Training to use machine translation for vocabulary learning

Online machine translation (MT) has quietly been assuming a larger role in learning foreign languages over the past several years. As the quality of MT has improved in recent years, how to use it for language learning purposes seems to be the “elephant in the (class)room.” There is evidence that students use online MT tools as part of their language learning repertoire, but many teachers are still hesitant to allow these tools to be used (Ducar & Schocket, 2018; Lee, 2020, 2022). To raise language learners’ awareness of the pedagogical uses and potential pitfalls of MT tools, 83 learners of English at two universities in Japan were investigated for their current perspectives and practices with Google Translate, DeepL, and ChatGPT, along with the impact of targeted training in their use. Strategies that focus on using Google Translate, DeepL, and ChatGPT for the development of vocabulary were provided to learners following specific guidelines for training. The shifts in learner attitudes and behaviors with the MT tools as a result of the training were explored. The results were discussed in terms of the affordances of the tools for vocabulary learning in an EFL classroom setting as well as digital literacy that teachers and students should be prepared for.