The Foreign Language Understanding Engendered by Naturalistic Techniques (Fluent) project is an educational system for beginning foreign language learning. Arguments are made in support of Fluent's scientific and practical potential for a situation-based, two-medium conversational environment that refers to pedagogical and second-language…

Discusses a conference centering around the added value of technologies in language learning. Topics include the necessity of networks, added value analysis for "a priori" specification and "a posteriori" assessment, funding, textbooks, user expectation, assessment methods, integration into other learning systems, and an action plan. (CK)

Summaries of six language-related research projects are presented from Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore. Topics include reading proficiency evaluation instruments, computer-assisted language learning, English-for-Special-Purposes instructional design, editing strategies for college English-as-a-Second-Language student compositions, genre…

Describes the Voice Interactive Training System (VILTS), a language-training prototype developed to help improve comprehension and speaking skills. The system incorporates two related technologies: speech recognition and pronunciation scoring. Discusses the motivation for the program, the interdisciplinary efforts involved, and the resulting…

Describes four computer-assisted Japanese language and culture projects using word processing and the World Wide Web conducted in a college-level third-year Japanese class, and reports on the impact of the projects as assessed by student pre- and postquestionnaires, reflective comments from students, and instructors' reflective observation notes.…

The Internet can provide very useful tools and resources for learners of English as a foreign language. In this study, those tools and resources, various Internet activities, and other related issues are introduced and discussed.(Author/VWL)

Explains the use of a computer-assisted language-learning tool that utilizes acoustic data in real time to help Japanese second-language learners improve their perception and production of English consonants. The basic features of the speech-learning software that runs on a networked workstation and is used for pronunciation training are…

Discusses the need for preparing overseas students for technology courses in Australian Universities and TAFE institutions, and the request of one school for a program design. The short bridging program designed in response to the request is described, including objectives, skills acquired, course content, teachers, and classes. The success of the…

Describes several sources of errors made by students of Italian and some of the problem-solving behaviors in drill-and-practice exercises on direct and indirect object pronouns and the present perfect tense. The article identifies an unexpected source of error and a problem-solving behavior not found in the traditional learning environment and…

Describes a methodology for teacher training seminars designed to reconsider and define the validity of the design of computer-assisted language learning exercises that are developed by teachers and aimed at solving specific problems experienced by their students. A three-stage system of evaluation to collect empirical data on the method's…

The effects and potential of a hypermedia user's participation in fiction and film creation are discussed, focusing on how the technology can assist an individual in departing from conventional forms of reading and writing. Contemporary trends in hypermedia fiction are examined, and its use of creativity and intelligence are discussed. (MSE)

Describes two World-Wide-Web-based products designed to make the Web more interactive and accessible to less technically inclined language professionals for course development. The eWeb is a set of functions that support large-group and individual synchronous/asynchronous communication and material development. HomePage Maker allows interlinking…

Demonstrates how conditions for active learning can be enhanced by using newer and more sophisticated educational technology. Describes a case study involving a large lecture class on world mythology. Also addresses the question of how information technology can be employed to improve student learning. (Author/VWL)

Examines the role of reading in the acquisition of French in context, and shows how, in the area of reading, the computer can be transformed into a highly pedagogical teaching/learning tool because of the text retrieval program TACT. (32 references) (Author/CK)

Examines two tenets of communicative language teaching--authenticity of the input and authorship of the language user--in an electronic environment. Reviews research in textually-mediated second language acquisition and analyzes two cases of computer-mediated language learning: the construction of a multimedia CD-ROM by American college learners…