This paper reports on a comparative evaluation of the Phrasal Definition Format of the Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English and the Sentence Definition format of the Collins COBUILD English Language Dictionary. The study found that English-as-a-Second-Language students expressed strong preferences for having usage examples and for the…

This paper examines the development and testing of a machine-translation program designed to translate English text into Portuguese. A comparison of machine- and human-translated texts, using Brazilian secondary school students as readers, found that they were equally understood, both in terms of main ideas and details. (six references) (MDM)

Argues that the process of recording newly encountered vocabulary items in a typical language learning situation can be improved through a computerized system of vocabulary storage based on database management software that improves the discovery and recording of meaning, subsequent retrieval of items for productive use, and memory retention.…

Discusses the micro-concord, an interactive, keyword-in-context concordancing program that can be run on the Spectrum home microcomputer. The program offers language learners, teachers, and linguistic researchers an excellent tool for investigating learners' writing as well as for replacing more traditional language learning materials. (Author/SED)

Proposes and illustrates a method of identifying key words in text, and leads from this proposal to the notion of key key words (words that are key in many texts). Notes that a key key word has associates: words that are key in the same texts as a given key key word. Notes that these associates can be grouped together in clumps. (18 references)…

Examines three aspects of computer technology that allow learners to develop cognitive and metacognitive skills and that facilitate learner autonomy: database organization in a self-access facility, computer-assisted language learning, and the use of menus to organize programs and files. An argument is made that technology should neither control…

Describes EXTOL, a high-level computer programing language, which puts computer-assisted language production into the hands of the language teacher. Shows that teachers who are not computer specialists and whose familiarity with EXTOL is not of long standing can still create a wide variety of lessons. (SED)

Discusses how language teachers or departments could evaluate computer-assisted language-learning (CALL) software on a pedagogical basis, emphasizing that classroom teachers already possess much of the knowledge needed to do this. The paper illustrates good practice by matching a learning and teaching approach as currently practiced within British…

Statistical analysis tools in language testing are described, chiefly classical test theory and item response theory. Computer software for statistical analysis is briefly reviewed and divided into three tiers: commonly available; statistical packages; and specialty software. (Author/VWL)

Describes a microcomputer program aimed at making reading comprehension exercises more efficient. The program is based on the ideas of hypermedia, a new computer science paradigm. (Author/VWL)

Describes the results of a research project that tested computer assisted language teaching/learning programs in everyday classroom situations. The evaluative principles and the selection of the programs evaluated are discussed, and the applied techniques borrowed from cognitive psychology in the evaluation of text manipulation programs of the…

This paper reports the success of using authoring languages on master's degree courses at Manchester University, England. Three different packages are described, including their strengths and weaknesses. The role of such packages in teacher training is also highlighted. (11 references) (JL)

A review of the use of specific word processing programs to teach foreigners English language composition discusses advantages and disadvantages of such features as spelling checkers, prompting markers, and formatting programs. Suggestions are presented for enhancing students' writing skills both with and without word processing help. (CB)

Describes a parser-driven Japanese tutor, "BANZAI," designed for second-language instruction and presents an empirical study of the program. Results indicate that ongoing rule-driven deductive feedback is more effective than example-driven inductive feedback for learning relatively complex structures whose grammatical rules are not…

This paper describes a speech teaching aid developed to assist in foreign language pronunciation teaching. The methodology used in designing the graphical user interface and the teaching plans are described, and the technical aspects (algorithms used, hardware requirements, etc.) are briefly discussed. (36 references) (JL)