RLens: A Computer-aided Visualization System for Supporting Reflection on Language Learning under Distributed Tutorship

TL;DR

RLens is a visualization system designed to help language learners reflect on their progress by aggregating and visualizing feedback from multiple tutors in distributed tutoring environments.

Contribution

This paper introduces RLens, a novel visualization tool that supports learners in tracking and reflecting on their language learning progress across multiple tutors.

Findings

Learners using RLens effectively analyzed their progress and language issues.

RLens improved learners' ability to reflect compared to baseline interfaces.

The system facilitated better understanding of feedback and learning patterns.

Abstract

With the rise of the gig economy, online language tutoring platforms are becoming increasingly popular. These platforms provide temporary and flexible jobs for native speakers as tutors and allow language learners to have one-on-one speaking practices on demand, on which learners occasionally practice the language with different tutors. With such distributed tutorship, learners can hold flexible schedules and receive diverse feedback. However, learners face challenges in consistently tracking their learning progress because different tutors provide feedback from diverse standards and perspectives, and hardly refer to learners' previous experiences with other tutors. We present RLens, a visualization system for facilitating learners' learning progress reflection by grouping different tutors' feedback, tracking how each feedback type has been addressed across learning sessions, and visualizing the learning progress. We validate our design through a between-subjects study with 40 real-world learners. Results show that learners can successfully analyze their progress and common language issues under distributed tutorship with RLens, while most learners using the baseline interface had difficulty achieving reflection tasks. We further discuss design considerations of computer-aided systems for supporting learning under distributed tutorship.