This brief report describes the Rosetta Stone Language Library, a set of multimedia second language instructional materials. These materials emphasize comprehension of spoken language as the first step to acquiring fluency, sometimes referred to as the "comprehension approach" or "natural approach." The materials are designed…

The five essays in this volume represent the contributions of one group of leaders in the application of computers to the teaching and learning of foreign languages and illustrate present and future uses of technology in assisting language learning. Various pedagogical problems and approaches are considered in the papers. They are: (1)…

A study investigated the relative effectiveness of three kinds of computer-mediated support for developing reading comprehension among learners of Arabic as a Foreign Language (AFL). Subjects were 24 first-year students of AFL at the college level. The students were given computer-assisted reading instruction at four levels of treatment: control…

Johnson County Community College, in Kansas, recently implemented a unique laboratory combining interactive video, computers, and peer tutors to support its speech communication, foreign language, and interpreter training departments. The facility is equipped with 15 interactive, video-based work stations, costing $3,930 each; four computer…

The 1985 issue of the journal on second language teaching and learning contains four articles in French and three in English, including: "Lire et comprendre un texte informatif (Reading and understanding an Informative Text)" (Jacqueline Billant, Pascale Fade); "Les nouveaux diplomes de Francais Language Etrangere: Le D.E.L.F. et le…

This book surveys currently available software for English language learners and identifies future directions in the development of such software that are likely to prove fruitful. Discussed first are ways in which computers add to the learning experience. Stand-alone programs are compared with authoring systems, and "purpose-made" and…

Three essays on the ways in which colleges and universities use the computer as a teaching tool are presented, along with descriptions of 10 school programs that reflect the diversity of computer applications across the United States. In "A Place for Computing in Liberal Education," Karl L. Zinn likens the computer to personal resource…

Writing for the BBC World Service "Short Story" Program provides English as a second language students with the necessary conditions for "authentic writing," namely authentic and communicative writing practice, encouragement of language acquisition, and improvement of the teacher student relationship. (CB)

English for Academic Purposes (EAP Writing) is a compulsory course for English literature and language students at Obirin University. The first semester focuses on expository writing, typical of the TOEFL[R] writing exam. The second semester focuses on writing about literature. To facilitate their writing all students are provided with a user…

To prepare American preservice teachers for online teaching and for reaching diverse learners, an e-mail correspondence partnership was created between American and Taiwanese university students. Students explored the theory and practice of online instruction, corresponded as "keypals" to teach the English language and American culture,…

A study investigated the use of the Internet in writing instruction in English as a foreign language (EFL). Subjects were 24 students majoring in English at a Taiwan college. At the beginning of the writing course, several Internet program were introduced to all the students, and students were reminded of the potential for use of the Internet…

Describes how a sixth grade teacher of an ESOL (English for speakers of other languages) resource class used the GlobaLearn online program to promote cultural awareness and academic skills in social studies/geography. Discusses online communication with international host children, educational benefits, and other programs. (AEF)

Examines specific approaches to the acquisition and teaching of word, syntax, and text attack skills in foreign language (FL) classes. The role played by computers in second-language reading is considered, and a discussion of problems currently facing the teacher who wishes to allocate reading a more prominent place in the FL learning program is…

Reviews learner strategy research, strategy instruction, and on-line help in multimedia instructional materials, and reports on a study investigating 20 native Chinese-speaking English language learners' use of computer resource facilities (e.g., scripts, glossaries, background information) in an interactive videodisc program and their reactions…

Describes an instructional collaboration designed to create and deliver a distance learning module for helping students improve their skills in writing and reading Spanish. Results identified a technology gap, where students without their own computers and the latest versions of Web browsers finished assignments with greater difficulty. (AEF)