Intercultural usability of language learning websites

• Published in: International Journal of Pedagogies & Learning 2012-11, Vol.7 (2), p.135-141
• Main Authors: Son, Jeong-Bae, Park, Ji-Yong
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: CAI; Computer assisted instruction; Computer assisted language learning; Cultural awareness; Cultural differences; Cultural education; Cultural literacy; Culture; Educational materials; English (Second language); Foreign language learning; Intercultural communication; intercultural language learning; Language; Language acquisition; language learning websites; Learning activities; Online learning; Pedagogy; Second Language Learning; Second language teaching; Social networks; Social research; Studies; Teaching; Teaching Methods; Usability; Use studies; User experience; User interface; Website evaluation; website usability; Websites
• ISSN: 2204-0552; 1833-4105; 1833-4105
• DOI: 10.5172/ijpl.2012.7.2.135

Website usability can be defined as the ease of use of websites. General usability, pedagogical usability, technical usability and intercultural usability can be considered and examined for the understanding of the usability of language learning websites, which requires a discipline-specific approach. In the field of computer-assisted language learning, usability issues have been addressed mainly in terms of evaluation criteria and have been commonly discussed in relation to user expectations and user experiences. In spite of a growing interest in intercultural language learning, however, little research on intercultural usability of language learning websites has been published yet. There is a need to answer the question of how language learning websites integrate the target language and culture for the development of intercultural sensitivity and competence. This article explores intercultural aspects of language learning websites and presents usability guidelines for designing intercultural language learning websites.