This discussion provides an overview of the kinds of technological resources available to support language learning and of various approaches to using them, and explores some issues surrounding the trend. Topics considered include efficacy, availability, computer-mediated technologies, software acquisition and content, material evaluation,…

Compares two approaches to teaching grammar with respect to accuracy of participant response over time. A traditional based program used the human teacher method, while Cyber Tutor, a computer-aided program, allowed students to annotate sentences while providing instant feedback and help facilities. (six references) (Author/CK)

This paper presents a study in which we examined spelling mistakes made by 34 learners of German in an online CALL exercise. We analyzed a total of 374 spelling errors that occurred in 341 words and subsequently classified them along four dimensions: (a) competence versus performance, (b) linguistic subsystem, (c) language influence, and (d)…

Appropriately timed Focus on Form can help in raising the learners' language awareness. In this paper we argue that the learner's own text composition progression can indicate when a learner is ready to notice a particular language form. Stimulated recall induced discussion was used to provoke explicit writer comments relating to noticing and…

According to the dichotomy popularized by Levy (1995, 1997), computers may be used in language learning in either tutor or tool roles. Recently there has been a waning of interest in tutorial software for language learning in favor of tool-oriented applications. While we do not dispute the value of the computer as a tool, we argue that it is in…

While the use of a search engine to find secondary sources is now a commonplace practice among undergraduate writers, recent studies show that students' online searches often lead to materials that are wholly or partially unsuitable for academic purposes. Accordingly, this project set out to determine whether using a more specialized search…

The process used for evaluating computer software before it reaches the market may not be reliable or appropriate for the end user. School boards often develop their own evaluation procedures for teachers, but they may also be too technical, too long, or irrelevant to the teacher's purposes, and they may be too general for the discipline area in…

This conference proceedings presents abstracts, complete papers, and author biographies for the 1994 Computer Assisted Language Instruction Consortium (CALICO) annual symposium on human factors in computer-assisted language learning (CALL), specifically the actual use of software by the human learner and teacher. Presented topics included…

This report details the development of computer software to teach English-as-a-Second-Language skills for medical diagnosis. Design of a prototype unit of multimedia materials using a common authoring tool required about 300 hours of work over a period of 9 months. The report describes the overall design of the courseware, hardware used, stages of…

A discussion of multimedia teaching techniques for second language instruction looks at the current state of educational technology for college-level Chinese language teaching, then focuses on practices for teaching Chinese at Smith College (Massachusetts). Truly multimedia materials, which use computer software, compact discs, video, slides, and…

The guide discusses the role of computers in the English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) classroom, drawing heavily on the experiences of the Arlington (Virginia) Education and Employment Program (REEP). After an introductory section, chapters address these topics in brief articles written by practitioners: initial considerations in program design (the…

This resource guide lists 47 computer software and 29 instructional video programs recommended for use in grades K through 12 to help teachers achieve the learning objectives set forth by their school districts and the State of California. Programs are organized in six curriculum areas: foreign language, history-social science, language arts,…

Reviews concepts which form the basis for a communicative approach to foreign language software design. Examples of communicative program formats, the role of Local Area Networks, and teachers' roles in designing and implementing such software are also discussed. (Author/CB)

Several techniques used to enhance creativity in writing workshops are offered as potential exercises in writing and literature appreciation for French second-language classes. The activities include wordplay, linking poetry and narration, and story creation by computer program. (MSE)

Presents a comparison of two types of compact disc (CD-ROM) foreign language tutorials: (1) those made by publishers who favor an immersion approach; and (2) those made by publishers who use grammar-based approaches. Both types of CD-ROMs address various age groups, skill levels, and learning styles. (JMV)