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…

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,…

Using motion picture quality video and sound, videodisc-based materials can provide highly motivating course segments for second language learning and fit in well with modern theories of language acquisition. Under microcomputer control, such materials can be highly interactive and individualized, and good prospects exist for future reductions in…

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…

Reviews the developments of the last 10 years and concludes with a vision of the future and the foreign language educators' role in shaping it. Also reviews authors who have provided comprehensive looks at various types of media and their application in the foreign language classroom. (EKN)

This report examines the strengths and weaknesses of the following 12 microcomputer programs: (1) Language Teacher Series: TRS-80; (2) Language Teacher Series: Atari; (3) Apfeldeutsch; (4) Author I; (5) Dasher; (6) The Definite Article; (7) Flashcard; (8) German Packages I, II, and III; (9) German Vocabulary Builder; (10) The Linguist; (11)…

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)

This review focuses on microcomputer software designed to improve the writing skills of students of English as a Second Language (ESL) at the college level. It presents a case for the use of computers in teaching ESL, provides guidelines and suggestions for evaluating or creating software and programs, and reviews representative software,…

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…

Describes three IBM compatible French language software packages: (1) "Ticket to Paris," a tourist searches for his cousin answering questions on culture, language, history, art, banking, and shopping; (2) "La Guillotine," a French version of the hangman game; and (3) "Bataille de Mots," tutors on 450 French nouns,…

Although computerized instructional materials for foreign language instruction have begun to become available, computer assisted instruction (CAI) in this field has not lived up to its promise for four reasons: poorly designed materials, incompatible machines, incompatibility of machines with textbooks, and equipment costs. Real CAI in classical…

Developed to help educators locate microcomputer software programs they may want to preview for students in grades K-12, this guide lists commercially available instructional software programs that have been favorably reviewed by members of the Educational Software Evaluation Consortium. Programs are arranged alphabetically by title within…

An analysis of phonetics and Chinese character learning done with 1928 character frequency data was reproduced with a more modern data base. The study tabulated the 500 characters of the Elementary Chinese Reader, volumes 1 and 2, and supporting statistics to analyze the characters' phonetics by microcomputer. The objective was to find phonetic…

The guide to the use of computers and video recordings in foreign language instruction was designed to assist California teachers in implementing and extending the foreign language component of the statewide curriculum. It contains: (1) an introduction on the use of the guide; (2) background on its development; (3) lists of high quality software…