Chapter 4. Using Video Clips for Interactive Feedback in an Online Speaking Tool
Ryan Spring, Atsuko Otsuki, Sachiko Nakamura, and Keina Hamagami
Ryan Spring, Atsuko Otsuki, Sachiko Nakamura, and Keina Hamagami
Abstract
This chapter presents an innovative method for using videos in English as a Foreign Language (EFL) instruction, serving as both stimulus and feedback in an online speaking activity. It introduces (and provides the code for) a technique that integrates YouTube API calls into JavaScript applications to generate short video prompts that elicit spoken responses. These responses are captured using Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR), converted to text, and parsed for target keywords and phrases. Based on the detected content, the YouTube API then plays a feedback video selected from a pre-defined set, creating an immersive and interactive learning experience. This approach enables learners to practice speaking the target language in context outside of the classroom. Given the known limitations of ASR-based activities, the chapter also reports on a classroom-based trial of the proposed system in a Japanese EFL context. The study explored practical challenges and potential issues related to implementation. Findings suggest that interactive video practice is both feasible and promising as a supplementary speaking activity. However, further research is needed to assess its educational impact more precisely and to identify optimal conditions for use.
About the Contributors
Ryan Spring is a professor at Tohoku University in the Institute for Excellence in Higher Education. He obtained his PhD from Tohoku University in Language Communication. He has a wide range of research interests, including technology in EFL education, objective measures of second language production, curriculum evaluation, and applications of cognitive linguistics to language learning. He has published in a number of competitive journals and is on the review and co-editing boards of several. He is a member of several academic groups in Japan and is currently the president of the Association for Teaching English through Multimedia.
Atsuko Otsuki works at Senshu University, where she teaches English as a Foreign Language classes. She obtained her master’s degree from Shinshu University of Japan and then completed the PhD Program at Nagoya University of Japan. She focuses her research on English language pedagogy, language learning through movies, and linguistics. She is an active member of ATEM (the Association for Teaching English through Multimedia) and the author of a series of books to help develop speaking skills by using verbs as cue words. Her research interests include multimedia in EFL and speaking skills development.
Sachiko Nakamura is a senior assistant professor at the Institute for Excellence in Higher Education at Tohoku University in Sendai, Japan. With about 20 years of experience teaching English, she earned a master’s degree from Temple University. Her primary passion lies in the field of TESOL, with a specific focus on speaking practice and integrating multimedia into EFL learning. She is particularly enthusiastic about creating materials and developing activities to enhance speaking skills. She currently serves as the vice president of the Association for Teaching English through Multimedia (ATEM).
Keina Hamagami is a lecturer at Ritsumeikan University in Japan. She received her PhD from Osaka University in 2020. Her research interests include language learning with short videos, computer-assisted language learning, and cognitive linguistics. She and her team create short videos that provide specific examples of English expressions used in authentic contexts, which help second language learners to learn socio-cultural nuances associated with those expressions. The team’s ultimate goal is to establish a worldwide online learning system centered around short videos. She also serves as treasurer of the Association for Teaching English through Multimedia (ATEM).
Citation
Spring, R., Otsuki, A., Nakamura, S., & Hamagami, K. (2025). Using video clips for interactive feedback in an online speaking tool. In A. Leis & M. Wilson (Eds.), Screen media in foreign language education (pp. 65-89). Candlin & Mynard. https://doi.org/10.47908/37/4
This chapter presents an innovative method for using videos in English as a Foreign Language (EFL) instruction, serving as both stimulus and feedback in an online speaking activity. It introduces (and provides the code for) a technique that integrates YouTube API calls into JavaScript applications to generate short video prompts that elicit spoken responses. These responses are captured using Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR), converted to text, and parsed for target keywords and phrases. Based on the detected content, the YouTube API then plays a feedback video selected from a pre-defined set, creating an immersive and interactive learning experience. This approach enables learners to practice speaking the target language in context outside of the classroom. Given the known limitations of ASR-based activities, the chapter also reports on a classroom-based trial of the proposed system in a Japanese EFL context. The study explored practical challenges and potential issues related to implementation. Findings suggest that interactive video practice is both feasible and promising as a supplementary speaking activity. However, further research is needed to assess its educational impact more precisely and to identify optimal conditions for use.
About the Contributors
Ryan Spring is a professor at Tohoku University in the Institute for Excellence in Higher Education. He obtained his PhD from Tohoku University in Language Communication. He has a wide range of research interests, including technology in EFL education, objective measures of second language production, curriculum evaluation, and applications of cognitive linguistics to language learning. He has published in a number of competitive journals and is on the review and co-editing boards of several. He is a member of several academic groups in Japan and is currently the president of the Association for Teaching English through Multimedia.
Atsuko Otsuki works at Senshu University, where she teaches English as a Foreign Language classes. She obtained her master’s degree from Shinshu University of Japan and then completed the PhD Program at Nagoya University of Japan. She focuses her research on English language pedagogy, language learning through movies, and linguistics. She is an active member of ATEM (the Association for Teaching English through Multimedia) and the author of a series of books to help develop speaking skills by using verbs as cue words. Her research interests include multimedia in EFL and speaking skills development.
Sachiko Nakamura is a senior assistant professor at the Institute for Excellence in Higher Education at Tohoku University in Sendai, Japan. With about 20 years of experience teaching English, she earned a master’s degree from Temple University. Her primary passion lies in the field of TESOL, with a specific focus on speaking practice and integrating multimedia into EFL learning. She is particularly enthusiastic about creating materials and developing activities to enhance speaking skills. She currently serves as the vice president of the Association for Teaching English through Multimedia (ATEM).
Keina Hamagami is a lecturer at Ritsumeikan University in Japan. She received her PhD from Osaka University in 2020. Her research interests include language learning with short videos, computer-assisted language learning, and cognitive linguistics. She and her team create short videos that provide specific examples of English expressions used in authentic contexts, which help second language learners to learn socio-cultural nuances associated with those expressions. The team’s ultimate goal is to establish a worldwide online learning system centered around short videos. She also serves as treasurer of the Association for Teaching English through Multimedia (ATEM).
Citation
Spring, R., Otsuki, A., Nakamura, S., & Hamagami, K. (2025). Using video clips for interactive feedback in an online speaking tool. In A. Leis & M. Wilson (Eds.), Screen media in foreign language education (pp. 65-89). Candlin & Mynard. https://doi.org/10.47908/37/4
Information About the Book
Title: Screen Media in Foreign Language Education
Editors: Adrian Leis and Matthew Wilson
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Title: Screen Media in Foreign Language Education
Editors: Adrian Leis and Matthew Wilson
Read more...