A discussion of the usefulness of computer-assisted instruction in the second language classroom focuses on the value of teacher involvement in material development. It outlines an approach for the teacher to use in becoming familiar with existing courseware, describes the concept of authoring systems, defines commonly-used strategies for…

Considers the criteria for purchasing microcomputers, videodisc players, and videotape equipment for use in a school system. Suggests applications of such equipment in English classrooms. (RL)

One way for foreign language teachers to evaluate computer software, or courseware, for computer-assisted instruction is to look at it from the point of view of the roles of the courseware author as production manager, curriculum developer, learning specialist, instructional designer, and evaluator. In assessing courseware, teachers should decide…

Concern is expressed that computer-assisted instruction may quickly become obsolete unless courseware reflects current trends in language learning. Current courseware is criticized as structure-bound and reflecting the 1960s audiolingual approach and for using computer-generated enhancements to cover up essentially trivial exercises. Work done at…

Suggestions are offered for teaching vocabulary in English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL)/English-as-a-foreign-Language (EFL) instruction. Five components in vocabulary development are seen as crucial: meeting vocabulary for the first time; establishing previously-encountered vocabulary; enriching previously-met vocabulary; developing word-decoding…

Selecting and using technology for the classroom is an enormous responsibility for teachers. This book helps educators of K-12 decide which of the many available technologies are right for them. It presents and develops five learning methods based on specific technological devices and practices. These methods include teacher-centered learning with…

This study of the notional-functional approach to second language teaching reviews the history and theoretical background of the method, current issues, and implementation of a notional-functional syllabus. Chapter 1 discusses the history and theory of the approach and the organization and advantages of the notional-functional syllabus. Chapter 2…

Adventure games designed for use on home computers are a potentially powerful instructional resource in English as a second language because they promote problem-solving using the target language and are highly motivating to students. The games, whose objective is usually for the user to defeat an obscure force and recover a precious object, are…

The origins, organization, and methods of a Columbia University course offering computer-based instruction in French composition are outlined, and the progress of four individual students is described. (MSE)

In keeping with the increased use of computers in schools, the available software for foreign language instruction has grown to over 1,000 titles, mostly of the drill and practice type, and professional associations are reviewing software and computer-related instructional techniques. However, there seems to be no clear direction for the future of…

A Swedish language teacher's experiences with recent developments in language teaching technology such as videotext, teletext, microcomputers, and videotapes and videodisks are presented. His conclusions regarding this new technology include the following: videotext is suitable for self-testing and distance education because it is interactive, but…

This handbook is designed to familiarize adult basic education (ABE) instructors with the basics of computer-assisted instruction (CAI). Addressed in the individual sections of the manual are the following topics: computers in ABE, benefits of CAI, hidden cost considerations and necessary commitment for CAI, vocabulary, getting started,…

A discussion of distance learning (DL) on the Internet outlines four steps in student use of DL on-line (self-education about DL, defining needs, choosing a program, finding and keeping resources and support), describes nine different DL applications on the Internet, and presents a bibliography of useful related books, journals, and software…

This guide to secondary school French reading instruction addresses a variety of general and specific instructional issues. An introductory chapter discusses program objectives, minimum program requirements, and the population to be taught. The second chapter looks at theoretical aspects of the development of reading ability: current thoughts on…

The value and role of concordancers (simple computer programs that can quickly analyze electronic texts to find occurrences of a given word, part of a word, or phrase and display it within its immediate context) in secondary school English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) teaching are examined. First, their use in higher education is discussed,…