Recent advances in digital video have lead to a convergence of mainstream entertainment (e.g., movies) and language learning tools. An example is a software system/media player called L1, which provides interactive subtitling and learning support for DVD entertainment products. Convergence of entertainment and learning resources raises challenging…

With the implementation of the inclusion concept in public school classes, the ability of the general physical educator to effectively teach all of his or her students has been tested. This is particularly true with some students who have a receptive language disability (e.g., deaf, traumatic brain injury), an expressive language disability (e.g.,…

A teacher has to keep going to school just to keep his or her job, so it pays to know the most interesting and convenient programs available. This article presents 11 professional development options that "work" for teachers' real-life schedules: (1) Best for Children's Literature: Penn State University; (2) Best for Science & Technology: PBS…

The Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) field continues to experience increased valuing of experiential practitioner knowledge. A welcome result of this evolution has been the broadening of research perspectives. The 16 practitioner narratives in "Insights on Teaching Speaking in TESOL" are written by…

The significant increase of English Language Learners (ELLs) in the United States raises complex questions about how to provide these students with access to high quality education that can improve both their content knowledge of school subjects and their English proficiency, particularly their academic English proficiency. The development of…

The pervasive popularity of the Internet in the past decade has changed the way many students live and learn, in part, because modern technology has made it possible for learners to access Real-Time Multimedia information on the Internet, or research any topic of interest to them from virtually any computer anywhere in the world. Students can also…

This set of materials consists of three research reports concerning cultural and linguistic acculturation of minority children, and information about Acculturation Quick Screen, a technique, which includes computer software, for measuring students' relative level of acculturation to the public school environment in the United States. The research…

Lists of resources are presented that were developed as part of the Empowering Learners Project (ELP), a collaboration of five United Way agencies in the St. Paul, Minnesota area. One of the goals of the project and its Technology for Literacy Center was to identify computer software and other media materials that would support the acquisition of…

The most appropriate statistical model for the small-scale (n<100) studies common in language testing research is the Rasch one-parameter logistic model. The Rasch model provides a wide range of options for conducting research, refining existing examinations, and developing tailored (computerized adaptive) language tests. Three investigations…

Discusses the development and content of Verbochip, a computer assisted language-learning program for learning the use and formation of English verbs and tenses. Outlines the main features of the program's "a la carte" environment, including learning strategies employed and the program's linguistic completeness and didactic accuracy.…

"Abra Cadabra," a new computer program for second-language learning for fourth- and fifth-grade students, is described that is based on the whole language approach to language acquisition. (two references) (LB)

Highlights methods of teaching grammar that have been adapted for computer-assisted language learning. (Author/VWL)

Looks ahead to some of the software capabilities soon to be available on the Web for helping learners notice linguistic form in text and Web-based audio materials. Points out that some of the general purpose authoring tools on the Web are ideally suited for developing English as a Second or Other Language learning materials. (Author/VWL)

Discusses the need to improve the design of intelligent tutoring systems for young children and teenagers so they will develop information-processing skills and enrich their cognitive-emotional sphere. Gives an example of an experimental group in Moscow studying English as a second language. (LRW)

The seminal work by Ericsson and Simon established verbal reports as a genuine way to get a glimpse into the "black box" of the workings of the human mind, and it is now recognised as a method of value in the pursuit of new knowledge relating to, for instance, learner strategies, cognitive strategies, human-computer interaction, and functionality…