Research interests

My main research interest lies in Computer-Assisted Language Learning, bridging applied and computational linguistics. I am interested in the design as well as the evaluation of Intelligent Language Tutoring Systems (ILTSs) - computer environments for second language learning that make use of Natural Language Processing (NLP) and techniques of Artificial Intelligence.

From a second language acquisition (SLA) and CALL perspective, I focus on studies of human-computer interaction (e.g., navigation patterns, learner strategies and responses within intelligent systems, learner and task variables), corrective feedback and error analysis. From a computational point of view, I am interested in automatic analysis of learner language and learner modeling. Learner models try to gather and structure information about the learner by determining their current knowledge state and taking into account learner and task variables. Most of this work involves empirical studies with the ultimate goal of creating a language learning environment that best facilitates learning through truly individualized instruction. In this context, I am investigating what techniques different learners employ when using a language learning system. Most of my SLA and CALL software usability studies are carried out with The etutor, an online learning system for German that is used for L2 instruction at the university level (see some of my publications below). The system consists of a robust parsing system by performing a linguistic analysis of learner input and providing error-specific learner feedback. In addition, it contains an open learner model that also adjusts and modulates feedback suited to learner expertise by considering individualized help options.

Selected publications

Books and Edited Journal Issues and Volumes

Thompson, I., Chun, D., Heift, T., Meskill, C. (2010). Special Issue on Technology and Learning Vocabulary. Language Learning & Technology, Volume 14 (2). 112 pages.

Heift, T. (ed.) (2009). Technology and Learning Grammar. Special Issue in Language Learning and Technology, 13(1), 120 p.

Heift, T. & Schulze, M. (2007). Errors and Intelligence in Computer-Assisted Language Learning: Parsers and Pedagogues. Routledge, ISBN 0415361915.

Heift, T. & Schulze, M. (eds.) (2003). Special Issue on Error Diagnosis and Error Correction in Computer-Assisted Language Learning. CALICO,20 (3), 145 pp.

Book Chapters

Leong, L., Heift, T. Wang, Y. (2021). Auditory priming effects on the pronunciation of second-language speech sounds. In Wayland, R. (Ed). Second language speech learning: Theoretical and empirical progress.  Cambridge University Press.

Heift, T., Nguyen, P. & Hegelheimer, V. (2021). Technology-mediated Feedback . In Nassaji, H. Kartchava, The Cambridge Handbook of Corrective Feedback in Language Learning and Teaching. Cambridge University Press.

Heift, T. (2021). Intelligent Computer Assisted Language Learning. In Mohebbi, H. & Coombe, C. (Eds.), Research Questions in Language Education and Applied Linguistics. Springer.

Heift, T. (2020. What should we expect from AI on the go? In Pegrum, M. (Ed). Mobile Lenses on Learning: Languages and Literacies in the Move. Springer, 187-188.

Chun. D. & Heift, T. (2021) The Affordances and Challenges of Open Access Journals. In Blyth, C. & Thoms (J.) (Eds.). Open Education and Foreign Language Learning and Teaching: The Rise of a New Knowledge Ecology. Multilingual matters (unpaginted/online).

Heift, T. (2019). Can computers teach languages faster and better. In Myrick, C. & Wolfram,Walt (Eds.). The 5 Minute Linguist: Bite-sized Essays on Language and Languages, Equinox, 267 – 271.

Heift, T. (2019). AI on the go. In M. Pegrum (ed.), Mobile lenses on learning: Languages and literacies on the move. Singapore: Springer 87-90.

Heift, T. & Caws, C. (2018). Querying a static and dynamic learner corpus. In Zou, B. & Thomas, M. Integrating Technology into Contemporary Language Learning and Teaching, 494-511.

Heift, T. (2017). History and Key Developments in Intelligent Computer-Assisted Language Learning (ICALL). In May, S. & S. Thorne (ed.). Encyclopedia of Language, Education and Technology, Springer, pp. 1-12.

Heift, T. & Vyatkina, N. (2017). Technologies for Teaching and Learning L2 Grammar. In Chapelle, C. & Sauro, S. (eds.). Handbook of Technology in Second Language Teaching and Learning, pp. 26-44. Wiley-Blackwell.

Heift, T. & Hegelheimer, V. (2017). Computer-assisted Corrective Feedback and Language Learning. In Nassaji, H. & Kartchava, E.Corrective Feedback in Second Language Teaching and Learning: Research, Theory, Applications, Implications, pp. 51-65. Routledge.

Caws, C. & Heift, T. (2016). Evaluation in CALL: Tools, Interactions, Outcomes. In Murray, L. & Farr, F. (eds.). Handbook of Language Learning and Technology, pp. 127-140. Routledge.

Heift, T. (2016). Learner Personas and the Effects of Instructional Scaffolding on their Working Behaviour and Performance. In Hamel,M-J. & Caws, C. (eds.). Learner Computer Interactions: New insights on CALL theories and applications, pp. 117-136. John Benjamins.

Blin, F., Caws, C., Hamel, M.-J., Heift, T., Schulze, M. & Smith, B. (2016). Sustainable Interaction-Based Research in CALL. In A. Gimeno,M. Levy, F. Blin & D. Barr (eds.). WordCALL: Sustainability and Computer-Assisted Language Learning, pp. 119-131. Bloomsbury.

Heift, T. (2015). SLA Theories and CALL: Implications for Learners and Teachers at a Close and Far Distance. EDUFSC - Editora da UFSC: Brazil, pp.217-241.

Heift, T. (2013). Clicking for Help. In Hubbard, P., Schulze, M., Smith, B. Learner-Computer Interaction in Language Education, pp. 187-202.

Heift, T. (2013). Preemptive Feedback in CALL. In A. Mackey & K. McDonough (Eds.). Interaction in Diverse Educational Settings (pp. 189-207).Philadelphia: John Benjamins.

Schulze, M. & Heift, T. (2013). Intelligent CALL. In M. Thomas, H. Reinders & M. Warschauer (Eds.), Contemporary Computer-AssistedLanguage Learning (pp. 249-265). London & New York: Continuum.

Heift, T. (2012). Intelligent Computer-Assisted Language Learning. In Chapelle, C. (ed.). Encyclopedia of Applied Linguistics. Wiley-Blackwell(online version, n.p.).

Heift, T. & Chapelle, C. (2011). Learning through Technology. In Gass, S. & Mackey, A. (eds.). Handbook of Second Language Acquisition,Routledge, pp. 555-570.

Heift, T. (2009). Technology and Learning Grammar. Introduction to Special Issue in Language Learning and Technology, 13(1), pp. 3-4.

Heift, T. (2009). Learner Control and Error Correction in ICALL: Browsers, Peekers, and Adamants. In Hubbard, P. (ed.). Computer Assisted Language Learning, Volume IV, Present Trends and Future Directions in CALL. Critical Concepts in Linguistics, Routledge, pp. 321-336.

Heift, T. & Schulze, M. (2009). The Past and the Future. In Hubbard, P. (ed.). Computer Assisted Language Learning, Volume IV, Present Trends and Future Directions in CALL. Critical Concepts in Linguistics, Routledge, pp. 337-356.

Reeder, K., Heift, T., Roche, J. , Tabyanian, S., Gölz, P. (2004). E/Valuating E-Learning for Second and Foreign Language Learning. In Fotos, S. & Browne, C. (eds.). New Perspectives on CALL for Second Language Classrooms, pp. 255-278.

Heift, T. & Schulze, M. (2003). Introduction to the Special Issue on Error Diagnosis and Error Correction in Computer-Assisted Language Learning. CALICO, 20(3), pp. 433-436.

Refereed Journal Articles

Heift, T. & Caws, C. (2020). Qerying a static and dynamic learner corpus. In Zou, B. & Thomas, M. Integrating Technology into Contemporary Language Learning and Teaching, 494-511.

Heift, T. (2019). ). A longitudinal observation of technology-mediated feedback for L2 learners of German. International Journal of Applied Linguistics, online, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1075/itl.19009.hei

Heift, T., Mackey, A. & Smith, B.(2019). History, Pedagogy, Data and New Directions. Annual Review of Applied Linguistic , Vol. 39, pp. 1-7.

Brumbaugh, H. & Heift, T. (2017). Self-assigned Ranking of L2 Vocabulary. TESOL International, 12(1), pp. 111-127.

Heift, T. (2016). Web Delivery of Adaptive and Interactive Language Tutoring: Revisited. International Journal of Artificial Intelligence in Education, pp. 489-503.

Heift, T. & Schulze, M. (2015). Research Timeline: Tutorial CALL. Language Teaching, 48(4), pp. 1-20.

Shorten, L. & Heift, T. (2015). Sound Familiar? Heritage Learners, Phonological Awareness, and Literacy Skills. Electronic Journal of Foreign Language Teaching, pp. 56-68.

Chang, D. & Heift, T. (2015). L1 Influence on Phonemic Perception. Die Unterrichtspraxis, 48(1), pp. 84-99

Alsadoon, R. & Heift, T. (2015). Textual Input Enhancement for Vowel Blindness: A study with Arabic ESL Learners. Modern Language Journal, 99(1), pp. 57-79.

Heift, T. & Caws, C. (2014). Constructing a Data-driven Learning Tool with Recycled Learner Data. International Journal of Computer-Assisted Language Learning and Teaching, 4(4), pp.79-93.

Heift, T. & Rimrott, A. (2012). Task-related Variation in Computer-assisted Language Learning. Modern Language Journal, 96(4), pp. 525-543.

Heift, T. (2010). Prompting in CALL: A longitudinal study of learner uptake. Modern Language Journal, 94(2), pp. 198-216.

Heift, T. (2010). Developing an Intelligent Language Tutor. CALICO, 27(3), pp. 443-459.

Heift, T. (2010). Bridging computational and applied linguistics: Implementation challenges and benefits. Language Teaching, 43(1), pp. 102-105.

Chapelle, C. & Heift, T. (2009). Individual Learner Differences in CALL: The FID Construct. CALICO, 26(2), pp. 246-266.

Heift, T. (2008). Modeling Learner Variability in CALL. Computer-Assisted Language Learning, 21(4), pp. 305-321.

Heift, T. & Rimrott, A. (2008). Learner Responses to Corrective Feedback for Spelling Errors in CALL. System, 36(2), pp. 196-213.

Rimrott, A. & Heift, T. (2008). Evaluating Automatic Detection of Misspellings in German. Language Learning & Technology, 12(3), pp. 73-92.

Heift, T. (2007). Learner Personas in CALL. CALICO, 25(1), pp. 1-8.

Heift, T. (2006). Context-sensitive Help in CALL. Computer Assisted Language Learning, 19(2+3), pp. 243-259.

Heift, T. & Rimrott, A. (2005). Language Learners and Generic Spell Checkers in CALL. CALICO, 23(1), pp. 17-48.

Heift, T. (2005). Inspectable Learner Reports for Web-based Language Learning. ReCALL, 17(1), pp. 32-46.

Heift, T. (2004). Corrective Feedback and Learner Uptake in CALL. ReCALL, 16(2), pp. 416 - 431.

Heift, T. & Schulze, M. (2003). Student Modeling and ab initio Language Learning. System, 31(4), pp. 519-535.

Heift, T. (2003). Multiple Learner Errors and Meaningful Feedback: A Challenge for ICALL Systems. CALICO, 20(3), pp. 533-549.

Heift, T. (2003). Type or Drag, but don't Click: A Study on the Effectiveness of Different CALL Exercise Types. Canadian Journal of Applied Linguistics, 6(3), 69-87.

Toole, J. & Heift, T. (2002). The Tutor Assistant: An Authoring System for a Web-based Intelligent Language Tutor. Computer Assisted Language Learning, 15(4), 373-86.

Heift, T. (2002). Learner Control and Error Correction in ICALL: Browsers, Peekers and Adamants. CALICO, 19(3), 295-313.

Heift, T. & Nicholson, D. (2001). Web Delivery of Adaptive and Interactive Language Tutoring. International Journal of Artificial Intelligence in Education, 12(4), 310-325.

Heift, T. (2001). Intelligent Language Tutoring Systems for Grammar Practice. Zeitschrift für Interkulturellen Fremdsprachenunterricht, 6 (2), 15 pp.

Heift, T. (2001). Error-Specific and Individualized Feedback in a Web-based Language Tutoring System: Do They Read It? ReCALL, 13(2): 129-142.

Reeder, K., Heift, T., Roche, J. , Tabyanian, S., Gölz, P. (2001). E/Valuating New Media in Language Development. Zeitschrift für Interkulturellen Fremdsprachenunterricht, 6(2), 18 pp.

Heift, T., Toole, J., McFetridge, P., Popwich, F., Tsiplakou, S. (2000). Learning Greek with an Intelligent and Adaptive Hypermedia System. IMEJ of Computer-Enhanced Learning, Volume 2(2), October 2000 (http://imej.wfu.edu). Click here for a Russian translation of the article.

Heift, T. & Caws, C.(2000). Peer Feedback in Synchronous Writing Environments: A Case Study in French. Journal of Educational Technology & Society, 3 (3), pp.208-214.

Hanson, K. S. & Heift, T. (1999). Developing Web-Based SILPs for Heritage Language Programs at Simon Fraser University. NASILP, 27, pp.42-55.

McFetridge, P. and Heift, T. (1994). A Workbench for Computer-Assisted Instruction in Spanish. Revista Canadiense de Estudios Hispanicos. Vol 18, pp. 529-539.

Refereed Conference Proceedings

Blin, F., Caws, C., Hamel, M., Heift, T., Schulze, M., Smith, B. (2014). Data and Elicitation Methods in Interaction-based Research. Proceedingsof WorldCALL, Glasgow, Great Britain, pp. 21-26.

Heift, T. & Caws, C. (2013). Recycling Learner Data to Construct Data-driven Learning Tools: Practical Applications for the Learner, theInstructor, and the Researcher. Proceedings of ICT for Language Learning, Florence, Italy, pp. 36-42.

Schulze, M., & Heift, T. (2008). Mocha - Dynamic Learner Behaviour in ICALL. In J. Colpaert, A. Aerts & F. Cornille (Eds.),Practice-Based & Practice-Oriented CALL Research. Proceedings of the XIIIth International CALL Conference (pp. 119-122). Antwerp: Universiteit Antwerpen.

Pappas, P. & Heift, T. (2006). Odysseas: Web-based Language Learning for Beginner Greek. Proceedings of the Fifth International Conferenceon Formal Approaches to South Slavic and Balkan Languages. Sofia, Bulgaria, October 18-20, pp. 236-238.

Heift, T. & Toole, J. (2002). Student Modeling in Computer-Assisted Language Learning. Proceedings of ED-MEDIA 02, WorldConference on Educational Multimedia, Hypermedia & Telecommunications, Charlottesville, VA: AACE: 742-748.

Toole, J. & Heift, T. (2002). Task-Generator: A Portable System for Generating Learning Tasks for Intelligent Language Tutoring Systems.Proceedings of ED-MEDIA 02, World Conference on Educational Multimedia, Hypermedia & Telecommunications, Charlottesville, VA: AACE: 1972-1978.

Heift, T. & Toole, J. (2001). Web-based Authoring for an On-line Intelligent Language Tutoring System: Usability vs. Flexibility. Moore,J., Redfield, C., Johnson, W. (eds.) Artificial Intelligence in Education, Proceedings of the 10th International Conference on Artificial Intelligence inEducation, pp. 557-560.

Toole, J. & Heift, T. (2001). Generating Learning Content for an Intelligent Language Tutoring System. Proceedings of NLP-CALL Workshop atthe International Conference on Artificial Intelligence in Education, pp. 1-8.

Heift. T. & Nicholson, D. (2000). Enhanced Server Logs for Intelligent, Adaptive Web-based Systems. Technical Report of the Institute forSemantic Information Processing, Universität Osnabrück, pp.29-37.

Heift, T. & Nicholson, D. (2000). Theoretical and Practical Considerations for Web-based Intelligent Language Tutoring Systems. Gauthier,G., Frasson,C., VanLehn, K., (eds). Intelligent Tutoring Systems. 5th International Conference, ITS 2000, Montreal, Canada,June 2000: 354-62.

Heift, T., Toole, J., McFetridge, P., Popwich, F., Tsiplakou, S.(2000). An Interactive Course-Support System for Greek. Bourdeau, J. & Heller, R. (eds). Proceedings of ED-MEDIA 00, WorldConference on Educational Multimedia, Hypermedia & Telecommunications, Charlottesville, VA: AACE: 394-399 (recipient of one of six best paper awards).

Heift. T. & Nicholson, D. (2000). Enhanced Server Logs for Intelligent, Adaptive Web-based Systems. Proceedings of the Workshop onAdaptive and Intelligent Web-based Educational Systems, ITS' 2000, Montreal, Canada: 23-28.

Turcato, D., Nicholson, D., Heift, T., Toole, J., Tsiplakou, S. (2000). A Parsing Methodologyfor Error Detection. Proceedings of the 6thInternational Workshop on Parsing Technologies, IWPT-2000: 319-320.

Turcato, D., Toole, J., Tsiplakou, S., Heift, T., McFetridge, P.(2000). An Approach to Lexical Development for Inflectional Languages. Second International Conference on Language Resourcesand Evaluation, LREC-2000: 1441-1445.

Tsiplakou, S., Heift, T., McFetridge, P., Popowich, F., Toole, J., Turcato, D. (2000). An Internet-based Program for the Teaching of Greek as aSecond Language. (Ena programa gia tin ekmathisi tis Ellinikis os xenis glosas meso diadiktiu). 3rd International Conference on 'Greek as Second Language: the Cross-Cultural Approach', University of Patras, July 6-9, 2000.

Heift, T. & McFetridge, P. (1999). Using the Student Model to Resolve Ambiguity in an Intelligent Language Tutoring System. Proceedings ofthe 7th International Conference on Student Modeling (UM-99): 7.

Heift, T. & McFetridge, P. (1999). Exploiting the Student Model to Emphasize Language Teaching Pedagogy in Natural Language Processing.Olsen, M. (ed). Proceedings of ACL/IALL: Computer-Mediated Language Assessment and Evaluation in Natural Language Processing (ACL/IALL 1999): 55-62.

Heift, T. (1998). An Interactive Intelligent Tutor over the Internet. In Ottman, T. & Tomak, I. (eds). Proceedings of ED-MEDIA 98,World Conference on Educational Multimedia, Hypermedia & Telecommunications, Charlottesville, VA: AACE, pp. 556-560.

McFetridge, P. & Heift, T. (1995). Grammar and Analysis for Implementing Granularity in Computer-Assisted Language Learning. Proceedings ofED-MEDIA 95, World Conference on Educational Multimedia, Hypermedia & Telecommunications, Charlottesville, VA: AACE, pp. 460-465.

Heift, T. & McFetridge, P. (1994). The Intelligent Workbook. Proceedings of ED-MEDIA 94, World Conference on Educational Multimedia,Hypermedia & Telecommunications, Charlottesville, VA: AACE, pp. 263-268.

Heift, T. & McFetridge, P. (1993). Teaching Subordinate Clauses in German with CALL. Proceedings of the Second National Conference onCALL in Canada. pp. 195-204.