pursuits.
Topic: 
Education, English Language Learners

Further Reading

  • Serving English Language Learners in Higher Education: Unlocking the Potential
  • English Learners and Close Reading: Providing Scaffolding for Writing
  • Examining Ratings and Dimensions of Quality in an Early Childhood Education Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS)
  • Long Story Short: How Can Early Childhood Education Quality Ratings (QRIS) Ensure the Best Return on Our Investment in Six Million Children?
  • AIR and the Hispanic Education Coalition Co-Sponsor a Capitol Hill Briefing On the Key Issues Facing English Language Learners
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Ann-Marie Faria

Ann-Marie Faria

Principal Researcher

Rebecca Bergey

Researcher

Topic

Education
English Language Learners
Higher Education
Technology for Teaching and Learning

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