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…

Using the cognitive theory of multimedia learning, this study aimed to evaluate the design of one multimedia courseware used for teaching English as a foreign language (EFL) in China and to compare the attitudinal differences in the teachers' and students' evaluation of the courseware. A questionnaire was developed and validated. Results indicated…

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…

This study included a qualitative analysis of the content of the teaching courseware that was developed by the Curriculum Development Center of the Ministry of Education in 2003. The objective of the study was to determine the efficacy of the courseware from the perspective of learning-teaching. The results indicated that most of the lessons…

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,…

A study investigated the attitudes of language program students, teachers, and administrators concerning the effectiveness of Computer-Assisted Language Learning (CALL) instruction for adults, and specifically concerning EXITO courseware, a Spanish language program developed by the Central Intelligence Agency. Interviews with an adult language…

Describes an alternative approach to evaluation of computer assisted language learning software in the form of a flexible three-component framework. The approach targets operational description, teacher fit, and learner fit, from which teachers can develop their own evaluation procedures. (Author/CB)

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…

A study used schema theory as a basis for developing an instrument to evaluate reading software. The instrument was designed to assess software used in English-as-a-second-language (ESL) reading instruction. Evaluation criteria and questions were developed to address the programs' interactive capabilities (flexibility, response to student errors,…

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)