This study investigates the effect of a CALL application designed to enhance speaking and listening in Mandarin Chinese on advanced students' verbal skills, learning attitudes, and self-efficacy. A pretest/posttest experimental/control-group design with intact classes was employed to minimize treatment diffusion. Over the course of 14 weeks,…

Describes a project that tested two computer-assisted language lessons, one designed to emulate drill and practice, and the other to utilize concepts of clarifying educational environments, microworlds, games, and autotelic environments. The project suggests that allowing students control over their learning and some choice in procedures enhances…

Discusses the possible limitations and the advantages of computer-assisted language testing and several test variables which are of concern in determining test validity. The concept of computer-adaptive testing and its relationship to these variables is described. (SED)

Examines the effect annotation type has on second language incidental vocabulary retention in a multimedia reading setting. Compared three annotation types: text-only, picture-only, and a combination of the two. Indicates the combination group outperformed the text-only and picture-only groups on the immediate tests. There was significant…

Explores the types of annotations intermediate and advanced English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) learners preferred to use while they were engaged in reading a hypermedia text. Also investigated learners' attitudes towards reading in a hypermedia environment. Participants were 84 adult ESL learners. Participants indicated the hypermedia environment…

The properties of German as a special language of mechanical engineering are examined on the basis of a newly compiled corpus including samples from all important disciplines and discourse styles. The syntactic, semantic, and pragmatic aspects of passive voice are the chief research goal. (Contains five references.) (Author/LB)

The introduction of computer technologies into the regular school system has not been very successful, probably because of the lack of sound curricular integration. Proposals are offered for courseware development that will better fit into the modern languages curriculum. (Contains three references.) (Author/LB)

Reports on a study of grammar checker usage that surveys the steps taken to successfully integrate it into the curriculum of an advanced level French course. Identifies the pedagogical limits of computer-based grammar checking, explores practical applications, measures short- and long-term effectiveness, and considers the role of self monitoring…

Describes the design and testing process that resulted in the production of "Un Meurtre a Cinet" and "Un Misterio en Toluca," two role-playing applications that ask students of French and Spanish to collaborate to solve a murder mystery using e-mail, listservs, and a culturally-rich Web site. (Author/VWL)

Describes theoretical and practical considerations related to the provision of feedback in the written compositions of advanced foreign language learners of French. Discusses the approach taken to teaching and assessing writing skills of students and considers how using a computer-based composition annotation program can contribute to reduction of…

Tandem language learning occurs when two learners of different native languages work together to help each other learn the other language. First used in face-to-face contexts, Tandem is now increasingly being used by language-learning partners located in different countries who are linked via various forms of electronic communication, a context…

This article discusses some pedagogical implications of a research project carried out at the University of Antwerp between 1996 and 2004. Its objective was to explore the boundaries of a pedagogy-driven approach in research-based research-oriented CALL system design. The starting point was the observation of a serious decrease in…

A study was conducted in Egypt to investigate how technology is used in English language instruction at the university level. Results indicate that teachers and learners alike are ready and, in some cases (mostly in the private-university setting), are effectively applying technology tools in the classroom and online. Specific findings indicate…

Describes the results of a pilot study to examine the attitudes of university students toward the use of computer-mediated communication in their French conversation and composition course. Results indicate that both introvert and extrovert personality types generally perceive the use of a local area network as a beneficial experience. (15…

Describes a pilot study of a computerized program for learning Chinese characters. The program, HyperCharacters, uses graphic symbols, sounds and animated presentation to produce an integrated learning environment. Study findings indicate that the program has proved its value via experimental study and interviews with students. (Two references)…