Assessment towards the Design of Mobile Assisted Language Learning Application using MCDM Approach

Abstract

Generally proposing evaluation model is the most interest research focus in information system In fact the design of information system requires the application of designated evaluation model for identifying effective design strategy rather than predicting the design effectiveness The evaluation is important in the decision making for planning the design of mobile learning where designers need to decide which technologies are effective to mediate learning particularly in the utilization of mobile learning application The current validated evaluation model can be a proper fundamental to develop criteria for manager and designer in analyzing design strategy Using two mobile learning applications Pleco and Trainchinese as an example this study aims for extending the evaluation model to propose the design evaluation framework for mobile learning application and examining the design of two mobile learning applications by applying designated criteria Evaluating design strategy in information system domain accounts as multiple criteria decision-making (MCDM) problems in strategic information system management Concerning the potential complexity of multiple criteria this research adopted integrated MCDM approach which combines Decision Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory Model (DEMATEL) and the Analytical Network Process (ANP) The MCDM hierarchical framework is established based on interview with experts (scholars in information system domain) and experienced users of mobile assisted language learning (MALL) After the validation by the experts there are five criteria (hardware and software user-interface learning interaction learning personalization and service support) and sixteen sub-criteria (stability speed aesthetic visualization system integration user friendliness interactive GUI interface flexibility interaction with other learner interaction with teacher learning material exchanging curriculum customization teacher feedback learner feedback learning material update friend’s help and online and offline support) Two types of respondents are invited to for the evaluation firstly the designers or programmers of MALL for evaluating DEMATEL questionnaire and secondly the experienced user for evaluating the ANP questionnaire This research finds that learning personalization and learning interaction is important aspect in design of MALL Therefore designers should assure these qualities to provide effective design of MALL Moreover the theoretical implication and practical implication including further research is discussed at the end of the chapters

Date of Award	2014 Feb 7
Original language	English
Supervisor	Meng-Dar Shieh (Supervisor)