With the advancement of educational technologies, computer-assisted language learning (CALL) tools, like online dictionaries, are essential for acquiring a second language, especially new vocabulary. There has been no empirical focus on the usage of "Gabra" online dictionary in learning Maltese, with a specific focus on international…

In foreign language learning, computer-mediated dictionaries are among the most popular tools, and ambiguity tolerance (AT) is a key impact factor. However, few studies have focused on the effects of AT on computer-mediated dictionary-assisted English learning. To fill this gap, the current study explored the differences between two groups (a high…

This article reports on a study which took place in the context of the design and development of an online dictionary prototype for learners of French. Aspects of the "usability", i.e. the quality of the "learner-task-dictionary interaction" of the prototype were tested. Micro-tasks were designed to focus on learners'…

A substantial amount of literature regarding first language (L1) acquisition has shown that reading for meaning significantly contributes to vocabulary expansion and strongly relates to overall academic success. Research in the English as a Second Language (ESL) context, however, has presented mixed results, in particular for recent immigrant…

Overviews a project exploring the possibility of using CD-ROM applications and the design of exploratory didactic materials to introduce academic staff to the field of computer-assisted instruction. The project heightened the staff's awareness of electronic resources and their potential as research, teaching, and learning aids, with particular…

Analyzes the design requirements of a multimedia conceptual dictionary, drawing on research identifying the role of the conceptual dictionary in native language vocabulary acquisition. The article considers both the traditional role of the dictionary in language learning and that of the conceptual dictionary and how this role can be supported by…

Reviews existing examples of computer-assisted vocabulary learning and suggests some principles for the future design of such programs. The issues considered are the extent to which the program is specifically oriented to vocabulary learning, what gives the interaction its instructional value, and what makes an interaction specifically…

To more thoroughly analyze and compare the types of dictionaries being used by Japanese college students in three college engineering classes, two kinds of surveys were designed. The first was a general survey about purchase, use and preferences regarding electronic dictionaries. The second survey asked questions about how various computerised…

Examines computerized text analysis by considering questions related to how computerized text analysis programs function, the history of computerized text analysis, and the claims of previous research on computerized text analysis. It is suggested that claims about the effectiveness of computerized text analysis as a writing aid for…

Discusses a hypermedia prototype system constituting a hypermedia dictionary environment and a database of field-specific reading passages with related exercises, for utilization in the teaching of English engineering terminology in foreign language environments. (eight references) (CK)