Factors inhibiting more widespread use of computer-assisted instruction and computer-assisted language learning include: start-up costs of computer hardware; dearth of quality courseware; skepticism regarding its effectiveness; and the educational system and the teacher. However, the promise of cost-efficiency and versatility, plus the potential…

This discussion provides an overview of the kinds of technological resources available to support language learning and of various approaches to using them, and explores some issues surrounding the trend. Topics considered include efficacy, availability, computer-mediated technologies, software acquisition and content, material evaluation,…