Discusses the use of Jiejing, a computer program that offers the learner several features that enhance both recognition and production skills in the learning of Chinese and Japanese in Australia. Students learn to produce common expressions and to discriminate the distinctive features of the new sound systems. (GLR)

Kanji City, a hypermedia program for teaching Japanese through trial-and-error exploration of a simulated real-life environment, is described. The possibilities for designing materials in hypermedia format, and the advantages of Hypercard's potential for integrating text with synthesized sound, interactive graphics, and animation are explored.…

Presents an example of a multimedia program for French-as-a-Foreign-Language instruction developed at Penn State University using a videodisc selection that illustrates the use of authentic materials with potential for adaptations for various levels, tasks, and media. (JL)

Reviews four current software titles recommended for use in the ESL (English-as-a-Second-Language) classroom: Story Club; Steps to English Language Development; ELLIS Senior Mastery; and Madison Stories--After the Auction. Several other software packages of value in the ESL classroom are also described. (SLW)

This paper describes a speech teaching aid developed to assist in foreign language pronunciation teaching. The methodology used in designing the graphical user interface and the teaching plans are described, and the technical aspects (algorithms used, hardware requirements, etc.) are briefly discussed. (36 references) (JL)

Explores the relationship between computer-assisted language learning (CALL) software's programming and methodological sophistication within the framework of communicative approaches to classroom foreign language learning. It is argued that many CALL materials are ineffective because they are designed according to sophisticated computing criteria…

Japanese learners must acquire three sets of orthographic characters (Hiragana, Katakana, and Kanji). Computerized programs were developed to facilitate learners' acquisition of Japanese characters and vocabulary items. Surveys of college students in first-, second-, and third-year Japanese courses examined their feelings about the programs. The…

Reviews speech-interactive learning activities in selected commercial products: activities for vocabulary development, conversational practice, and pronunciation. Suggests the effectiveness of speech-interactive computer-assisted language learning is determined less by capabilities of the speech recognizer than by (a) design of language-learning…

Provides a background to technology and authentic teaching of culture in foreign language instruction. Introduces each of the five articles in a special issue on technology and teaching where the authors focus on the importance of using different media and technology to facilitate culture learning. (AEF)

Investigated effects of multimedia reading software on reading comprehension. Twelve college students enrolled in a second semester French course were instructed to think aloud during reading of text on the computer screen. They read text under one of three conditions: full glossing, limited glossing, no glossing. Suggests computerized reading…

Reviews research on the acquisition of suprasegmentals by second language learners and the potential of computer-based instructional materials for improving intonation; describes and critiques some of the software previously available for this purpose; and suggests criteria for the conceptualization of multimedia software and concomitant research…

Investigates English-as-a-foreign-language learner use of high frequency verbs and particular use of the verb, "make." Examines whether learners tend to overuse or underuse these verbs, whether high-frequency verbs are error-prone or safe, and what part transfer plays in misuse of these verbs. Authentic speaker data is compared with native speaker…

Discusses the benefits and challenges of technology in the teaching of foreign languages. Benefits include accessibility in time and space and an accessible learning process. Challenges include providing sufficient access to learning for everyone who has adequate preparation, fostering the right kinds of learning outcomes for course graduates, and…

Reflects critically on pedagogical issues in the production of computer-assisted language learning (CALL) courseware and ways CALL has affected the practice of language learning. Concludes that if CALL is to reach full potential, it must be more than a simple medium of information; it should provide a teaching/learning process, with the real…

Presents a description of Fabula software, which enables children learning European minority languages to create bilingual digital books. Discusses the ways in which it has been used in schools in Europe, and highlights future plans, including a Europe-wide competition for schools and the creation of a WWW-based on-line library for teachers and…