The IAFOR Journal of Education
Volume 4 – Issue – I

The IAFOR Journal of Education
Volume 4 – Issue – I

The IAFOR Journal of Education
Volume 4 – Issue – I

In response to the limited vocabulary size of its undergraduates, an independent vocabulary
learning platform, VLearn was designed and launched in a university in Hong Kong. As an elearning
environment
that
supports
self-directed
vocabulary
learning
of
Chinese
learners,
the

primary
aim
of
VLearn
is
to
equip
users
with
appropriate
knowledge
and
skills
for
vocabulary

expansion.
This
paper
introduces
the
contents
of
VLearn,
and
the
theoretical
underpinnings
of

its

design. It also reports on the vocabulary learning experience of its users during an eight
week evaluation study. Suggestions are made on how independent vocabulary building at
higher education, as well as comprehensive vocabulary instruction at early years could be
supported by means of technology.
Keywords: vocabulary teaching and learning; e-learning strategies; Chinese learners; selfdirected
learning; English language education

Bernard Montoneri