A Model Of Digital Textbook Design For Task-based Language Learning

The thesis is a part of initial research stage of the Exploration and Study of Development Mode for College English Digital Textbook which is under the charge of Associate Professor Li Jingnan. It mainly discusses the model design of digital textbook for task-based language learning and tests its effect on university students for foreign language learning, i.e. whether the model of digital textbook for task-based language learning can better satisfy individual needs of learners than traditional paper-based textbook. The traditional paper-based textbook bears inherent limitations in containing limited capacity of learning content, organizing by linear structure, lagging behind in updating knowledge and presenting information in a monotonous way. With rapid development of computer technology and internet, digital textbook emerges as a new learning tool for Computer-assisted Language Learning (CALL) and plays an increasingly important role in satisfying individual needs of students. Compared with the traditional paper-based textbook, digital textbook possess characteristics in containing abundant learning resources, organizing by non-linear structure, maintaining the same pace with rapidly changing and updating knowledge of modern information age and presenting information in multimedia ways. Task-based language learning suggests that tasks should be utilized as central components in language learning because better contexts can be provided for activating language learning process and promoting learning effect. Therefore, the author combines both characteristics of digital texts and task-based language learning, and puts forward the model design and applying digital texts for task-based language learning to solve the problems above. The author first randomly chooses209first-year non-English major undergraduates from UESTC as the subjects. Then, a questionnaire survey on currently used university English textbook is conducted. At intervals, interviews are also employed. According to quantitative and qualitative analysis, it is revealed that the traditional paper-based textbook cannot properly satisfy individual needs of student in certain aspects. So based on the survey and under the guidance of task-based language learning theories, the author uses Blackboard Academic Suite TM as the model design platform and pertinently designs goals, content and organization of information architecture of learning tasks, and thereby completes the model design of digital texts for task-based language learning.36UESTC first-year non-English major undergraduates from different schools are selected as subjects for model test. During2weeks time of test, the author mainly applies quantitative analysis by questionnaire. Similar conclusions are drawn from the above analyses that the completed model can better satisfy individual needs of students and contribute to improve learning efficiency. Thus, its remedy to the shortages of traditional paper-based texts is justified.In addition, problems are found according to the tests. For the model itself, part of information architecture is designed not appropriately, some information is not sufficient and the integrated dictionary lacks in amount of vocabulary. For the model usage, lacking of experience in use for both teachers and students leads to ineffective carrying out several learning tasks. Based on the results, the author suggests that the model could be optimized and further usage trainings could be offered, so that its effects may be enhanced.