Language Science Talks: 'Supporting Language Learning through Adaptive Educational Technologies', Dr. Carrie Demmans Epp

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Join us for this Language Science Talks presentation by Dr. Carrie Demmans Epp, Assistant Professor in the Department of Computing Science at the University of Alberta, hosted by LangSci Co-Director Dr. Janet Werker.

Abstract
Technology use is deeply rooted within language learning. From the early use of tapes in language labs to the more recent use of multi-media, we have seen the wide use of technology by language learners. Many of these technologies provide detailed tracking of learner activities that can be harnessed to better meet learner needs by adapting the software and content that learners are using. This talk will survey a set of projects that study the use of software to support language learning across modalities (audio and text) and contexts. I will focus on software we have developed to support the members of different populations by enabling practice, adapting to learner needs, or enabling learners to access support and resources on demand. This body of work demonstrates the power of relatively simple approaches when they are appropriately employed.

Carrie Demmans Epp is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Computing Science at the University of Alberta. She joined the University of Alberta after completing her postdoctoral research at the Learning Research and Development Center of the University of Pittsburgh. Before moving to Pittsburgh, Carrie completed her PhD at the University of Toronto where she held Weston and Walter C. Sumner Memorial Fellowships. She builds and studies the use of language learning technologies. A large part of this work involves the development of analytics that support adaptive learning experiences.