Drag or Type, But Don’t Click: A Study on the Effectiveness of Different CALL Exercise Types

Abstract

Abstract This paper reports on the comparative effects on learning outcomes and learner behaviour noted using three different CALL exercise types for German word order practice: multiple-choice (click), re-ordering (drag), and completion (type). Twenty-seven students of introductory German participated. For all exercise types students received error-specific feedback. Results indicate that students using the drag-and drop interface performed significantly better than those using multiple choice, and marginally better than the typed-entry group. Themore flexible word-order practice afforded by the drag-and-drop interface in addition to other benefits such as eliminating typing errors and ease of use may argue in its favour.