The process of learning Russian should be no more difficult than the process of learning other languages although it may take somewhat longer. The phonetic system should not present major difficulties with respect to individual sounds, but intonation may be difficult because Russian pitch patterns represent different intentions and emotions than…

A term-project assignment for a course in phonetics for prospective teachers of English as a Second Language (ESL) is described. The project involves six steps: (1) identification of a specific pronunciation problem for study; (2) analysis of the problem; (3) development of a self-instructional program; (4) recording the program on audio-tape; (5)…

Recounts the decision-making processes involved in the acquisition (or renovation) of a language laboratory for a small college. Of critical importance was the determination of how the laboratory would best be utilized as well as how it would operate. These decisions determined the best choice of equipment. (SL)

Emphasizes that although computer technology opens the door to great possibilities for teaching language, it will only be as powerful as the programs developed to go with the machines. Since the language lab remains one of the principal tools in foreign language education, it is hoped that computer assisted instruction will reflect back onto tape…

The Office of Education, in cooperation with the Modern Language Association of America, conducted a survey of language laboratories in secondary schools and institutions of higher education during the school year 1957-58. The procedure was to send a short questionnaire to all the schools and colleges known to have a language laboratory and…

Emphasizes the importance of pronunciation in the teaching of Italian as a second language and discusses a course in phonetics and phonology taught at the University for Foreigners in Perugia, Italy. Common difficulties are highlighted, and lab exercises to overcome these difficulties are provided. (27 references) (CFM)

This study was carried out in a language centre, in French higher education. Teachers and researchers had contrived a pedagogical system labeled guided autonomy which combined class attendance in groups and self-study in the self-study room. This kind of autonomous and technologically enhanced learning system will be referred to as CAALL (Computer…

A study at Haifa University (Israel) investigated the feasibility of a diagnostic test for dyslexia at the college level, among students studying English as a Second Language (ESL). This process and the development of remedial ESL reading materials for this population, to be used in the language laboratory as a supplement to regular ESL courses,…

Describes the use of language lab materials supplied by the pedagogical journal "Russkij Jazyk Za Rubezom" in an advanced Russian-language class. Each week students were given a relevant picture and vocabulary list prior to listening to a taped story. The story was used as the basis for conversation. (LMO)

Presents discussions that have taken place in an electronic forum by language lab professionals to discuss issues relevant to their everyday work. The discussions covered focus on the practicality of digital audio lab, good programs for instructional technology, "Systeme-D /Atajo" writing assistant programs for French and Spanish, and LCD…

A model for introducing English-as-a-Second-Language learners to the language laboratory component of a modern "Language Acquisition Resource Center" (LARC) at a metropolitan university is presented. Emphasis is on audio materials, but many of the LARC suggestions are applicable to video and computerized materials as well. (Contains 16…

This study aimed to explore the effect of computer assisted language learning (CALL) on the undergraduate students' achievement on the TOEFL exam. The study was designed as quasi-experimental research. The participants in the study were 34 sophomore students in the Department of Foreign Language Education in Middle East Technical University. The…

The status of research on computer-assisted language learning (CALL) is explored beginning with a historical perspective of research on the language laboratory, followed by analyses of applied research on CALL. A theoretical base is provided to illustrate the need for more basic research on CALL that considers computer capabilities, learner…

The first half of this book focuses on the rationale, ideas, and information for the use of technology, including microcomputers, to improve language teaching efficiency. Topics discussed include foreign language computer assisted instruction (CAI), hardware and software selection, computer literacy, educational computing organizations, ease of…

A promising way to enhance student listening performance with recorded materials is to mechanically retard or advance the speed of the tape and electronically correct the accompanying shift in pitch. With a speech compressor/expander, the language laboratory can eliminate the negative psychological effects of too much speed. Beginning students…