This article looks at how specific developments in information and communication technologies (ICT) have impacted on ELT over the past three decades. Of particular interest is the effect on classroom practice, and on the types of materials available for teaching and learning. We take as our starting point Mark Warschauer's and Stephen Bax's…

Describes two approaches for uses with computer-assisted vocabulary learning (CAL): (1) uncontextualized CAL, requiring one-word answers and (2) contextualized forms of practice in which a text has to be unscrambled or rebuilt. Discusses some of the advantages of CAL and also some of the problems of using it effectively and integrating it into the…

Discusses techniques which may be used to develop skills of prediction and hypothesis-formation by English-as-a-foreign-language learners. Describes a computer exercise which invites learner to identify source of a piece of text from a randomly chosen fragment. Discusses the relationship between the language level of the learner and the selection…

Discusses possible roles for self-access pathways to guide second-language learners, particularly in cultures that have no tradition of self-study. Suggests how pathways might influence the design and running of self-access centers and gives an illustration of how pathways were designed and employed in a center in China. Feedback is based on a…

Describes the development of an online course that aims to help tertiary students improve their English oral presentation skills. The course aims to allow learners to prepare their presentations out of class and then practice these skills in class with peer and teacher feedback. (Author/VWL)

Illustrates how the use of an appropriately designed keyboard can help with the learning of a set of symbols for transcribing English and at the same time provide learners of English with a picture of its phonological system. Although the computer has an instrumental role in the development of the idea, it is not essential for its implementation.…

The value of using a word processor and its features which help English as a second language students improve their writing are discussed, including student assessment, possible teaching methods, and possible learning activities. (CB)

A shortage of English teachers at Jinan University led to video and computers being used to present lessons and provide written exercises and tests. A sample computer-based lesson on reading comprehension is appended. (Author/CB)