Functions of CorLearn
The mobile app encompasses four major functions:
A. Digitalization
The mobile app digitalizes CL by including key concepts of CL (Figure 1) and exercises that test users’ knowledge of CL and relevant analytical skills. The exercises are divided into entry and advanced levels, making them suitable for learners with varying levels of corpus literacy.
Figure 1. Concepts in CL
B. Gamification
The app gamifies CL by providing an interactive platform that contains an animated character who leads and instructs the users to learn concepts and complete exercises related to CL. The exercises are games in which users gain points by completing different levels of tasks. Specific features of the app are as follows:
(i) The app contains 2 levels of games that test users’ knowledge of CL (Figure 2). Users will be notified of their completion of the task level with point rewards.
Figure 2. Entry and advanced levels
(ii) Achievement: Badges (bronze, silver, and gold) will be given as recognition to users when they have achieved certain point rewards in the games.
(iii) Reinforcement: Automatic feedback on users’ answers will be provided to consolidate their knowledge regarding the tasks and encourage them to continue learning.
(iv) Competition: A ranking list based on users’ point rewards and badges will be shown to allow them to compare with one another and know their ranks in the game.
(v) Fun Orientation: Users can enjoy learning through several elements of the app, including 1) guides of an animated character, 2) interesting background music, 3) recognition of point rewards and badges, and 4) competition with others via the ranking list. Teachers can also incorporate the app into other class activities to increase students’ enjoyment of using the app.
C. Corpora Compilation
Another key function of the app is to allow users to compile their own corpora using their mobile phones (Figure 3). Users can copy and paste texts into the app, which collects texts to help generate corpora. The input texts will initially be stored on a server and then converted into text files (.txt) that can be used in other corpus analysis software such as Wordsmith and AntConc.
Figure 3. Build Corpus
D. Assistance of Generative AI
The app allows users to ask questions about CL and linguistic knowledge through a chatboard embedded with the services of ChatGPT (Figure 4), which can provide users with related information and answers immediately. The assistance of AI will enhance students’ studies in both face-to-face and virtual settings. Students can ask for clarification of CL and lexico-grammatical knowledge, such as the notions of type-token ratio, lexical variations, and semantic prosodies. Students can also inquire about specific linguistic patterns identified from corpus analysis. Furthermore, students can compare the usage of a specific word in corpora with the general usage illustrated by the AI.
Figure 4. AI Chatbot