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,…

Five computer programs for the Macintosh that are geared for Computer-Assisted Language Learning (CALL) are described. All five programs allow the teacher to input material. The first program allows entry of new vocabulary lists including definition, a sentence in which the exact word is used, a fill-in-the-blank exercise, and the word's phonetics…

The characteristics of videodisc technology are outlined, and a project undertaken to create an interactive videodisc for French language instruction is described, including the efforts to eliminate physical barriers between the computer and the user, pedagogical strategy and material, programing technicalities, and other details of production.…

Three basic kinds of tools exist for computer assisted instruction (CAI): templates, which are often highly user-friendly and require little investment of time but whose potential is limited; authoring systems, which offer a number of options for lesson design and greater variety in approach, but which require more sophisticated input from the…

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…

Explains how language teachers can write their own microcomputer-based language programs in BASIC, using an example in German. Commercial software packages are discussed, and step-by-step directions are given for creating student exercises and for determining student scores and grades. (LRW)

Describes the development of a computer program called Shoemaker Computerized Instruction Office (SCIO) that contains morphology, vocabulary, and syntax drills used to teach Latin. Latin morphology is explained, student improvement after using the drills is discussed, and planned future enhancements of SCIO, including parsing capabilities, are…

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)

While disputing the exaggerated claims for computerized teaching symbolized by Time Magazine's choice of a computer for its 1982 "man of the year," this paper argues that since the technology is omnipresent, and that since it can facilitate learning under certain conditions, teachers should be as informed about it as possible. A discussion of…

A microcomputer program providing extensive and constantly changing practice with 35 irregular French verbs in 6 tenses is described. The program's objectives are to establish lateral associations between tense forms, provide continuous opportunity for recall, and shorten correct response time. (Author/MSE)

Results of a national survey of teachers, authors, administrators, distributors, and publishers reveal their perceptions of current needs and opportunities for development of microcomputer courseware for foreign language instruction. The study, which consisted of a literature review, a database review, a series of seven workshops, and consultation…

One way for foreign language teachers to evaluate computer software, or courseware, for computer-assisted instruction is to look at it from the point of view of the roles of the courseware author as production manager, curriculum developer, learning specialist, instructional designer, and evaluator. In assessing courseware, teachers should decide…

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)

The use of two types of commercially available Apple computer educational software in English for the development of accuracy and fluency in students of English as a second language is described. One type of program is aimed at the drilling and practice of grammar in English. Some of these programs have interesting formats and allow the teacher to…

"Le Choc de Multinationales" is a microcomputer game for students in an upper-level commercial French couse, to be played by two opponents, one of whom may be another student or the computer itself as a direct business competitor. The game's requirements for language use and knowledge of business and economics theory and principles are moderate,…