International journal of advanced smart convergence

The Institute of Internet, Broadcasting and Communication (한국인터넷방송통신학회)
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Cyber Learners' Use and Perceptions of Online Machine Translation Tools

  • Moon, Dosik (Department of English, Hanyang Cyber University)
  • Received : 2021.11.12
  • Accepted : 2021.11.20
  • Published : 2021.12.31
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Abstract

The current study investigated cyber learners' use and perceptions of online machine translation (MT) tools. The results show that learners use several MT tools frequently and extensively for various second language learning (L2) purposes according to their needs. The learners' overall perceptions of using MT for English learning were generally positive. The learners reported several advantages of machine translation: ease of use, helpful feedback, effective revision, and facilitation of self-directed learning. At the same time, a considerable number of learners were aware of MT's drawbacks, such as awkward sentences, inaccurate grammar, and inappropriate words, and thus held a negative or skeptical view on the quality and accuracy of MT. These findings have important pedagogical implications for using MT in the context of a cyber university. For successful integration of MT in English classes, teachers need to provide appropriate guidelines and training that will help learners use MT effectively.

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References

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