When used to teach in a strictly instructional mode, as the language laboratory was, computers have limited application. However, when used for student manipulation during the learning process, the computer can enrich and diversify existing resources, increasing student exposure to materials. Moreover, this can be done with inexpensive, smaller…

Reports on the progress of the Duke Language Toolkit, a collection of programs formulated to provide foreign alphabet capabilities on the IBM PC. The Toolkit itself, the interface of the Toolkit to other commonly used software, and the direction of the Toolkit project over the next nine months are discussed. (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…

Surveys uses of computers in ESL instruction, including: (1) kinds of hardware; (2) number of computers per school; (3) ratio of students per computer; (4) percentage of schools using computers per subject; (5) percentage of schools using each instructional mode; (6) software titles and percentage of schools using each; and (7) criteria for…

Describes a system for computer-assisted practice of Chinese vocabulary. Its main goal is to help students improve their association between the sound of a Chinese word or phrase and its graphic shape in Chinese characters. This system is currently for use with the Victor 9000. (Author/LMO)

A project linking a microcomputer and videocassette recorder for use in a listening comprehension lesson is described. A brief survey of videotape and videodisc technology and discussion of the rationale for this application are included. (MSE)

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…

Reviews some current topics related to computer-assisted instruction (CAI) in English as a foreign language in Japan. The achievements of the Tokai English Language Program-CAI project are discussed and the latest system, the Tokai English Language Program-III, is described.

The opening address from CALICO '87 in Monterey, California, compares the potential of computer-assisted language instruction (CALI) as claimed in the 70s to the realities of CALI now. Discusses the language proficiency levels best suited for applications of CALI as it now exists. Enumerates six challenges for CALI. (LMO)

Three elements to be considered in computer-assisted language instruction courseware design are: (1) environment; (2) visuals; and (3) timing. Computer-generated environments must be dynamic, flexible, challenging, and engaging. Visuals must be easily readable, uncluttered, consistently laid out. Program time should be balanced with real time.…

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)

Describes the computer hardware and software programs developed by Anne Arundel County, Maryland to integrate the use of the computer into upper level literature classes. A study undertaken to determine whether computers in Spanish and French classes made a difference in language learning is also described. No significant differences were found.…

The first two years' experience at the Waterford School are described by an administrator and a parent. Waterford is a private, nontuition school conducted as the major activity of an educational institute dedicated to research, innovation, and the application of advanced technologies such as microcomputers and videodiscs to education and…

The development of an interactive videodisc-microcomputer simulation of a visit to a Mexican village for college-level Spanish instruction is described. Problems encountered, production considerations, computer program development, hardware, and classroom results are discussed. (MSE)

Almost all research and development work in China in computer-assisted language instruction is done on micro- and minicomputers because they are more feasible financially. Describes some English as a foreign language and Chinese language courseware and courseware needs. (Author/LMO)