On Guidelines Of English Learning Website Design Based On An Interactionist SLA Model

From Second Language Acquisition (SLA) perspective, we can find out that the design and construction of most English learning websites in China is still based on Krashen's Monitor Theory. Ignoring the importance of learning language through interaction, they lay excessively importance on language input and provide little interaction to the websites. This study is mainly based on Gass's interactionist SLA framework, aiming to summarize the guidelines for the design of English learning websites to enhance the interaction of the websites. The writer attempts to answer the following questions:(1) What modes, types and tools of interaction can facilitate language acquisition in the web-based environment?(2) What guidelines mainly based on Gass's framework can be concluded for the website design?(3) Can the guidelines be applied into the design of English learning websites?(4) Can learners produce output and modify their input and output in the interaction when they participate in the designed tasks?This study will make a conceptualization which grounds on Gass's SLA theory, coupled with interaction study in CALL and the synthesis of SLA and CALL. This dissertation will look back on the past and present studies on SLA, especially on Gass's interactionist SLA framework and its implications for instruction. Studies of interaction in CALL will also be explored carefully, and then appropriate modes, types and tools of interaction will be chosen for the website design. Factors influencing interaction in CALL such as learners'needs and technical issues have also been discussed. Moreover, synthesis of Gass's framework and CALL will be discussed.Drawn from the findings above, the guidelines on English learning website design will come into being. Then, sample uses of these guidelines will be presented. Application of the suggested guidelines shows that they are feasible. Since the website prototype is not used by any students, and no formal evaluations are done, the results are not convincible enough. Anyway, the approach provides a feasible point of departure for further research and development.