Examines the use of new technology in foreign-language classrooms, specifically language labs equipped with interactive computers, interactive software packages, CD-ROMS, e-mail, and the Internet. States that faculty members are creating language multimedia packages that engage students in listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Suggests ways…

Describes Subarashii, an experimental computer-based interactive spoken-language education system designed to understand what a student is saying in Japanese and respond in a meaningful way in spoken Japanese. Implementation of a preprototype version of the Subarashii system identified strengths and limitations of continuous speech recognition…

Describes a system, provisionally named Pronto, that uses automatic speech recognition for training pronunciation of second languages in adult learners. Methods are included for developing training in Pronto, and results are presented from evaluating classes of speech recognizers for use in different aspects of pronunciation training. (Author/VWL)

Looks at how speech-interactive computer-assisted language learning can help the classroom teacher carry out recommendations from immersion-based approaches to language instruction. Emerging methods for pronunciation tutoring are demonstrated from Carnegie Mellon University's FLUENCY project, addressing not only phone articulation but also speech…

Reports on the use of a computerized simulation integrated within a preservice methods course for early-childhood majors. Compares the difference in response to importance, knowledge, and attitude related to computer utilization in the course between the computer-simulation group and a control group taught by traditional means. (Author/LRW)

Discusses designers' need to design educational software for subversive use, recognizing that users fit the use of technology-based environments into contextually tuned "situated" learning environments. In this sense, good design is volatile design, or design which changes with contextual use. These ideas are illustrated with reference to a range…

Discusses the future of computer-based distance higher education based on the results of two research studies of faculty and students participating in computer-based distance-education courses. Highlights include the new generation of learners, including Internet users and adult learners; educational processes that are global and competitive; and…

Describes a team-taught, interdisciplinary multimedia-development course for undergraduate students that was created to address issues concerning students' needs to learn how to evaluate and develop applications for new communication technology. Topics include a collaborative-learning model; course objectives; and student assessment. (Author/LRW)

Describes three pilot projects carried out with a special version of a computer-assisted language-learning activity, known as SEQUITUR, that seeks to develop awareness of cohesive devices and coherence features by displaying the start of a text and offering possible continuations. Usage logs of responses given by native and nonnative speakers of…

Reports the use of two different visual-control treatments (self-controlled versus system-imposed) among students with different cognitive styles (Field Independent and Field Dependent). Eighth-grade students were tested to determine how they learned from different design approaches of animated instructional materials. Effect of visual control was…

Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) has made remarkable progress in the area of networking. An education network is being developed to provide mass training and resource-based learning. The development of networked education in India is highlighted and a model is suggested for the virtual classroom. (Author/AEF)

Used computer-mediated communication (CMC) to support postgraduate students in distance-education contexts, examining how CMC could reduce transactional distance and noting the construction of learning communities within an online environment and the socioacademic nature of such communities. Results indicate that CMC can support the construction…

Compares the effectiveness of multimedia and traditional classes. Results show that (1) students in both classes did not differ on abilities before enrollment; (2) students in the multimedia class averaged higher examination scores; and (3) there are no consistent patterns between learning preferences and final examination scores in either case.…

Discusses how more and more language teachers are getting qualified as computer-assisted language-learning trainers. Advises teachers on how to choose a course that fits their particular needs. (Author/VWL)

Addresses the impacts of faculty rank and university mission (teaching vs. research) on self-reported use and intention-to-use multimedia instructional approaches in the classroom via responses to a survey of accounting educators. Findings suggest that university mission has a stronger influence than academic rank on faculty perceptions and…