A discussion of computer-assisted language learning focuses on management of individual learning processes. As distinct from a reference package, a computer-assisted teaching program has to assure that the student acquires and retains the complete information in the most efficient way, provide accurate and useful material, and pique the student's…

Computer animation can be effectively incorporated into computer based instruction programs for English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learning environments. Computer animation is defined as computer-generated animated graphics that function as visual aids to instruction. The applications of instructional graphics fall into two categories: (1)…

This handbook for computer-assisted instruction in English as a Second Language (ESL) is designed to guide teachers unfamiliar with computer hardware and software through the basic procedures of using the Apple IIe system and ESL software. The handbook begins with introductory sections on the growth of microcomputer use in schools, the advantages…

A critical review of computer software for computer-assisted instruction (CAI) in Latin presents information regarding user-friendliness, instructiveness, special effects, costs, and availability. Survey responses of first- and second-year Latin students (N=65) at a high school provided data for the comparison of programs. Programs reviewed…

Some basic principles underlying development and pedagogical application of computer courseware for English as a second language (ESL) are identified and two types of courseware developed at the University of Victoria (Canada) for use with pre-university, university, adult education, and elementary school ESL classes are described. It is proposed…

A survey of 173 Canadian modern language departments concerning the extent of computer use for teaching, the kinds of hardware and software used, and instructor and student satisfaction with computer-assisted language instruction is reported. Canadian-developed authoring systems are also discussed. A table of CALL CALL courseware and the…

Weblogs, or blogs for short, were created as a tool for people to create online journals without the need of any programming experience or knowledge. Although not originally intended for educational purposes, blogs are drawing attention from EFL educators. The paper is intended to provide a definition of a blog, to analyze the features of a blog,…

Describes various projects of the Didascalia computer-assisted language-learning research center, reflecting major steps in the development of the center and illustrating facets of the prevailing bottom-up approach: from the general lexical programs towards the more contextualized, to the company specific, to the language testing programs. (15…

Evaluation of CUES, a computer program designed to improve the essay writing of English-as-a Second-Language students, measured student opinions on the effectiveness of the program. The research included the employment of both formal and informal evaluation measures, providing a balanced assessment of computer-assisted language learning software.…

Description and review of recently introduced computer software focuses on word processing in non-Roman character sets for the MacIntosh, courseware developments using recordable CD-ROM drive, desktop video and graphics equipment, and a language lab management package. (CNP)

A brief description of several open computer programs (programs that allow the teacher to write or "author" texts, passages, tests, etc.) notes the main features and their usefulness to the high school English classroom. (CNP)

English teachers developed several activities for their ninth- and tenth-grade students using basic word processing capabilities. The materials described include guided writing (a job application form); passages involving cloze and pair work; relating details from a story; and work with a song and its written text. (CNP)

Introduces a computer-assisted language-learning system called L2tutor that is designed to provide an immersion experience to travelers before they leave on a trip to a country where a different language is spoken. The learner takes part in a fully mixed-initiative dialog with the system to gain fluency and hone vocabulary and grammatical skills.…

Recent interest in computer-assisted language learning (CALL) has been accompanied by an expansion in the demand for CALL centers. The planning and creation of these facilities present educators and administrators with a unique set of challenges. This article highlights these factors and illustrates how a CALL center can be successfully…

One of the skills that can be taught in an English proficiency class that adopts literary texts for teaching the language is critical thinking. The background, characters and their motives are among those that invite critical inquiry and interpretation. Although it has been claimed that discussing literary texts in the traditional way can help…