irena vitanova - Academia.edu (original) (raw)
Papers by irena vitanova
In this paper I would like to present the pedagogical perspective upon a 3-year research project ... more In this paper I would like to present the pedagogical perspective upon a 3-year research project with direct implications for the field of Foreign Language Teaching (FLT), and English for Professional Purposes (ESP) in particular. As a project in Computer Science, the basic aim of LARFLAST 1 was to investigate the integration of several innovative software components into a harmonized environment for learning English financial terminology. In order to ensure the pedagogical relevance of the work, user involvement and endorsement of the research prototype were sought at every stage of the project. The working bench consisted of the following resources: 1) a training corpus of texts for selfstudy 2) a collection of additional relevant texts, gathered by an intelligent Web-agent 3) a terminology testing section of exercises in the popular CALL formats, including a NLP component 4) online financial dictionaries 5) GenWeb, generating dynamic web pages, intended as immersive contexts for the learners, making use of the capabilities provided by web browsers. LARFLAST studied and integrated language technologies like semantic analysis, information retrieval and elements of natural language generation. The paper discusses the difficult negotiation process between user requirements, pedagogical rationale and the specificity of technological problems that participants sought to solve and subsequent work, trying to cope with some of the problems.
Computer-Aided Language Learning (CALL) should play an important role in the modern training proc... more Computer-Aided Language Learning (CALL) should play an important role in the modern training process because it provides easy accessible, adaptive and flexible ways of learning. This paper addresses the scenario of tutor-learner question answering and attempts to automate the free answers evaluation using the advantages of Natural Language Processing (NLP). Our current approach integrates shallow parsing for analysing the answers and allows the learners to enter various utterances to express themselves. However this variety does not impede the assessment of the student's answer as we check the utterances against the automatically generated scope of the correct answers. The usage of a "set of answers" instead of one predefined correct answer enables feedback elaboration that helps learners to understand better their knowledge gaps. Briefly, in this paper we show how the combination of shallow and deep semantic NLP techniques can improve the effectiveness of eLearning systems which support communication in free natural language and can make them more satisfactory and pleasant for their users.
The tendency to develop natural interfaces for all users implies man-machine interaction in a nat... more The tendency to develop natural interfaces for all users implies man-machine interaction in a natural way, including natural language too, both as speech and as free text. Many recent eLearning research prototypes try to cope with the unrestricted text input as it is considered old- ...
Computer-Aided Language Learning (CALL) should play an important role in the modern training proc... more Computer-Aided Language Learning (CALL) should play an important role in the modern training process because it provides easy accessible, adaptive and flexible ways of learning. This paper addresses the scenario of tutor-learner question answering and attempts to automate the free answers evaluation using the advantages of Natural Language Processing (NLP). Our current approach integrates shallow parsing for analysing the answers and allows the learners to enter various utterances to express themselves. However this variety does not impede the assessment of the student's answer as we check the utterances against the automatically generated scope of the correct answers. The usage of a "set of answers" instead of one predefined correct answer enables feedback elaboration that helps learners to understand better their knowledge gaps. Briefly, in this paper we show how the combination of shallow and deep semantic NLP techniques can improve the effectiveness of eLearning systems which support communication in free natural language and can make them more satisfactory and pleasant for their users.
We consider in depth the semantic analysis in learning systems as well as some information retrie... more We consider in depth the semantic analysis in learning systems as well as some information retrieval techniques applied for measuring the document similarity in eLearning. These results are obtained in a CALL project, which ended by extensive user evaluation. After several years spent in the development of CALL modules and prototypes, we think that much closer cooperation with real teaching experts is necessary, to find the proper learning niches and suitable wrappings of the language technologies, which could give birth to useful eLearning solutions.
Computer-Aided Language Learning (CALL) should play an important role in the modern training proc... more Computer-Aided Language Learning (CALL) should play an important role in the modern training process because it provides easy accessible, adaptive and flexible ways of learning. This paper addresses the scenario of tutor-learner question answering and attempts to automate the free answers evaluation using the advantages of Natural Language Processing (NLP). Our current approach integrates shallow parsing for analysing the answers and allows the learners to enter various utterances to express themselves. However this variety does not impede the assessment of the student's answer as we check the utterances against the automatically generated scope of the correct answers. The usage of a "set of answers" instead of one predefined correct answer enables feedback elaboration that helps learners to understand better their knowledge gaps. Briefly, in this paper we show how the combination of shallow and deep semantic NLP techniques can improve the effectiveness of eLearning s...
In this paper I would like to present the pedagogical perspective upon a 3-year research project ... more In this paper I would like to present the pedagogical perspective upon a 3-year research project with direct implications for the field of Foreign Language Teaching (FLT), and English for Professional Purposes (ESP) in particular. As a project in Computer Science, the basic aim of LARFLAST 1 was to investigate the integration of several innovative software components into a harmonized environment for learning English financial terminology. In order to ensure the pedagogical relevance of the work, user involvement and endorsement of the research prototype were sought at every stage of the project. The working bench consisted of the following resources: 1) a training corpus of texts for selfstudy 2) a collection of additional relevant texts, gathered by an intelligent Web-agent 3) a terminology testing section of exercises in the popular CALL formats, including a NLP component 4) online financial dictionaries 5) GenWeb, generating dynamic web pages, intended as immersive contexts for ...
This paper describes the language resources used in the project Larflast and their role in the We... more This paper describes the language resources used in the project Larflast and their role in the Web-based prototype STyLE (Scientific Terminology Learning Environment) which supports adaptive learning of English financial terminology with a target group of adults, non-native speakers with intermediate level of English proficiency. Larflast attempts to improve the language learning process by intelligent integration of advanced natural language technologies (deep semantic analysis of free utterances and personalised information retrieval) into a single coherent system. The learning environment STyLE is implemented as a self-tuition workbench which offers a number of drills testing learner's comprehension of financial terminology and assessing his/her knowledge. User evaluation showed the positive and negative features of our approach in general and STyLE in particular. The conclusion is that language technologies have a long way to go, until they find the proper wrappings for inte...
Computer-Aided Language Learning (CALL) should play an important role in the modern training proc... more Computer-Aided Language Learning (CALL) should play an important role in the modern training process because it provides easy accessible, adaptive and flexible ways of learning. This paper addresses the scenario of tutor-learner question answering and attempts to automate the free answers evaluation using the advantages of Natural Language Processing (NLP). Our current approach integrates shallow parsing for analysing the answers and allows the learners to enter various utterances to express themselves. However this variety does not impede the assessment of the student’s answer as we check the utterances against the automatically generated scope of the correct answers. The usage of a “set of answers” instead of one predefined correct answer enables feedback elaboration that helps learners to understand better their knowledge gaps. Briefly, in this paper we show how the combination of shallow and deep semantic NLP techniques can improve the effectiveness of eLearning systems which su...
acl.ldc.upenn.edu
Integrating Natural Language Processing into E-Learning - A Case of Czech Pavel Smrz . . . . . . ... more Integrating Natural Language Processing into E-Learning - A Case of Czech Pavel Smrz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 NLP serving the cause of language learning Frédérique Segond, Thibault Parmentier . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 NLP-based scripting for CALL activities ...
Women's History Review, Jan 1, 1993
Abstract This article examines the problem of establishing women's studies as a legi... more Abstract This article examines the problem of establishing women's studies as a legitimate area of study in Bulgarian universities. With the change from a communist to a post-communist society, Bulgaria is finding itself open to outside cultural influences. However, ...
InSTIL/ICALL Symposium 2004, Jan 1, 2004
In this paper I would like to present the pedagogical perspective upon a 3-year research project ... more In this paper I would like to present the pedagogical perspective upon a 3-year research project with direct implications for the field of Foreign Language Teaching (FLT), and English for Professional Purposes (ESP) in particular.
Proceedings of the …, Jan 1, 2004
We consider in depth the semantic analysis in learning systems as well as some information retrie... more We consider in depth the semantic analysis in learning systems as well as some information retrieval techniques applied for measuring the document similarity in eLearning. These results are obtained in a CALL project, which ended by extensive user evaluation. After several years spent in the development of CALL modules and prototypes, we think that much closer cooperation with real teaching experts is necessary, to find the proper learning niches and suitable wrappings of the language technologies, which could give birth to useful eLearning solutions.
InSTIL/ICALL …, Jan 1, 2004
Computer-Aided Language Learning (CALL) should play an important role in the modern training proc... more Computer-Aided Language Learning (CALL) should play an important role in the modern training process because it provides easy accessible, adaptive and flexible ways of learning. This paper addresses the scenario of tutor-learner question answering and attempts to automate the free answers evaluation using the advantages of Natural Language Processing (NLP). Our current approach integrates shallow parsing for analysing the answers and allows the learners to enter various utterances to express themselves. However this variety does not impede the assessment of the student's answer as we check the utterances against the automatically generated scope of the correct answers. The usage of a "set of answers" instead of one predefined correct answer enables feedback elaboration that helps learners to understand better their knowledge gaps. Briefly, in this paper we show how the combination of shallow and deep semantic NLP techniques can improve the effectiveness of eLearning systems which support communication in free natural language and can make them more satisfactory and pleasant for their users.
In this paper I would like to present the pedagogical perspective upon a 3-year research project ... more In this paper I would like to present the pedagogical perspective upon a 3-year research project with direct implications for the field of Foreign Language Teaching (FLT), and English for Professional Purposes (ESP) in particular. As a project in Computer Science, the basic aim of LARFLAST 1 was to investigate the integration of several innovative software components into a harmonized environment for learning English financial terminology. In order to ensure the pedagogical relevance of the work, user involvement and endorsement of the research prototype were sought at every stage of the project. The working bench consisted of the following resources: 1) a training corpus of texts for selfstudy 2) a collection of additional relevant texts, gathered by an intelligent Web-agent 3) a terminology testing section of exercises in the popular CALL formats, including a NLP component 4) online financial dictionaries 5) GenWeb, generating dynamic web pages, intended as immersive contexts for the learners, making use of the capabilities provided by web browsers. LARFLAST studied and integrated language technologies like semantic analysis, information retrieval and elements of natural language generation. The paper discusses the difficult negotiation process between user requirements, pedagogical rationale and the specificity of technological problems that participants sought to solve and subsequent work, trying to cope with some of the problems.
Computer-Aided Language Learning (CALL) should play an important role in the modern training proc... more Computer-Aided Language Learning (CALL) should play an important role in the modern training process because it provides easy accessible, adaptive and flexible ways of learning. This paper addresses the scenario of tutor-learner question answering and attempts to automate the free answers evaluation using the advantages of Natural Language Processing (NLP). Our current approach integrates shallow parsing for analysing the answers and allows the learners to enter various utterances to express themselves. However this variety does not impede the assessment of the student's answer as we check the utterances against the automatically generated scope of the correct answers. The usage of a "set of answers" instead of one predefined correct answer enables feedback elaboration that helps learners to understand better their knowledge gaps. Briefly, in this paper we show how the combination of shallow and deep semantic NLP techniques can improve the effectiveness of eLearning systems which support communication in free natural language and can make them more satisfactory and pleasant for their users.
The tendency to develop natural interfaces for all users implies man-machine interaction in a nat... more The tendency to develop natural interfaces for all users implies man-machine interaction in a natural way, including natural language too, both as speech and as free text. Many recent eLearning research prototypes try to cope with the unrestricted text input as it is considered old- ...
Computer-Aided Language Learning (CALL) should play an important role in the modern training proc... more Computer-Aided Language Learning (CALL) should play an important role in the modern training process because it provides easy accessible, adaptive and flexible ways of learning. This paper addresses the scenario of tutor-learner question answering and attempts to automate the free answers evaluation using the advantages of Natural Language Processing (NLP). Our current approach integrates shallow parsing for analysing the answers and allows the learners to enter various utterances to express themselves. However this variety does not impede the assessment of the student's answer as we check the utterances against the automatically generated scope of the correct answers. The usage of a "set of answers" instead of one predefined correct answer enables feedback elaboration that helps learners to understand better their knowledge gaps. Briefly, in this paper we show how the combination of shallow and deep semantic NLP techniques can improve the effectiveness of eLearning systems which support communication in free natural language and can make them more satisfactory and pleasant for their users.
We consider in depth the semantic analysis in learning systems as well as some information retrie... more We consider in depth the semantic analysis in learning systems as well as some information retrieval techniques applied for measuring the document similarity in eLearning. These results are obtained in a CALL project, which ended by extensive user evaluation. After several years spent in the development of CALL modules and prototypes, we think that much closer cooperation with real teaching experts is necessary, to find the proper learning niches and suitable wrappings of the language technologies, which could give birth to useful eLearning solutions.
Computer-Aided Language Learning (CALL) should play an important role in the modern training proc... more Computer-Aided Language Learning (CALL) should play an important role in the modern training process because it provides easy accessible, adaptive and flexible ways of learning. This paper addresses the scenario of tutor-learner question answering and attempts to automate the free answers evaluation using the advantages of Natural Language Processing (NLP). Our current approach integrates shallow parsing for analysing the answers and allows the learners to enter various utterances to express themselves. However this variety does not impede the assessment of the student's answer as we check the utterances against the automatically generated scope of the correct answers. The usage of a "set of answers" instead of one predefined correct answer enables feedback elaboration that helps learners to understand better their knowledge gaps. Briefly, in this paper we show how the combination of shallow and deep semantic NLP techniques can improve the effectiveness of eLearning s...
In this paper I would like to present the pedagogical perspective upon a 3-year research project ... more In this paper I would like to present the pedagogical perspective upon a 3-year research project with direct implications for the field of Foreign Language Teaching (FLT), and English for Professional Purposes (ESP) in particular. As a project in Computer Science, the basic aim of LARFLAST 1 was to investigate the integration of several innovative software components into a harmonized environment for learning English financial terminology. In order to ensure the pedagogical relevance of the work, user involvement and endorsement of the research prototype were sought at every stage of the project. The working bench consisted of the following resources: 1) a training corpus of texts for selfstudy 2) a collection of additional relevant texts, gathered by an intelligent Web-agent 3) a terminology testing section of exercises in the popular CALL formats, including a NLP component 4) online financial dictionaries 5) GenWeb, generating dynamic web pages, intended as immersive contexts for ...
This paper describes the language resources used in the project Larflast and their role in the We... more This paper describes the language resources used in the project Larflast and their role in the Web-based prototype STyLE (Scientific Terminology Learning Environment) which supports adaptive learning of English financial terminology with a target group of adults, non-native speakers with intermediate level of English proficiency. Larflast attempts to improve the language learning process by intelligent integration of advanced natural language technologies (deep semantic analysis of free utterances and personalised information retrieval) into a single coherent system. The learning environment STyLE is implemented as a self-tuition workbench which offers a number of drills testing learner's comprehension of financial terminology and assessing his/her knowledge. User evaluation showed the positive and negative features of our approach in general and STyLE in particular. The conclusion is that language technologies have a long way to go, until they find the proper wrappings for inte...
Computer-Aided Language Learning (CALL) should play an important role in the modern training proc... more Computer-Aided Language Learning (CALL) should play an important role in the modern training process because it provides easy accessible, adaptive and flexible ways of learning. This paper addresses the scenario of tutor-learner question answering and attempts to automate the free answers evaluation using the advantages of Natural Language Processing (NLP). Our current approach integrates shallow parsing for analysing the answers and allows the learners to enter various utterances to express themselves. However this variety does not impede the assessment of the student’s answer as we check the utterances against the automatically generated scope of the correct answers. The usage of a “set of answers” instead of one predefined correct answer enables feedback elaboration that helps learners to understand better their knowledge gaps. Briefly, in this paper we show how the combination of shallow and deep semantic NLP techniques can improve the effectiveness of eLearning systems which su...
acl.ldc.upenn.edu
Integrating Natural Language Processing into E-Learning - A Case of Czech Pavel Smrz . . . . . . ... more Integrating Natural Language Processing into E-Learning - A Case of Czech Pavel Smrz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 NLP serving the cause of language learning Frédérique Segond, Thibault Parmentier . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 NLP-based scripting for CALL activities ...
Women's History Review, Jan 1, 1993
Abstract This article examines the problem of establishing women's studies as a legi... more Abstract This article examines the problem of establishing women's studies as a legitimate area of study in Bulgarian universities. With the change from a communist to a post-communist society, Bulgaria is finding itself open to outside cultural influences. However, ...
InSTIL/ICALL Symposium 2004, Jan 1, 2004
In this paper I would like to present the pedagogical perspective upon a 3-year research project ... more In this paper I would like to present the pedagogical perspective upon a 3-year research project with direct implications for the field of Foreign Language Teaching (FLT), and English for Professional Purposes (ESP) in particular.
Proceedings of the …, Jan 1, 2004
We consider in depth the semantic analysis in learning systems as well as some information retrie... more We consider in depth the semantic analysis in learning systems as well as some information retrieval techniques applied for measuring the document similarity in eLearning. These results are obtained in a CALL project, which ended by extensive user evaluation. After several years spent in the development of CALL modules and prototypes, we think that much closer cooperation with real teaching experts is necessary, to find the proper learning niches and suitable wrappings of the language technologies, which could give birth to useful eLearning solutions.
InSTIL/ICALL …, Jan 1, 2004
Computer-Aided Language Learning (CALL) should play an important role in the modern training proc... more Computer-Aided Language Learning (CALL) should play an important role in the modern training process because it provides easy accessible, adaptive and flexible ways of learning. This paper addresses the scenario of tutor-learner question answering and attempts to automate the free answers evaluation using the advantages of Natural Language Processing (NLP). Our current approach integrates shallow parsing for analysing the answers and allows the learners to enter various utterances to express themselves. However this variety does not impede the assessment of the student's answer as we check the utterances against the automatically generated scope of the correct answers. The usage of a "set of answers" instead of one predefined correct answer enables feedback elaboration that helps learners to understand better their knowledge gaps. Briefly, in this paper we show how the combination of shallow and deep semantic NLP techniques can improve the effectiveness of eLearning systems which support communication in free natural language and can make them more satisfactory and pleasant for their users.