Abstract

This study aims to explore the current published research on Language Massive Open Online Courses (LMOOCs), outlining the types of papers, countries where studies were performed and institutions devoted to this field. Also, it intends to classify the reviewed literature following a general categorisation of MOOCs , and to identify the main trends and topics of interest for LMOOC researchers. Results show that there is still a lack of LMOOC-related articles in CALL (computer assisted language learning) journals, since most of the publications in the period reviewed (2012-18) are conference papers. The country in which most studies have been done so far is Spain and Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia (UNED) is currently the most active institution in this area. Within the taxonomy established, the most popular categories of studies focused on LMOOC participants or providers and case studies. Systematic review of the published literature indicated that research trends in LMOOCs studies comprise: 1) conceptualisation of LMOOCs and their distinctive features; 2) attempts to find the most suitable model for language teaching and learning beyond the xMOOC/cMOOC dichotomy; 3) suitability of LMOOCs for languages for specific purposes (LSP) courses; 4) focus on the learners and their motivation and experience throughout the course; 5) reflection on the new role of the teacher; 6) instructional design and how it affects participants’ learning and possible attrition; and 7) importance of social learning in LMOOCs. Nevertheless, LMOOCs is still an emerging field in need of further serious studies.

摘要

本研究旨在探索当前已发表的关于语言大规模开放在线课程 (LMOOC) 的研究，概述论文类型、进行研究的国家和致力于该领域的机构。此外，它打算按照 MOOC 的一般分类对审查的文献进行分类，并确定 LMOOC 研究人员感兴趣的主要趋势和主题。结果表明，CALL（计算机辅助语言学习）期刊中仍然缺乏与 LMOOC 相关的文章，因为审查期间（2012-18 年）的大部分出版物都是会议论文。迄今为止进行最多研究的国家是西班牙，而国立远距离教育大学 (UNED) 目前是该领域最活跃的机构。在已建立的分类范围内，最受欢迎的研究类别侧重于 LMOOC 参与者或提供者以及案例研究。对已发表文献的系统回顾表明 LMOOCs 研究的研究趋势包括： 1） LMOOCs 的概念化及其独特特征；2) 试图在xMOOC/cMOOC二分法之外寻找最适合语言教学和学习的模式；3) LMOOCs 对特定用途语言 (LSP) 课程的适用性；4) 在整个课程中关注学习者及其动机和经验；5）对教师新角色的反思；6) 教学设计以及它如何影响参与者的学习和可能的减员；7) LMOOCs 中社会学习的重要性。尽管如此，LMOOCs 仍然是一个需要进一步认真研究的新兴领域。