Artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, particularly chatbots with speech-recognition, are gaining attention as tools for ELT. However, this frontline development in contemporary ELT seems to stand in stark contrast to the multilingual effort, another innovative trend, as chatbots' speech recognition capabilities are primarily attuned to native…

Connecting informal and formal language teaching and learning has gained prominence as a way to understand language development among teenagers, but questions remain regarding its application in L2 contexts. This study investigates the significance of such connections in two L2 English classes taught by the same teacher, where students were…

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…

This article discusses the use and value of text reconstruction (TR) programs in second-language instruction. TR involves the complete, on-screen replacement of a short text by dashes, with the learner restoring the original text by typing in missing letters and words. TR may assist learners gain language competence as part of a sequence of…

Describes a project begun as an attempt to see if it was possible to exchange meaningful messages in natural English with a machine and whether this could aid acquisition. The result is a group of dialog-stimulator programs which generate guestions, find answers to questions, obey commands, and assimilate new knowledge. (SED)

Roger Bowers talks to Numa Markee, Director of the Language Learning Laboratory at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, about people, computers, and language teaching. (Author/VWL)

Probes reasons why many teachers remain uncommitted to computer-assisted language learning (CALL) and proposes some remedies. In particular, it is argued that CALL should not be too closely associated with self-access or autonomy, and that teachers are needed to drive the CALL process. (Author/VWL)

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…

Not only the teachers but also the administrative boards of many educational institutions are keen on the idea of adopting technology for teaching purposes. However, the process of implementing new technologies and managing radical changes is far from being a straightforward operation. The successful implementation of new technologies requires…

Recounts how the author planned one computer-based language lesson, which she describes as a "disaster," and how she combined her own analysis with feedback from the students to plan a more successful second lesson. Discusses student failure, purpose and motivation, appropriateness of materials, process-oriented learning, and openness between…

The criticism that language materials often test rather than teach is discussed. Exam testing is distinguished from continuous monitoring, a necessary function that well-constructed computer assisted language instruction may perform well. It is argued that computer tests also teach, and can handle much of the remedial instruction otherwise…

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)