This article describes the development of "Bande à Part", a mobile music application (app) for second language (L2) learners of French. Our focus on the pedagogical use of music results from the reported benefits that it offers language learners (e.g., it encourages repetitive exposure to the L2 in an enjoyable way, it extends the reach…

Research has shown that any assumption that L2 learners of English do well to rely on the feedback provided by generic spell checkers (for example, the MS Word spell checker) is misplaced. Efforts to develop spell checkers specifically for L2 learners have focused on training software to offer more appropriate suggestion lists for replacing…

With the ever-increasing number of available language technology products, there is also a need to evaluate them objectively. Unsubstantiated beliefs about what language technology can and cannot do inside or outside the language classroom often influence decisions about the choice of language technology to be used. The declarative/procedural…

Various language learning projects using "Second Life" (SL) have been documented; still, their specific learning potentials, particularly in English as a foreign language (EFL) context, remain to be explored. The current study aims to add one piece of empirical evidence on how SL can be infused into a computer-assisted language learning…

This article describes the development and evaluation of a computer-assisted language learning approach which integrates a finite state dialogue engine with an animated pedagogical agent. The design of the request game is theoretically motivated by interlanguage pragmatics and Long's Interaction Hypothesis. The tutoring system creates a venue in…

This article describes challenges and benefits of modeling learner variability in Computer-Assisted Language Learning. We discuss the learner model of "E-Tutor," a learner model that addresses learner variability by focusing on certain aspects and/or features of the learner's interlanguage. Moreover, we introduce the concept of phrase descriptors,…

The popularization of portable media players such as the "iPod," and the delivery of audio and video content through content management software such as "iTunes" mean that there is a wealth of language learning resources freely available to users who may download them and use them anywhere at any time. These resources vary greatly in quality and…

The LOM (Learning Object Model) approach to courseware design seems to be driven by a desire to increase access to education as well as use technology to enable a higher staff-student ratio than is currently possible. The LOM standard involves the use of standard metadata descriptions of content and adaptive content engines to deliver the…

This paper describes the development of an intelligent computer-assisted language learning (ICALL) system for learning Arabic. This system could be used for learning Arabic by students at primary schools or by learners of Arabic as a second or foreign language. It explores the use of Natural Language Processing (NLP) techniques for learning…

Describes the Language Learning Network, a course for distance second-language learning that attempts to bridge the gap between autonomous distance study and traditional face-to-face location-restricted classes. Underlying pedagogical principles, course structure, and the course pilot project are examined. (MSE)

Emphasizes that the introduction of new technologies in the learning process of second languages should entail more didactic efficiency, educational effectiveness and pedagogical efficacy. Describes the Didascalia framework of criteria for added value. This framework requires an accurate, objective and adaptable specification of the added value of…

Describes a project to create a centralized database of digitized sound accessible from distributed personal computers for the study of foreign languages. The system is also comprised of the tools to manage and distribute the sounds, a combination constituting a unique attempt to provide a universal structure to describe, categorize, and listen to…

Gives an overview of the history of the Hawaiian language and the decline in number of speakers, chronicles efforts to revitalize it, and discusses the role of computing and online communications in this process, focusing on the Leoki bulletin board system, the first fully based on an indigenous language. Activities in an elementary school…

Discusses problems with correct verb use in the written work of students studying French. Examiners' reports indicate that the standard of verb use is declining, while the literature reveals that verb learning has inherent difficulties. The article critiques computer-assisted instruction and proposes a new approach. (23 references) (Author/CK)

The LOM (Learning Object Model) approach to courseware design seems to be driven by a desire to increase access to education as well as use technology to enable a higher staff-student ratio than is currently possible. The LOM standard involves the use of standard metadata descriptions of content and adaptive content engines to deliver the…