Israel's Software Evaluation Project sets national standards for hardware and software that is used in schools. All courseware must be approved for technical requirements and pedagogical content. After approval, the courseware is certified for use within Israel's school system for 2 years. Three times each year, schools, inspectorates, and…

Describes a microcomputer program aimed at making reading comprehension exercises more efficient. The program is based on the ideas of hypermedia, a new computer science paradigm. (Author/VWL)

An outgrowth of a conference of developmental faculty and administrators interested in exploring computer-based education, this monograph presents 26 papers devoted to microcomputer applications in college basic skills programs. Included are 5 papers on general topics, 13 on language teaching, 7 on mathematics, and 1 dissent paper. Articles range…

Discusses the library's responsibility to society to confront adult illiteracy and suggests that libraries should provide computers and special software to support adult basic education programs. Available educational systems and software are described, and sources to aid in selection are identified. (10 references) (CLB)

The most appropriate statistical model for the small-scale (n<100) studies common in language testing research is the Rasch one-parameter logistic model. The Rasch model provides a wide range of options for conducting research, refining existing examinations, and developing tailored (computerized adaptive) language tests. Three investigations…

Describes how to plan computer-based activities for second-language classrooms, noting ways that computer use differs in such classrooms. Explains how to plan a lesson, focusing on the activity, grade level, time requirements, software, preparation time, teaching method, pre- and post-computer work, skills used, and teacher's role. Sample lessons…

This handbook for computer-assisted instruction in English as a Second Language (ESL) is designed to guide teachers unfamiliar with computer hardware and software through the basic procedures of using the Apple IIe system and ESL software. The handbook begins with introductory sections on the growth of microcomputer use in schools, the advantages…

Some basic principles underlying development and pedagogical application of computer courseware for English as a second language (ESL) are identified and two types of courseware developed at the University of Victoria (Canada) for use with pre-university, university, adult education, and elementary school ESL classes are described. It is proposed…

The development of a prototype computer-assisted second language listening comprehension test is reported. The project investigated the feasibility of computer-adaptive second language listening tests using microcomputer equipment and developing model testing software. Tests for French and for English as a Second Language (ESL) were developed. The…

This handbook, developed for an adult learning center in Pennsylvania, uses word processing instruction on Apple IIe computers to promote student writing. The handbook was designed for use by adult basic education, General Educational Development, and English-as-a-Second-Language students who read at a fourth-grade level or higher. In the 15…

Adventure games designed for use on home computers are a potentially powerful instructional resource in English as a second language because they promote problem-solving using the target language and are highly motivating to students. The games, whose objective is usually for the user to defeat an obscure force and recover a precious object, are…

This article describes the placement testing program, the use of microcomputer software for scoring and analyzing test results, and the integration of the computerized test results into a comprehensive microcomputer-based student information system at the University of California, Irvine (UCI). UCI offers placement tests in five academic fields:…

This paper describes the use of collaborative writing software and simultaneous electronic chats in an English as a Second Language (ESL) class. Most ESL students have little experience using word processing software, and most have no keyboarding experience. Using electronic chat sessions assists ESL students with sentence construction, vocabulary…

The status of computer-assisted language learning for elementary and secondary school limited-English-speaking students is reviewed, and recommendations for further research and development are proposed. The study was conducted through interviews with leaders in the field, site visits, classroom observation, attendance at workshops, and a review…