Although measures of lexical complexity are well established for printed texts, there is currently no equivalent work for videos. This study, therefore, aims to investigate whether existing lexical complexity measures can be extended to predict second language (L2) learners' judgment of video difficulty. Using a corpus of 320 instructional videos,…

In recent years, English instruction has emphasized the importance of listening comprehension; however, playing CDs in class is still the most widely used approach to practicing English listening skills in Taiwan. It is obvious that this training approach cannot satisfy individual needs, thus reducing the effect of promoting English listening…

A system for authoring browser-based CALL material incorporating Google speech recognition has been developed and made freely available for download. The system provides a teacher with a simple way to set up CALL material, including an optional image, sound or video, which will elicit spoken (and/or typed) answers from the user and check them…

This article describes the influence of tool and task design on student interaction in language learning at a distance. Interaction in a multimodal desktop video conferencing environment, FlashMeeting, is analyzed from an ecological perspective with two main foci: participation rates and conversational feedback strategies. The quantitative…

In this paper we discuss how the Brigham Young University Technology Assisted Language Learning Group (BYU TALL Group) develops video-based dramatic narratives to increase the amount of context we provide to English as a second language (ESL) learners. First, we discuss the problem of decontextualization in education, the contextualism…

At Dalarna University, Sweden, modes of communication are offered at many points of Kenning's continuum with a web-based learning platform, including asynchronous document exchange and collaborative writing tools, e-mail, recorded lectures in various formats, live streamed lectures with the possibility of text questions to the lecturer in real…

Two components of Scenario, a computer program designed for instructional use, are reviewed, and their applications are discussed. Without learning a programing language, teachers and students can author lessons or presentation materials, including color or monochrome text, graphics, and sound. The program is adaptable to foreign language…

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."…

Describes several teacher-developed software programs for computer-assisted language learning which meet a need for communicative, inductively-based software that is controlled by students and can be used as research tools as well. (Author/CB)

Discusses the progress and potential of using technology in the teaching of foreign languages. The foreign language teaching profession will benefit greatly from this new technology by avoiding unsubstantiated claims of the superiority of the machine in teaching, and by planning for well-paced and organized integration of educational technology.…

Explores current uses of HyperLang, a sophisticated hypermedia authoring system that understands spoken speech, in computer-assisted foreign language learning. Software developers should adopt an educational and humanistic perspective in further developing this technology to ensure the creation of effective educational tools. (CB)

The proceedings of a conference on learner-machine interaction in computer-assisted language learning (CALL) include the texts of four papers, descriptions of program demonstrations and talks given by participants, a report on the plenary session by Eric Brown, information sources about CALL, a comment on the workshop by Leslie Churchman, a review…

The limited studies conducted thus far indicate that interactive videodisc technology can be of great help to foreign-language learning. The sophisticated technology and the potential for development of effective learning materials offer advantages over other approaches. (MSE)

Discusses the efforts of the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center to make interactive video an integral part of foreign language instruction. Interactive video is seen as a method which could profoundly alter the old classroom model of language instruction. (Author/SED)

The Central Intelligence Agency converted an intensive, two-week, introductory Spanish language course from a classroom course to an interactive videodisk course permitting students to learn the same material in three to five workstation hours, with one additional hour of teacher instruction. The course also integrated other instructional…