An examination of the effectiveness of the use of various computer-based communication tools (commercial computer conferences, bulletin boards, word processors, outline processors, and electronic dictionaries) in developing college students' Spanish proficiency suggested that computers offered potential for enhancing the writing process. (38…

Describes a system for teaching language translation skills in which students use a word processor to record their translations. The instructor manipulates these translations to produce a sampler which becomes the basis for class discussion. Students then edit their translations to reflect what they have learned. (Author/CB)

Suggests ways to help students using Systeme-D, a word processing program for creative writing in French, exploit more of the linguistic features of the program aside from the dictionary section. The importance of Systeme-D for evaluating written work is discussed, and a list of all program categories within the program is provided. (GLR)

German business correspondence is an essential part of a business German course because of the difficulties involved in using the required language style and because it is integral to business practice in Germany, Switzerland, and Austria. A recently published text by W. Schmitz and D. Scheiner of the Goethe Institute is reviewed and found to be…

Describes a word processor exercise (using WordPerfect or similar software) for Spanish language students that was easy to design, convenient for students (who could perform the exercise on their own time), and effective in helping students review their lessons. (CB)

A national survey of full-time instructional faculty (N=208) at universities, 2-year colleges, and high schools regarding attitudes toward using computers in second-language composition instruction revealed a predomination of Apple and IBM-PC computers used, a major frustration in lack of foreign character support, and mixed opinions about real…

Discusses two computer programs designed for third-year university-level Spanish composition classes. The programs are based on the process model of composing and consist of pre-writing, writing, and revision. (SED)

Presents a conservative assessment of the introduction of microcomputers to assist English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) instruction. New York University's American Language Institute's experiences with microcomputers and word processing programs are reported, and an effective, specialized taxonomy of applications of word processing to ESL…

This review focuses on microcomputer software designed to improve the writing skills of students of English as a Second Language (ESL) at the college level. It presents a case for the use of computers in teaching ESL, provides guidelines and suggestions for evaluating or creating software and programs, and reviews representative software,…

A survey of high school and higher education teachers' (N=208) attitudes regarding the use of computers for Spanish-composition instruction revealed that: the lack of foreign-character support remains the major frustration; most teachers used Apple or IBM computers; and there was mixed opinion regarding the real versus the expected benefits of…

Focuses on the use of word processers during revision in an English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) writing context. The study attempts to identify the magnitude of the effects of ESL writing expertise, text importance for students and computer familiarity upon the types of revision. (24 references) (Author/CK)

Describes the development in progress of a syntactic parser of German called "Syncheck," which uses the programing language "Prolog." The grammar is written in a formalism called "Definate Clause Grammar." The purpose of "Syncheck" is to provide advice on grammatical correctness to intermediate and advanced…

This article discusses the use of computers with students of English as a Second Language (ESL), focusing on a pilot program that utilized computer word processing in ESL writing classes at Richmond College in London. The program used "student computer experts" as tutors to introduce word processing to their classmates. (10 references)…

A study examined effects of requiring mainly nonfrancophone university freshmen to use word processing in a French literature course. Results showed students learned word processing without harmful effects on course performance, showed greater control over French spelling and grammar, and wrote more syntactically complex French. Increased…

A newspaper produced by students of English as a second language (ESL) is an old idea rarely put into practice. However, word processing and simple desktop publishing technology can help realize several often elusive goals of ESL: creation of an authentic information vehicle providing contact with a genuine audience (other students); involvement…