Re: [seul-edu] Teaching Language Software

[white129@ms7.hinet.net]

On 5 Apr 2000, at 13:06, Bill Tihen -- TECHNOLOGY wrote:

> Does anyone know what is available to teach languages. 
> I haven't been given clear goals on what this software
> should be able to do which makes it difficult to know
> what to research.  But we are looking for some type of
> computerized language lab (does something like this
> exist on any platform?).  
> 
Most are very poor. There must be something out there. Both the 
US and the Russian Language institutes used computers in their 
classes. Anyone know how to find out what they did? Most 
language programs focus entirely upon vocabulary. Or, worse yet, 
they believe learning a language is drudgery so make it more 
palatable. Children quickly get the message and give up trying to 
learn.
> I think it will have to look "nice" (be a GUI program)
> to be accepted by the faculty.  I think it will have to
> do more than be an electronic stack of index cards.  I
> have never taught langauges so I can't even base this
> research on personal oppinion.  Can some language
> teachers on this list help me guide my faculty?
> 
> At the moment the faculty are leaning toward Macs, but I
> think this is dangerous to invest lots of money and hope
> the project just works out.
> 
> Ideas, guidance, software leads (especially Linux based)
> would all be helpful.
> 
> Thanks.
> 
> Bill
> __________________________________________
> TASIS (The American School In Switzerland)
> Lugano-Montagnola, Switzerland
> <http://www.tasis.ch/>