This study examines the effects of an online workbook and a paper workbook on L2 vocabulary acquisition. Participants consisted of 549 L2 learners of Spanish enrolled in a large language program at an American state university. The participants received 4 hours of classroom instruction per week and worked with an online or a paper workbook once a…

The use of PowerPoint presentations for explicit instruction of grammatical structures is increasingly encouraged at the university level. Some teachers are still reluctant to use this technology because they are not convinced that more benefits can be derived from their use than from the conventional use of textbook and blackboard. On the other…

This article is a report on research conducted to support the development of a multilingual literacy learning software programme for adult learners in rural Limpopo Province, South Africa. The topic of inquiry for the research was literacy learning in a multilingual environment, with special attention paid to attitudinal and metacognitive aspects.…

The collection of 12 essays brings together work by linguists around the world concerning the use of computers in applied linguistics, including computer-assisted language learning (CALL). Articles include: "Humanism and CALL: A Coming of Age" (Vance Stevens); "A Methodological Framework for CALL Courseware Development" (Philip Hubbard);…

Discusses the increasing interest in CD-ROM as a publishing medium and learning tool, explores its potential and practicality in computer-assisted language learning (CALL), and suggests that CALL software developers should create avenues for cooperation, establish a clearinghouse for information and ideas about CD-ROM, and encourage…

Within the framework of David Wyatt's paper, "Computer-Assisted Teaching and Testing of Reading and Listening," discusses some limitations and problems in computer-assisted foreign language training in bringing a student up to level three of the Interagency Language Roundtable ratings. Notes that potentially effective software may be…

Electronic games are proposed as a means for encouraging students of French to learn and use the language while solving problems. A computerized card game and mine-removal game are offered as illustration of the language skills and vocabulary that can be developed and the appeal that such exercises can have for students. (MSE)

Describes a three-phase process model for interface design, drawing on practices developed in the software industry and adapting them for computer-based languages tests. Describes good practice in initial design, emphasizes the importance of usability testing, and argues that only through following a principled approach to interface design can the…

Two components of Scenario, a computer program designed for instructional use, are reviewed, and their applications are discussed. Without learning a programing language, teachers and students can author lessons or presentation materials, including color or monochrome text, graphics, and sound. The program is adaptable to foreign language…

Describes "Language Crafter," a word processor and word game generator that can be used to compose worksheets and invent word games in English, Spanish, French, and German. Bingo, crossword puzzles, word-search puzzles, and scrambled word games can help students develop and improve their foreign language vocabulary. (CB)

Overviews ELLIS, a computer software program that is an individualized English language learning system using computer technology to integrate video disk, CD-ROM, and computer storage to display and manipulate video, audio, text, and graphic information. Although its strength lies in its individual multimedia approach to language learning, ELLIS…

This article discusses the use and value of text reconstruction (TR) programs in second-language instruction. TR involves the complete, on-screen replacement of a short text by dashes, with the learner restoring the original text by typing in missing letters and words. TR may assist learners gain language competence as part of a sequence of…

A brief overview considers the main issues of computer use in the English-as-a-Second-Language class--getting started with an appropriate program, modifying the programs for students, planning lessons, and future possibilities. (six references) (CNP)

Reports on two projects dedicated to the compilation of a basic French vocabulary list, the translation of this list into five European languages, and the publication of the results as an electronic reference book for teachers and learners of French as a second language. (Author/VWL)

Describes a computer assisted word acquisition program (CAVOCA) that tries to operationalize current theoretical thinking about second language vocabulary acquisition. Its contents are based on a systematic inventory of the vocabulary relevant for the target group. To test its efficacy, the program was contrasted in a number of experimental…