Abstract
Language education is a key component in international education. However, language instructors faced numerous challenges in moving classes online during the recent COVID-19 pandemic, especially in classes where instructions rely on live communication and immediate feedback. Conversely, language instructors adept in computer-assisted language learning (CALL) were at an advantage in alleviating the sudden transition to emergency remote teaching (ERT). In this context, this exploratory study uses bibliometric approaches to analyze the scientific production and reveal the major contributors and research themes in the field of CALL. The Web of Science database was selected for data collection, which comprised of 425 articles published in 85 journals between 1986 to 2021. First, performance analysis was conducted using R Bibliometrix, which showed an overall growth trend and annual growth rate of 11.83% in scientific production. The top 10 most locally cited journals, authors, and articles were also identified. Scientific mapping using VOSviewer revealed the conceptual structure of CALL through bibliographic coupling, revealing seven clusters representing the core CALL research themes: (1) Pedagogy and effectiveness; (2) Type of technology; (3) Digital games; (4) Learner autonomy and social network; (5) Technology acceptance; (6) Technology medium; and (7) Online and distance learning. Together, findings from the performance analysis serve as a helpful citation reference for initiating language educators and researchers into the field, while the scientific mapping of research themes serve as a basis for which future investigations can be oriented.
Author Information
Toshiyuki Hasumi, Ming Chuan University, Taiwan
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