Many researchers are wondering: “Do computers improve language learning?” This question has (34) ____ computer assisted
language learning (CALL) research. It is regarded as a crucial question as it is tied to funding decisions and (35) ____ overhaul. It is
certainly not a simple question to ask its (36) ____ with answer yes or no. As with other learning resources, we need to narrow down the
question to find out the numerous ways in which computers are being used, by whom, in what contexts, and for what (37) ____. When
these various questions are pinned down, the answer is sometimes yes, often no, sometimes yes for some learners but not for others.
Zhao (2003) recognizes three issues with (38) ____ the effectiveness of technology in his recent literature review and metaanalysis.
First is what (39) ____ as technology (videos, CALL tutorials, and chat rooms, for example, are obviously very different). The second issue
is separating a technology (40) ____ its special uses. Because any given technology may be used in various ways, some effective, some not,
it is difficult to (41) ____ about the effectiveness of a technology itself. The third issue has to do with the effects of other mediating factors,
such as the learners, the setting, the task(s), and the type of assessment. Zhao attempted to address these issues by performing a
metaanalysis
of (42) ____ selected studies published between 1997 and 2001.
However, Zhao points out that most studies were not perfect, because they only had few sample sizes, seldom used (43) ____
sampling, and were often controlled by the students’ teachers, introducing the possibility of a Pygmalion effect.
Source: Kern, R. (2006). Perspectives on Technology in Learning and Teaching Language, TESOL QUARTERLY, Vol. 40, No. 1, p. 183210.