Increasingly, adult English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) learners have access to computers, whether it is in a language lab once or twice a week or in the classroom. This report provides an overview of the types of ESL software and includes guidelines for the appropriate use of software in the adult ESL classroom. Individual sections address the…

For many years, foreign language teachers have used the computer to provide supplemental exercises in the instruction of foreign languages. In recent years, advances in computer technology have motivated teachers to reassess the computer and consider it a valuable part of daily foreign language learning. Innovative software programs, authoring…

This report discusses three recent developments in foreign and second language education. The first is the "proficiency movement," which is leading teachers and curriculum planners to find effective ways of measuring functional language proficiency and of bringing students to pragmatically useful levels of speaking, listening, reading,…

Virtually every aspect of modern life has been changed and shaped by the computer's tiny, ubiquitous silicon chips. It is not surprising that computers have had a profound effect on the way students learn in the modern classroom. This topical bibliography and commentary focuses on how computers can be used to enhance the teaching of language arts.…

An overview is presented of the ways in which various types of computer software and instructional strategies can be used effectively with English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) adult literacy learners. Computer use in language and literacy development in general is first reviewed. It is then noted that in spite of the progress made in hardware and…

Intended for administrators and policy makers as well as teachers, this digest identifies for prospective purchasers various sources that offer reviews of educational computer software for English and the language arts. Following an introduction, the first section of the digest discusses content-specific as well as general educational computing…

Intended for administrators and policy makers as well as teachers, this digest offers selection strategies for consumers of English/language arts computer software. Following the introduction, the digest discusses initial considerations when evaluating software, including examining both the accompanying documentation and the actual program. It…

Provides abstracts of documents reporting computer applications in reading and language arts that have been entered in the ERIC system. (CRH)

The state of the art of computer-assisted language learning (CALL) in instruction of English as a second language (ESL) is examined. An overview of computer applications in the field discusses computer roles in language learning, computers and the standard curriculum, computer requirements for different types of CALL (instructional, collaborative,…

Presents abstracts of documents reporting computer applications in reading and language arts. (AEA)

Designed to tap the rich collection of instructional techniques in the ERIC database, this compilation of lesson plans offers practical suggestions for incorporating computers into the English/language arts classroom at both the elementary and secondary level. Because many teachers and administrators are using computers for the first time, the…

In keeping with the increased use of computers in schools, the available software for foreign language instruction has grown to over 1,000 titles, mostly of the drill and practice type, and professional associations are reviewing software and computer-related instructional techniques. However, there seems to be no clear direction for the future of…

A review of the state of the art of computer applications in foreign language instruction begins with a discussion of the advantages and disadvantages of this method of instruction, its history of use, use of natural language, interaction and communication, and types of computer assisted instruction (CAI). A section examining the relationship…