Profile

Biography

I obtained a first degree in French Language Technology BSc from the Centre for Computational Linguistics, UMIST in 2001 and a PhD in Informatics from the University of Manchester in 2006. Since completing my doctoral studies which investigated the use of speech synthesis in Computer-Assisted Language Learning (CALL), I have worked as a language specialist in the Speech Technology Group at Toshiba, Cambridge (2006-2007), as an LSRI Research Fellow in the Learning Sciences Research Institute at the University of Nottingham (2007-2009) investigating pronunciation training, and as an Oxford University Press Research Fellow in the Department of Education at the University of Oxford (2009-2011) studying the use of technology in primary and secondary English as a foreign language classes.

I joined the Department of Education at the University of York in September 2011 and currently teach on the following modules: Research Methods in Language Learning and Teaching (MA), Teaching and Learning Language (MA), Technology-Enhanced Language Teaching (MA), TESOL Methods (MA), Introduction to Research Methods (UG), and Introduction to Skills for Studying Education (UG).

Research

Overview

Having recently conducted a systematic review of empirical studies of the use of new technologies in primary and secondary English as a Foreign Language (EFL), I have a broad knowledge of the potential uses of new technologies in language learning. Within this field, which I initially became interested during my undergraduate studies in French Language Technology, I am particularly interested in the potential uses of speech and language technologies (e.g. speech synthesis, speech recognition, waveform displays, parsers and machine translation) in language learning and teaching. My doctoral studies focused on the evaluation of text-to-speech synthesis for use in Computer-Assisted Language Learning (CALL) and my subsequent post-doctoral research looked at the related topic of Computer-Assisted Pronunciation Training (CAPT). Since then I have been involved in some research investigating the use of interactive whiteboards in EFL classes in Spain.

I continue to have a strong interest in CAPT, but am also interested in investigating the impact of different forms of Computer-Mediated Communication (CMC) on the quality of the language produced by students during task performance and have a nascent interest in potential applications of Smartphones in language learning. Through my research I hope to strengthen the link between Second Language Acquisition (SLA) research and CALL, both by drawing on SLA theories and research to design CALL applications and activities and by designing CALL studies which allow me to inform the development of SLA theories.

Publications

Full publications list

Journal articles

Macaro, E., Handley, Z., and Walter, C. (Accepted). A systematic review of technology in English as a second language: Focus on primary and secondary education. Language Teaching.
 
Handley, Z (2009) Is Text-to-Speech Synthesis Ready for Use in Computer-Assisted Language Learning (CALL)? Speech Communication. 51(10), 906-919

Handley, Z. and Hamel, M.-J. (2005). Establishing a Methodology for Benchmarking Speech Synthesis for Computer-Assisted Language Learning (CALL). Language Learning & Technology Journal. 9(3), 99-119.

Handley, Z., Sharples, M., and Moore, D. (In preparation). A Comparison between Discrimination and Identification Training for Pronunciation of Novel Phonemic Contrasts. For submission to Journal of Speech Language and Hearing Research.

Full conference papers

Handley, Z and Walter, C (2010). Do New Technologies Facilitate the Acquisition of Reading Skills? A Systematic Review of the Research Evidence. In Procs. BAAL Annual Conference 2010 (pp. 139-149). 9th – 11th September, Aberdeen, UK.

Handley, Z, Sharples, M, Moore, D. (2009). Training Novel Phonemic Contrasts: A Comparison of Identification and Oddity Discrimination Training. In Procs. SLaTE 2009. Wroxall Abbey Estate, UK.

Handley, Z. and Hamel, M.-J. (2004). Investigating the Requirements of Speech Synthesis for CALL with a View to Developing a Benchmark. In Procs. InSTIL/ICALL 2004 (pp. 71-74). Venice, Italy.

Textbooks

Handley, Z. (Accepted) Text-to-Speech Synthesis Research. In Chapelle, C (Ed.) The Encyclopaedia of Applied Linguistics. Wiley-Blackwell.  

Thesis

Handley, Z (2006). Evaluating Text-to-Speech Synthesis for Use in Computer-Assisted Language. Unpublished Doctoral Thesis. University of Manchester.

Book Reviews

Handley, Z. (2010). Electronic Discourse in Language Learning and Teaching – Edited by Lee B. Abraham and Lawrence Williams. International Journal of Applied Linguistics. 20(3): 417-423

Handley, Z (Submitted). The Discourse of Blogs and Wikis – by Greg Myers. System.
 

External activities

Memberships

System: An International Journal of Educational Technology and Applied Linguistics

CALICO Journal: A journal devoted to research and discussion on technology and language learning

Member of:

British Association for Applied Linguistics