Smart dictionary for e-book reading analytics

Abstract

Reading, be it intensive or extensive, is one of the key skills required to master English as a foreign language (EFL) learner. Computerized e-book systems provide convenient access to learning materials inside and outside class. Students may regularly check the meaning of a word or expression using a separate tool to progress on their reading, which is not only disruptive but can lead to other learning problems. An example of a particular issue faced in EFL is when a student learns an inappropriate meaning of a polysemous word for the context in which it is presented. This is also a problem for teachers as they often need to investigate the cause. In this paper, we propose a smart dictionary integrated into an e-book reading platform. It allows the learner to search and note word definitions directly with the purpose of reducing context switching and improve vocabulary retention. Finally, we propose that learner interactions with the system can be analyzed to support EFL teachers in identifying possible problems that arise through dictionary use while reading.