What is it about?
Technological advancements-from mobile and extended reality (XR) to generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) are central to innovation in computer-assisted language learning (CALL). This systematic review conducted a thorough analysis of 1,098 papers from eight leading CALL-related journals (2015-2025). With BERTopic modeling, core research topics and their evolution were identified. The study uncovered nine key topics across the eight journals, such as affect in L2 speaking, teacher development, mobile and immersive technologies, and more. Findings suggested that different topics undergo different developmental life cycles and GenAI has emerged as a unique transformer of innovation in CALL. The review concludes with practical implications for both teachers and researchers.
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Why is it important?
Technological advancements-from mobile and extended reality (XR) to generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) are central to innovation in computer-assisted language learning (CALL). This systematic review conducted a thorough analysis of 1,098 papers from eight leading CALL-related journals (2015-2025). With BERTopic modeling, core research topics and their evolution were identified. The study uncovered nine key topics across the eight journals, such as affect in L2 speaking, teacher development, mobile and immersive technologies, and more. Findings suggested that different topics undergo different developmental life cycles and GenAI has emerged as a unique transformer of innovation in CALL. The review concludes with practical implications for both teachers and researchers.
Perspectives
Technological advancements-from mobile and extended reality (XR) to generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) are central to innovation in computer-assisted language learning (CALL). This systematic review conducted a thorough analysis of 1,098 papers from eight leading CALL-related journals (2015-2025). With BERTopic modeling, core research topics and their evolution were identified. The study uncovered nine key topics across the eight journals, such as affect in L2 speaking, teacher development, mobile and immersive technologies, and more. Findings suggested that different topics undergo different developmental life cycles and GenAI has emerged as a unique transformer of innovation in CALL. The review concludes with practical implications for both teachers and researchers.
Applied Language Sciences ALS
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This page is a summary of: A decade of innovation in language education: Insights from eight leading CALL-related journals, Applied Language Sciences, December 2025, Global Digital Applied Linguistics Association,
DOI: 10.65553/als.250102.
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