Informal Digital Learning of English (IDLE) refers to individual's learning endeavor occurring in out-of-class environments in a naturalistic way independent from the requirements of a formal education program including assessment. Learners' IDLE experiences in English as a Foreign Language (EFL) contexts are quite important to understand their…

Following an introductory section that provides a rationale for using computers in workplace literacy classes, this guide reviews six computer programs and provides activities that teachers can use with the programs in teaching workplace literacy classes. The six computer programs reviewed are as follows: "Grammar Games,""Spell It 3,""The Way…

Four English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) dictionaries available in electronic form are compared and evaluated, focusing on content and organization, utility for students unused to the computer, inclusion of supplementary language corpora and other reference materials, multimedia capacities, and search options. (MSE)

This training module is intended for individuals involved in the development and administration of learning centers for adult English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) instruction. It focuses on the design of multimedia (ESL) learning centers and the equipment and materials used in them. It begins with a description of learning center models and issues…

Texts of conference papers and summaries of colloquia on computers and second language learning are presented, including: "Computers, Language Learning, and the Four Skills" (summary of a session with Steve McGuire, Albert Dudley, Patricia Thornton, Paul Jaquith, Jay Lundelius, Steve Tripp); "Creating Your Own Software--The Easy Way" (Steve…

This article lists computer software programs for use in teaching English as a Second Language to bilingual students. The article briefly describes 23 software packages, arranged by grade level from nursery school to university. A list of suppliers' addresses is also included. (JDD)

This conference proceeding presents abstracts, complete papers, and presenter biographies from the 1995 Computer Assisted Language Instruction Consortium (CALICO) annual symposium on computers and collaborative learning. Presented topics included courseware, preconference workshop reports, and conference papers presented, including guest speaker…

One segment of a computerized adventure game system (Multi-User Dimensions, or MUD) designed for learners of English as a second language (ESL) is described. The acronym MOO refers to MUD Object Oriented, the programming language used for the system. The system allows for individuals in different locations to communicate directly with each other,…

A discussion of computer software evaluation for second-language instruction concludes that it is important to match the purpose of the software with the teacher's goals, have good instructions, receive clear and appropriate feedback, and promote productive interaction with the student. (11 references) (MSE)

The Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) field continues to experience increased valuing of experiential practitioner knowledge. A welcome result of this evolution has been the broadening of research perspectives. The 16 practitioner narratives in "Insights on Teaching Speaking in TESOL" are written by…

A collection of classroom approaches and activities using computers for language learning is presented. Some require sophisticated installations, but most do not, and most use software readily available on most workplace computer systems. The activities were chosen because they use sound language learning strategies. The book is divided into five…

Computer applications in working with bilingual students are reviewed in this newsletter. A variety of practical ideas are presented to support teachers in their instruction. They include the following: (1) software to supplement vocational training; e.g., materials that introduce the use of word processing, databases, and spreadsheets in an…

An outgrowth of a conference of developmental faculty and administrators interested in exploring computer-based education, this monograph presents 26 papers devoted to microcomputer applications in college basic skills programs. Included are 5 papers on general topics, 13 on language teaching, 7 on mathematics, and 1 dissent paper. Articles range…

"Abra Cadabra," a new computer program for second-language learning for fourth- and fifth-grade students, is described that is based on the whole language approach to language acquisition. (two references) (LB)

A comparison of three popular computer programs for text analysis examined their effectiveness in analyzing texts written by students of English as a Second Language (ESL). Results indicate occasional incorrect advice and emphasis on relatively trivial issues, raising doubts about their effectiveness as a stand-alone revision aid for ESL writers.…