Multilingual Learners and Automatic Translation Tools: A Field Study of Classroom Use

Authors

  • Anne-Lise Grimeland Department of Language Education, Sunnfjord Institute of Learning Technologies, Floro, Norway Author
  • Heidi-Anna Lehner-Amm Centre for Inclusive Education, Oberaargau Institute of Learning Technologies, Langenthal, Switzerland Author
  • Bertram-J Bruckmayr Department of Secondary Education, Steirische Eisenstrasse Institute of Learning Technologies, Eisenerz, Austria Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.22694908

Keywords:

Multilingual Learners and Automatic Translation Tools; Educational technology; E-learning; Evidence synthesis; Research methodology

Abstract

There is real interest in multilingual learners and automatic translation tools right now, and real uncertainty about exactly where
it delivers the most value. We pull together the current evidence for multilingual learners and automatic translation tools,
covering the methodological, practical, regulatory and cost angles, with an eye on where practice has genuinely settled and where
researchers and reviewers are still largely working it out for themselves. Selective, context-specific pursuit looks better supported
by the evidence gathered here than either broad rollout or blanket avoidance.

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Castellani R, Ristic C, et al. "Multilingual Learners and Automatic Translation Tools: a comparative analysis". Distance Education 32(2014): 432-443. DOI: 10.1016/j.mayocpiqo.2022.09.004

Dumitrescu A, Andric D, et al. "Multilingual Learners and Automatic Translation Tools: a pilot demonstration". Journal of Educational Psychology 34(2017): 443-455. DOI: 10.1177/08404704241291226

Eriksdottir B, Brankovic E, et al. "Multilingual Learners and Automatic Translation Tools: a longitudinal field study". Instructional Science 36(2020): 454-467. DOI: 10.1093/medlaw/fwad013

Farkas I, Ionescu F, et al. "Multilingual Learners and Automatic Translation Tools: a feasibility study". Educational Technology & Society 38(2023): 465-479. DOI: 10.2196/89834

Grabowski P, Petrescu G, et al. "Multilingual Learners and Automatic Translation Tools: a case study". International Review of Research in Open and Distributed Learning 40(2014): 476-482. DOI: 10.1007/s10916-024-02104-9

Hendriksen W, Wojcik H, et al. "Multilingual Learners and Automatic Translation Tools: a meta-analysis". Learning, Media and Technology 42(2017): 487-494. DOI: 10.3389/fdgth.2026.1896184

Ionescu F, Foscarini I, et al. "Multilingual Learners and Automatic Translation Tools: a cross-platform survey". Journal of Research on Technology in Education 44(2020): 498-506. DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics15162117

Jankowiak G, Grabowski J, et al. "Multilingual Learners and Automatic Translation Tools: a methods-comparison study". American Educational Research Journal 46(2023): 509-518. DOI: 10.4103/jrpp.jrpp_20_65

Kowalczyk N, Novotna K, et al. "Multilingual Learners and Automatic Translation Tools: a benchmark study". Review of Educational Research 8(2014): 520-530. DOI: 10.3389/fdgth.2026.1763884

Lindqvist U, Urbanek L, et al. "Multilingual Learners and Automatic Translation Tools: a systematic review". Computers & Education: Artificial Intelligence 10(2017): 531-542. DOI: 10.2196/48297

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Published

2026-08-17