The importance of materials in learning and teaching has prompted a substantial number of studies on English language learning/teaching materials (ELLTM). To date, the field seems largely unstudied when it comes to identifying the focus, themes, and challenges. Hence the present study endeavored to systematically review, analyze, and synthesize…

Animated agents are virtual characters who demonstrate facial expressions, gestures, movements, and speech to facilitate students' engagement in the learning environment. Our research developed a courseware that supports a XML-based markup language and an authoring tool for teachers to script animated pedagogical agents in teaching materials. The…

This study aims to find out whether there are any statistically significant differences in participants' achievements on three different types of instruction: computer-based instruction, teacher-driven instruction, and teacher-driven grammar supported by computer-based instruction. Each type of instruction follows the deductive approach. The…

This paper reports on the use of can-do statements (CDS) for the development of learning materials to prepare Japanese university students for the Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC). These learning materials have been made available on ATR CALL BRIX (http://www.atr-lt.jp/products/brix/index.html), a wwwbased courseware with a…

Computer software for elementary and secondary school second language instruction produced by 55 companies is listed and briefly described. The information is organized by company. Each company listing includes the publisher's address and telephone number and citations for each relevant computer program. For each program, information on price,…

Evaluates a multimedia instructional package for an introductory course in "survival" Japanese. The learning modules consist of dramatic video episodes of real-life situations in Japan, complemented by functional pattern drills and listening activities. Examines features, strengths, and weaknesses of the program. (MSE)

With only a very basic knowledge of microcomputers, the language teacher can readily build on student interest in this learning mode. The teacher remains in control of what is to be learned and is still involved in deciding how the student will approach the material. Programming is not something the teacher has to know, but it is helpful to have a…

Describes a software package, which does not require learning a difficult programing language, that enables teachers to author their own courseware and can be used in the teaching of reading. The software package is called MICROTEXT, and is content free, allowing any material to be used within the constraints of the authoring language. (Author/VWL)

Proposes that automatic speech recognition (ASR) can effectively increase students' learning twofold over conventional self-study materials. Past and current efforts at the U.S. Military Academy are described that are aimed at integrating advanced ASR into courseware-authoring systems. (Author/VWL)

Discusses development of a long-term project to create a set of computer-assisted language learning materials that would enable beginner students of French to review core grammar points thoroughly, in manageable units, at their own pace, outside of the classroom, and free of direct teacher supervision. (Author/JL)

Reviews a commercial software package that was originally developed for English but can be adapted for use in Japanese. The approach here is the adaptation of a generic program to a specific instructional context, with the attendant benefits and limitations. (Author/JL)

Briefly outlines a four-point plan to help integrate microcomputers into foreign language curriculums and discusses two alternative ways to build a software library: use of authoring systems and creating in-house software that teachers can adapt for drill-and-practice and tutorials. (MBR)

Examines how the World Wide Web, a system for accessing and viewing information on the Internet, can be utilized for English-as-a-Second-Language instruction. Notes that the Web is a tremendously effective means for disseminating instructional materials and can provide a context for efficient collaborative materials development. (11 references)…

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,…

The bibliography is an annotated list of software for language learning and includes items in use by TESOL teachers and those marketed for bilingual and English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) education. An introductory section describes the listings and their use, gives a brief history of the software list, a brief introduction to computer-assisted…