Interactive Syllable-Based English Vocabulary Learning in a Context-Aware Environment

English is one of the most important second languages in nonnative English-speaking countries, where learning English usually begins in primary school. To this end, vocabulary learning is regarded as the most fundamental and crucial stage in developing the student's English language capability. While some studies have explored strategies of vocabulary learning that exploit context-aware technologies, to the best our knowledge, little has been done to employ English syllabification as a learning strategy on a mobile device to help learners recognize English vocabulary in context-aware environments. In this study, we develop an interactive syllable-based English vocabulary learning board (I SEE) on a tablet PC to incorporate context awareness to help Taiwan students learn new vocabulary. With the proposed strategy, English vocabulary is split into syllable units to help students improve their English language listening and speaking skills in a context-aware environment. Experimental results from an elementary school English course demonstrate that this innovative manner enhances the learning achievements and learning attitudes of students and promotes improved motivation.