Innovation in language education: CALL-related journals

A decade of innovation in language education: Insights from eight leading CALL-related journals

By Junjie Gavin Wu, Sangmin-Michelle Lee, Di Zou, and Junhua Xian

Junjie Gavin Wu: Macao Polytechnic University, Macau SAR
Sangmin-Michelle Lee: Kyung Hee University, South Korea
Di Zou: The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong SAR
Junhua Xian: Macao Polytechnic University, Macau SAR

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Abstract

Technological advancements-from mobile and extended reality (XR) to generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) are central to innovation in computer-assisted language learning (CALL). This systematic review conducted a thorough analysis of 1,098 papers from eight leading CALL-related journals (2015-2025). With BERTopic modeling, core research topics and their evolution were identified. The study uncovered nine key topics across the eight journals, such as affect in L2 speaking, teacher development, mobile and immersive technologies, and more. Findings suggested that different topics undergo different developmental life cycles and GenAI has emerged as a unique transformer of innovation in CALL. The review concludes with practical implications for both teachers and researchers.

Keywords: innovation in CALL, topic modeling, review, generative AI, core research topics

Submitted date: 5 November 2025 | Received in revised form: 26 November 2025 | Published: 16 December 2025

Suggested Citation:
Wu, J. G., Lee, S. M., Zou, D., & Xian, J. (2025). A decade of innovation in language education: Insights from eight leading CALL-related journals. Applied Language Sciences, 1, 250102. https://doi.org/10.65553/ALS.250102

Author Biographies

Junjie Gavin Wu is an Assistant Professor (Tenured) and Ph.D. Supervisor at Macao Polytechnic University, as well as the Vice President of PacCALL and the Vice President of GloDAL. He is Editor-in-Chief of SN Social Sciences (Scopus, Springer), Editor-in-Chief of Applied Language Sciences, an Executive Associate Editor of Computers & Education: X Reality (ESCI, Elsevier), and an Executive Associate Editor of Artificial Intelligence in Language Education (Castledown). Gavin has authored around 80 English publications, with over 35 papers appearing in SSCI/SCI journals. He has published books with Cambridge University Press, Routledge, and Springer, and spearheaded over 10 special issues. Gavin serves on the editorial boards of several leading journals, such as the British Journal of Educational Technology, Interactive Learning Environments, Language Learning & Technology, Computers and Education: Artificial Intelligence, IJCALLT, Multimedia-Assisted Language Learning, and so on. He is also an award-winning teacher in China.
E-mail: gavinjunjiewu@gmail.com
ORCID: 0000-0003-4937-4401

Sangmin-Michelle Lee is a professor in the Department of Metaverse at Kyung Hee University in Korea. She is an Associate Editor of Language Learning & Technology, The JALT CALL Journal, and Applied Language Sciences. She has published extensively on language learning in virtual reality, machine translation, game-based learning, and digital creativity in Computer Assisted Language Learning, ReCALL, Language Learning & Technology, British Journal of Educational Technology, IEEE Transactions on Learning Technologies, and Foreign Language Annals.
E-mail: sangminlee@khu.ac.kr
ORCID: 0000-0002-7686-3537

Di Zou is an associate professor in the Department of English and Communication, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. Her research interests include AI in language education, flipped classroom, and second language acquisition. She has published around 150 research papers in international journals, conferences, and books. She serves as an Associate Editor for Computers & Education (SSCI IF=8.9) and Computers & Education: X Reality, and previously for the Australasian Journal of Educational Technology. She is a member of the editorial boards of Language Learning & Technology, Educational Technology & Society, and the International Journal of Mobile Learning and Organisation.
E-mail: daisy.zou@polyu.edu.hk
ORCID: 0000-0001-8435-9739

Junhua Xian is a PhD candidate at the Faculty of Applied Sciences, Macao Polytechnic University. Her research interests include virtual reality, STEM education, and special education and published in Educational Technology & Society, BMC Nursing, and International Journal of Computer-Assisted Language Learning and Teaching.
E-mail: junhua.ax@gmail.com
ORCID: 0009-0001-0585-753