The development of both the materials for an intermediate-level hybrid German writing course and the software in a virtual learning environment for the course may be viewed as activity systems. Viewing the individual components of each system as interrelated enables us to conceptualize the complexities of the development process, which goes well…

The development of online learning materials is a complex and expensive process that can benefit from the application of consistent and organized principles of instructional design. This article discusses the development at Brigham Young University of the online portion of a one-semester course in Swahili using the ADDIE Model (Analysis, Design,…

Three programming languages--PILOT, SNOBOL, and LOGO--are described and evaluated as tools for foreign language computer-assisted instruction, and a small sample program in each language is given. A bibliography is included. (Author/SED)

Three vehicles for programming for computer-assisted language instruction are compared: general-purpose programming languages, educational programming languages, and educational authoring systems. Their advantages and disadvantages for a variety of purposes and circumstances are examined as well as the differences in time and energy required for…

Describes the use of HyperCard to author interactive Spanish videodisc using a videodisc version of "Zarabanda," a Spanish-instruction soap opera. An explanation of hypermedia is followed by a discussion of how to create courseware with HyperCard, and by specific examples of the application of HyperCard to "Zarabanda."…

The need to include an audio component in computer-assisted instruction in French is discussed and an attempted solution is described in terms of a suite of programs designed to facilitate the creation and use of dictation practice materials. (Author/SED)

Foreign language teachers are encouraged to participate in developing computer courseware. Advantages include the potential for higher quality and more plentiful materials, increased confidence with computers, and the kind of discipline a computer affords in focusing on and organizing an exercise. (MSE)

Groups of editors and authors used a variety of technologies to create a cohesive team that produced a textbook series with instructor manuals along with a supporting Web site. Describes the development of the groups for this materials publication project in terms of six areas--situation, leadership, individual versus group goals, norms, roles,…

Reports on the state of the art in software development for computer-assisted language instruction, with some emphasis on Russian, and describes 10 areas in which much current software is deficient. It is suggested that our best teachers be given time to work in teams to develop good software. (Author/SED)

Presents several reasons delineating the need for teacher workshops directly applicable to foreign language teaching. Provides a detailed description of a two-week workshop, including the workshop activities, the problems encountered, the results expected, and the actual results. (Author/SED)

Problems that language teachers face in conducting English classes using computers are discussed. Based on case studies carried out in Malaysia, suggestions are offered on matters to include in teacher training. (four references) (Author/LB)

Explores the decision-making process that went into producing the Blossom computer-assisted instruction (CAI) materials for French instruction at Pennsylvania State University. Some of the attributes, limitations, and questions concerning the user, validity, and usefulness of CAI materials are also discussed. (Author/SED)

Details the current status, the future plans and the reasoning behind a five-year, campus-wide educational experiment for the integration of computers into the foreign language curriculum at MIT. The project is to use artificial intelligence in natural processing and to include interactive video and interactive audio components. (Author/SED)

Illustrates the advantages and difficulties of using multimedia in the second language French classroom from the point of view of both the teacher and the learners. (Author/VWL)

Argues that when the principles of engineering are applied to development of computer-assisted language learning software, resulting products are more reliable, easier to maintain, and easier to modify later. Those principles were used in developing the Elementary Language Study Exerciser, a program that drills students and corrects their written…