This paper argues that the vertical spread of computer-assisted language learning (CALL), i.e., a spread throughout language materials and curricula, makes it difficult to draw a clear distinction between CALL and other language materials. In view of the emphasis that teachers, researchers, and administrators have placed on evaluating CALL, I…

A qualitative, holistic framework is presented for the process of evaluating foreign language software. Eleven specific steps are outlined, and a list of educational software evaluation agencies is appended. (Contains 21 references.) (LB)

Provides guidance on making decisions regarding the selection of foreign language instructional software. Identifies sources of foreign language software, indicates sources of foreign language software reviews, and outlines essential procedures of software evaluation. (Author/VWL)

Poses four important questions relevant to error diagnosis and correction in computer assisted language learning (CALL). These questions relate to the diagnosis of persistent second language (L2) learner grammar errors, whether these can be corrected, what types of feedback from the computer are most efficient for focusing the students' attention…

Synthesizes information that is available on software evaluation and provides a software evaluation checklist to help educators examine software based on linguistic and pedagogical criteria. The checklist allows educators to compare and contrast software products, enabling them to select software that is best suited to their classrooms.…

Presents standards for assessing language-learning software and Web sites in three different contexts: (1) teachers considering whether and how to integrate computer-mediated materials into their instruction; (2) specialists writing reviews of software or Web sites for professional journals; and (3) college administrators evaluating the quality of…

Describes Subarashii, an experimental computer-based interactive spoken-language education system designed to understand what a student is saying in Japanese and respond in a meaningful way in spoken Japanese. Implementation of a preprototype version of the Subarashii system identified strengths and limitations of continuous speech recognition…

Describes a system, provisionally named Pronto, that uses automatic speech recognition for training pronunciation of second languages in adult learners. Methods are included for developing training in Pronto, and results are presented from evaluating classes of speech recognizers for use in different aspects of pronunciation training. (Author/VWL)

Describes a computer program developed for students learning Korean as a foreign language and reports on a small study concerned with the evaluation of the program. Presents practical considerations for the development and use of the program called "Reading & Dragging" and attempts to answer questions about students' behavior during the computer…

Outlines steps for selecting software for use in English-as-a-Second-Language insurrection. Steps include the following: 1) determine the goals and needs of the program, faculty, and learners; 2) narrow down the search among different options; 3) take time to evaluate the software. Provides two examples of how the process can work in different…

Describes the Voice Interactive Training System (VILTS), a language-training prototype developed to help improve comprehension and speaking skills. The system incorporates two related technologies: speech recognition and pronunciation scoring. Discusses the motivation for the program, the interdisciplinary efforts involved, and the resulting…

Considers the use of pre- and posttest results as formative evaluation tools and describes a small group evaluation of computer-assisted language learning (CALL) courseware dealing with French for banking. Test design is discussed, including standards, validity, and reliability; and results from user questionnaires are examined. (Contains 14…