In response to the description of CANCODE, a new English-language corpus designed to reflect current English usage, it is argued that although a corpus my be an accurate record of language behavior, it is limited and must not be assumed to be complete or to prescribe for English-as-a-Second-Language teaching. (MSE)

In response to his article describing a new English-language corpus designed to reflect current usage, the author agrees that extreme forms of corpus-driven language teaching are inappropriate but also that more corpus-based language instruction is needed, and that the language teaching can only benefit from better language description. (MSE)

The impact and cultural implications of the French Minitel and Teletel system are discussed, and second language clasroom applications are examined. These electronic instruments were developed for nationwide transmission of computerized data using small television-like terminals connected by modem to existing telephone circuits. Wise marketing…

Presents a listing of textbooks, computer program guides, articles, opinion papers, histories, reference works, databases, reviews, bibliographies, organizations, and other information sources concerning computer applications. (MSE)

Teletext or videotex can be used for second-language learning, with the second language as either the medium of communication or its objective. Potential uses include consultation of databases, on-line instructional exercises, games, and electronic mail and networking. (MSE)

This technical report is from a study that assessed effective content-English-as-a-Second-Language (content-ESL) programs across the United States, from pre-kindergarten through grade 12. The study was undertaken to develop a descriptive analysis of the nature and scope of these programs and the relationship between program policies and practices…

Designed to help educators use computers comfortably, effectively, and economically as classroom instructional tools, this document focuses on the use of computers for teaching English, English as a Second Language (ESL), and foreign languages. The educational implications of introducing computers into language instruction are discussed with…

The role of word and data processing as tools is discussed for students, writers, information handlers, and teachers to use in setting up activities with specific language learning objectives. The book is intended to help teachers enhance and extend everyday classroom activities through essential information technology skills. Chapters cover the…

This document begins with a summary of the Online Action Research (OAR) project, which had the following objectives: (1) examine the effectiveness of instructional approaches and classroom practices in adult basic education (ABE) and adult English as a Second Language (ESL); (2) use a variety of assessment strategies to determine literacy outcomes…

Discusses the evolution and content of CANCODE, an English-language corpus under development at the University of Nottingham (England) designed to reflect current language use, and several related issues: whether the grammar currently taught should be changed to more closely correspond to common usage; whether the native speaker should be the…

A common problem in second language instruction is the lack of correlation between the content of courseware and the specific learning situation of the student. Students using the available programs encounter unfamiliar words and structures, deviant methodologies, or inappropriate levels of difficulty. This causes unnecessary errors and…

Despite the evolution of software for computer-assisted language learning (CALL), teacher resistance remains high. Early software for language instruction was almost exclusively designed for drill and practice. That approach was later replaced by a model in which the computer provided a stimulus for students, most often as a partner in games.…

Because use of computers in second-language classrooms may tend to decrease interpersonal interaction, and therefore communication, ways to promote interaction are offered. These include small group computer projects, and suggestions are made for use with various computer functions and features: tutorials, word processing, voice recording,…

This guide lists 19 software packages considered to be worthy of further consideration by other reviewing agencies and schools by a group of 17 computer coordinators from educational software preview centers and evaluation agencies. The following software is listed: (1) ASK-IT, an authoring tool; (2) Balance of the Planet, an environmental…

Thematic units, the basis of organization for this guide, work in many ways toward the dual goals of language and content area instruction. The thematic units presented here address topics of high interest to limited English-proficient (LEP) students, including: robots; using a computer data base; activities with plants; building terrariums;…