Two brief articles report ways that technology is being used in the language classroom: through media such as closed-captioned video, optical disc technology such as CD-ROM, and interactive videodisc systems and through improved instructional strategies such as collaborative learning and computer-assisted instruction. (three references) (LB)

For many years, foreign language teachers have used the computer to provide supplemental exercises in the instruction of foreign languages. In recent years, advances in computer technology have motivated teachers to reassess the computer and consider it a valuable part of daily foreign language learning. Innovative software programs, authoring…

Two recent developments in computer-assisted language learning (CALL), interactive video systems and "intelligent" games, are discussed. Under the first heading, systems combining the use of a computer and video disc player are described, and Compact Discs Interactive (CDI) and Digital Video Interactive (DVI) are reviewed. The…

Describes possible applications of optical memory developments to language education. Discusses Compact Disk Read-Only Memory and Compact Disk-Interactive, their strengths, weaknesses, targeted markets, and educational applications. (LMO)

Describes the challenges faced and solutions adopted in adapting the multimedia-rich "Varietes de francais" CD-ROM program to operate on the World Wide Web. The program runs locally to retrieve media resources, perform intelligent answer processing and data collection, and turns to the Web only when necessary for data transfer, external Web links,…

Discusses the increasing interest in CD-ROM as a publishing medium and learning tool, explores its potential and practicality in computer-assisted language learning (CALL), and suggests that CALL software developers should create avenues for cooperation, establish a clearinghouse for information and ideas about CD-ROM, and encourage…

Provides a description of the Nuevos Destinos CD-ROM, a joint production for students learning Spanish at the advanced-beginning, intermediate-low, or native-speaker level. Nuevos Destinos involves students in meaningful ways by asking them to solve real-world problems encountered in law offices. (Author/VWL)

Describes the development of the "Portes ouvertes" CD-ROM, which was produced as an integrated part of a first-year method for elementary French. Details the design and production of the CD-ROM with reference to video and textbook elements where such reference is indispensable to an understanding of pedagogical foundations. (Author/VWL)

Significant advances in hardware and software have increased the possible applications for educating limited-English-proficient students. Two major studies have focused on technology and its relationship to the education of this population. There is a great diversity of hardware currently in use in schools, either stand-alone computers or computer…

Presents one educator's opinions on the use of computers in foreign-language instruction, as well as in other areas of life in general. He suggests that computers, and particularly CD-ROMs, can be very useful in helping to instruct students, but they are no substitute for one-on-one interactions between students and teachers and should be kept in…

Investigated the capabilities of the Intel's latest video capture board, the Intel Smart Video Recorder Pro. The study provides information about the capabilities of various CD-ROM drives in handling audiovisual files. The final outcome of this study was an objective assessment of the applicability of today's digital video for the purpose of…

Reviews the technical and legal issues surrounding the use of Digital Versatile Disc (DVD) and describes authoring possibilities that can simplify the ultimate delivery of interactive video materials to language learners. Details the process of creating a DVD title in a case study at Brigham Young University. (Author/VWL)

Discusses computer-assisted language learning for foreign-language teachers, examining the history of educational technology and highlighting CD-ROM for foreign language learning. Looks at various frustrations foreign-language teachers may experience when working with new hardware and software, discusses various types of hardware and software, and…

Describes the development of a speech-activated multimedia system for foreign-language training. The model allows students to engage native speakers on CD-ROM in lengthy face-to-face dialogs using natural spoken language. (Author/VWL)

Proposes that newspapers on CD-ROM can be used as effective resource for materials production in British or U.S. civilization and current-affairs courses and English-for-Specific-Purposes courses. Provides ideas for using newspaper articles as basis for materials design, language-learning exercises, project work, computer-assisted…