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C&IT Centre

No 9, Oct 96

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CALL Workshop at Middlesex University....................

For those who were keen to attend one of the regular CTI Centre for Modern Languages CALL Workshops but found the prospect of a trip to Hull daunting, CTI Modern Languages ran a CALL Workshop in London on 25 September, which attracted 30 participants. The University of Middlesex hosted the event in the Language Centre in the Hobson Building at its Tottenham campus. This meant that participants were using an attractive, spacious and well resourced room, with networked multimedia PCs for the hands-on sessions. Many thanks are due to John Rees-Smith, (Head of Middlesex University Language Centres) Roger Frisby, (Technical Manager), Tui Pankhani and Martina Jimenez Garcia (Administrators) for making this possible.

Arrangements at CTI Modern Languages end were handled by Jo Porritt (Assistant Information Officer), who attended the workshop with Jenny Parsons (Information Officer). Jenny provided the event's structure via presentations and large screen demonstrations of different types of software. A number of CTI Modern Languages multimedia PCs supplemented the networked machines to increase the range of CDROM material available for exploration.

The day started with a presentation aimed at CALL novices, seeking to give them an overview of the wide range of materials and approaches, and the different levels of integration currently adopted within HE language teaching and learning. The help and advice CTI Modern Languages can offer was emphasised. Some examples of TELL software were demonstrated as a starting point for the hands-on session which followed. Participants were then able to explore this software, and a large range of other relevant software, with the help and guidance of staff from CTI Modern Languages and Middlesex University. Graham Davies, representing Camsoft, was a participant who had much to offer, not just in terms of extending the range of software on display, but in contributing to the discussions, drawing on his long and fruitful involvement with CALL.

The opportunity for exchange of ideas and experiences between participants is not to be underestimated at such an event, and the lunch break provided a walk across the campus and a tasty buffet as background to such exchanges.

The day included two further short presentations: the first provided a brief introduction to authoring packages for those unfamiliar with their potential for language learning activities; the second offered a number of suggestions for ways of using concordancers for language teaching, as well as an indication of the sort of resources the internet had to offer language teachers. These introductory sessions were designed to enable the participants’ second ‘hands-on’ session to be more focused in pursuing areas of particular interest to them. A number of CALL-specific authoring packages, including GapKit and the TransIt-TIGER Authoring Shell, were available on the network, together with examples of materials authored by staff at Middlesex University using tools such as the Tandberg CART series. All networked machines also had internet access via Netscape and participants were able to explore resources for language teachers via the homepages of Middlesex University and CTI Modern Languages. One group was shown how to download material from foreign language newspapers as text files for use in the preparation of teaching material.

A high proportion of those attending were from the London area, with many staff from Middlesex University taking the opportunity to participate, but a number had travelled from further afield to take part. Comments on the evaluation sheets handed in at the end of the workshop indicate that this new venture towards collaborative events was highly successful and might be worth repeating on a future occasion at another venue. Suggestions welcome!

EUROCALL NEWS................................

EUROCALL 94 and 95: Conference Proceedings

Selected papers from the EUROCALL 94 conference, P�dagogische Hochschule Karlsruhe, 15-17 September 1994, and EUROCALL 95, Universidad Polit�cnica de Valencia, are now available from the EUROCALL office in Hull.

These papers give an overview of the various aspects of computer-assisted and technology-enhanced language learning presented and discussed at the two conferences, offering innovative ideas and provocative thought on a wide range of relevant issues.

Price:15.00 pounds including postage and packing (13.00 pounds to EUROCALL members).

Contact:The EUROCALL office, CTI Modern Languages, University of Hull, Hull HU6 7RX or Email: [email protected]

EUROCALL 96

A report on the successful conference, held at the D�niel Berzsenyi College in Szombathely, Hungary, 29-31 August, will appear in ReCALL Volume 8 Number 2. Selected papers from the conference will be published in May 1997.

Discussion List

Almost eighty members of EUROCALL have now joined the electronic discussion list which was set up during the summer. The list has been moderately active to date, with considerable discussion resulting from issues arising at the EUROCALL 96 conference.

Membership

The Executive Committee recommended to the AGM, held in Szombathely, that membership fees for 1997 should remain at the same levels as for the past three years, i.e. 30.00 pounds sterling for individuals, 60.00 pounds for academic institutions and 300.00 pounds for commercial members.

EUROCALL Directory of Courseware Development

Thanks to all colleagues who completed the Needs Analysis Survey relating to this project, for which EC funding has been requested. Preliminary responses from Brussels have been positive and we hope to make an announcement in the near future.

European Language Council (ELC)

Graham Davies attended the first meeting of the ELC Policy Group on New Technologies and Language Learning at the University of Limerick, Ireland, on 1-2 October 1996. The European Language Council has been set up with the aid of 65,000 ECU of funding under the EC’s SOCRATES Programme. The ELC comprises a large number of European universities and met for the first time in April this year. EUROCALL is represented on the ELC by Graham Davies. The ELC’s Policy Group on New Technologies and Language Learning has six members:

• Angela Chambers (Chair), University of Limerick, IRL
• Graham Davies, TVU, UK
• Joseph R�zeau, University of Rennes II, F
• Margarita Goded Rambaud, Universidad Autonoma de Madrid, E
• Martine Nicollerat, University of Lausanne, CH
• David Little, Trinity College Dublin, IRL

The aim of the first meeting of the Policy Group was:

• to endorse a policy statement on New Technologies and Language Learning in relation to learner autonomy, teacher training, technological infrastructure and research;
• to draft a programme of work for a new project under the auspices of the ELC (see below)

The ELC has succeeded in obtaining further funding (180,000 ECU) from the EC under the SOCRATES Programme to enable a three-year Thematic Network Project (TNP) to be set up, whereby each of the ELC’s policy groups will initiate a sub-project in its area of interest. The Policy Group on New Technologies and Language Learning is forming a TNP Sub-Project Team of around 15 members to work on its sub-project. This team will include the above members of the Policy Group, and it is planned that the team will meet for the first time in early 1997.

TELL Consortium News....................

TELL at EUROCALL 96

Papers building on work carried out with the TELL Consortium were presented at EUROCALL 96 in Szombathely, Hungary by Paul Bangs (South Bank University), John Gillespie and Jane McKee (University of Ulster at Coleraine), Douglas Jamieson and Doug Thompson (University of Hull). There was also a TELL stand in the exhibition area, with an opportunity for participants to try out the software.

Recent Workshops

Demonstrations and hands-on sessions with TELL materials were well-received at recent CTI Modern Languages visits to Queen Mary & Westfield College, the University of Ulster at Coleraine, Middlesex University, and University College Stockton.

TELL materials at CILT

For teachers who would like to try out the TELL materials, several of these are now installed on a multimedia PC in the CILT library, 20 Bedfordbury, London WC2N 4LB. Programs currently available are French Encounters, Spanish Encounters, the full range of TransIt-TIGER programs and GramEx and GramDef French and German. The CILT library is normally open during office hours: if you wish to check beforehand, the phone number is 0171 379 5110.

Apicale & Lacuna, Oyez! & Fermin

These programs will not be available via Hodder & Stoughton but may be received by FTP from the TELL Consortium shortly.

London Language Show 7-9 November

A large selection of TELL products were on display on the Hodder & Stoughton stand at the London Language Show (The Novotel Hammersmith) . Jo Porritt and Kylie Baxter from the TELL office in Hull were on hand to demonstrate materials.

Software Reviews and News....................

Compact Greek

A multimedia language-training and information package (CD-ROM for Mac and PC)
System requirements: IBM PC or compatible with 486X 25MHz processor, 4MB RAM, 16-bit Windows-compatible sound card, dual speed CD-ROM drive and Microsoft Windows 3.1 or higher; Apple Macintosh System 7 or higher with 4MB RAM and dual speed CD-ROM drive.

Price: 49.00 pounds excluding VAT.
Supplier: Boston Spa Training Ltd, Clifford Moor Road, Boston Spa, West Yorkshire LS23 6RW, Tel +44 (0)1937 541440, Fax +44 (0)1937 541296
(English version also available)

Compact Greek is the first CD-ROM for Greek which has come to my attention. The package is intended for people with no previous knowledge of Greek, who want to learn some basic Greek for business purposes. It is divided into two sections, the Language Centre, which contains six units, each consisting of three brief scenarios/dialogues supplemented by exercises, and the Information Centre, which includes information about Greek history and culture and about life in Greece.

Compact Greek is extremely user-friendly. I did not try it on the PC, but it ran extremely smoothly on the Mac, the sound quality was fine and though the graphics could have been more interesting, their overall quality was quite satisfactory.

Pedagogically, I thought it left much to be desired. For instance, the Alphabet section is pretty carelessly designed, launching the learner into reading whole words without having a chance to properly practice reading the letters, which makes little sense, given that the Greek alphabet is more or less phonetic. Some of the quasi-phonetic transliterations of certain Greek letters are bound to be confusing for the learner, especially as so little feedback is given in the reading drills. However, the ‘See how many words you already know’ drill in the Activities section of the Alphabet is excellent, as it makes Greek seem less of an exotic language and facilitates the reading process.

Compact Greek also has a basic Vocabulary section, which contains a reasonable amount of vocabulary for beginners. Unfortunately, there is some inconsistency in the way in which entries are structured, which can potentially prove confusing for the learner.

The Grammar section contains elements of Greek grammar which are suitable for beginners’ level, but also quite a few structures which are appropriate for more advanced levels. It is difficult to see how the learner can actually get to use this section at all, as the correspondences between the grammatical structures described in the Grammar section and the elements of the language given in the six language units are not spelled out in any way.

Each of the six language units deals with communicative situations such as travelling, shopping, eating out etc. The content is reasonably designed, but some of the vocabulary and the structures introduced are too complex. While some of the drills supplied with each unit are quite good (though again they could have perhaps been more original), my overall impression was that if the language units concentrated on simpler structures and allowed the learners to work with these more, the learners would have more control over their work and would come to grips with basic Greek in a more effective way.

The Information Centre has some beautiful music and photographs of all the major tourist attractions, but some sections could probably have been left out to make room for more language units.

Finally, there is a number of unexpected errors in the English content, ranging from obvious typos such as “Click to here” (instead of “Click to hear”) to cases of bad grammar or usage, which could have been avoided.

Having said all this, given that the amount of teaching materials for Greek is generally very limited, a CD-ROM package for this language at such a reasonable price must be a welcome addition to any collection of language learning software.

Stavroula Tsiplakou
University of Hull

CD-LESEN

German CD-ROM Call Software
System requirements: IBM PC or compatible with 2MB RAM, MS-DOS 3.0 or above, CD-ROM Drive and mouse

Price: 150.00 pounds
Supplier: Collins Educational, Westerhill Road, Bishopbriggs, Glasgow G64 2QT, Fax +44 (0)141 306 3750.
(French and Spanish versions also available)

This package consists of a CD-ROM which contains a huge range of German authentic texts at varying levels of difficulty. It is aimed primarily at GCSE level. The reading material is interesting for young learners studying German. The texts are classified by topic and in two categories: Vorbereitungstexte and Haupttexte. One can instruct the system to select texts according to these classifications, and also through a key word search. The topics and subtopics include Everyday Life, In School and at Home, Food and Health, Youth, Family and Relationships, Free Time and Social Life, Music and Sport, Environmental Issues and Animal Protection, Education and Work, Tourism and Current Issues.

Quickstart tutorial

After putting the disc into the CD-ROM drive a screen with the button Weiter is shown. If the learner presses the left hand mouse button, the title screen will appear. Just by clicking on Starten the Quickstart tutorial will be displayed.

On the left hand side the learner will find a list of topics marked Themen. The learner can choose a topic by clicking on the box next to it. A cross in a box indicates that it has been selected. Now the learner can move to the section marked Textsorten in the middle of the screen. Both categories Vorbereitungstexte and Haupttexte have been pre-selected. The Haupttexte are further refined into three levels of difficulty, 1 star to 3 stars. By clicking on one box the learner may de-select one. Now a yellow button labelled Texte lesen appears on the right hand side. By clicking on this the learner can see the list of texts according to the selection criteria. Clicking on the dark down or up arrow in the top right corner calls up the next or previous pages. The topic and subtopic are given for each text, and the category and level are indicated by the same symbols as on the text selection screen.

When selecting a text, the learner can either click on the button marked E (Einleitung), to see an introductory screen first, or go straight to the text by clicking on the button marked T.

Einleitung

A short introduction explains what the text is about, and the source is given (Quelle). Under Kurzgefa�t the learner will find a list of key words and phrases from the text. For most texts, a photograph or drawing as a visual introduction is presented. If the learner does not wish to read this text, s/he can return to the list of texts, by clicking on the Exit box at the top left corner, in order to select another. In this particular text Vorbereitungstexte and Haupttexte are provided with an Einleitung.

Vorbereitungstexte

These texts contain some of the key language which arises in each subtopic. The Vorbereitungstexte have special facilities. These include a glossary of selected words, with hints to help learners use a range of strategies to work out certain words for themselves, and a range of exercises which are designed to help learners develop reading skills and comprehension strategies. An electronic bilingual dictionary can be accessed from each text. A button marked with an eye indicates that a picture is available and clicking on it opens the picture up. By clicking on the button marked with an ear, at the beginning of each paragraph, the learner can also hear the paragraph being read by a native speaker. Some of the words in the text have been highlighted in blue. Clicking on any of these words reveals a new window giving a translation of the word or phrase or a hint.

Exercises

There are three types of activity with each Vorbereitungstext labelled Vorher, Beim Lesen and Nachher. The exercises under Vorher help learners prepare to read the text, the activities under Beim Lesen offer support during reading and the Nachher exercises provide follow-up after the text has been read.

The learner may exit any time by clicking the box situated in the top left corner of the window.

Haupttexte

These are arranged in three levels of difficulty, indicated by one, two or three stars, the last being the most difficult. Many are accompanied by photographs or illustrations. The texts are very short and can be read at the computer, or printed off or saved to floppy disc. There are no exercises to go with the Haupttexte. As with Vorbereitungstexte, texts are supported by the electronic dictionary.

Conclusion

The package has several shortcomings: as it stands, it is not particularly user-friendly or suitable for self study, especially for the young learners at whom it is aimed, unless they are properly instructed beforehand.

All the exercises under the category Beim Lesen are in the target language. However, as this package is aimed at learners studying for a GCSE in German, and the reading comprehension questions at GCSE assessment are set in English and not in German to ensure that the text is understood, there appears to be some inconsistency here. Mistakes in German also occur occasionally on the instruction buttons, e.g. Ausw�hle ein W�rterbuch or Presse F10 or Auf englisch.

However, the package provides a very impressive program with a wide choice of texts. The variety of the topics provides a wide range of interest for the learner, as well as being informative. There are three levels of texts and learners with little knowledge of German may enjoy reading some of the simpler texts. A keyword search is also available to assist the learner find the right text. The variety of exercises offers the learner a good choice, a better understanding of the text and an opportunity to develop a repertoire of reading skills.

Clicking on the Hilfe button will bring up a Help screen with instructions for selecting texts. Users who are unsure of the meaning of words on the screen can click on the button marked Auf Englisch. The options for printing and saving the text onto a disc are also very helpful in enabling students to work on the text without using the CD-ROM. The introductory screen is useful in helping the learner prepare for reading the text itself. It is very useful that learners also have the opportunity of hearing the texts, because reading and listening skills are trained at the same time.

Elke St John
University of Sheffield

English Discoveries

Jointly developed by EduSoft Ltd and Berlitz Publishing Company, Inc.

System requirements: IBM PC or compatible, minimum 386 DX 33 MHz (486 recommended) with minimum 4MB RAM, 3MB hard disk space and Windows 3.1; a CD-ROM drive with 350 msec average access time, 150 KB/sec transfer rate; Super VGA monitor; a Windows-compatible sound card, microphone and speakers or headphones.

Price: From 156.00 pounds for a single CD-ROM
Supplier: Innovative Technologies in Education Ltd, 264 Argyll Avenue, Slough, Berkshire, SL1 4HE, UK. Tel: +44 (0)1753 517344, Fax: +44 (0)1753 517355

English Discoveries is a multimedia self-access language learning program, which provides learning material for learners of English as a second language at three different levels: Beginners, Intermediate and Advanced. The courses are suitable for secondary school students and adults of any age. English Discoveries consists of eleven CD-ROMs, which according to the user manual cover nearly 1,000 student contact hours.

Navigation through the program is fairly easy, since each learning section and working mode is presented by an icon. To get to a specific learning section users have to click on the respective icon. To exit the program from any screen users click on the Quit icon.

There are four learning sections:

• Language Section providing practice on different grammar topics
• Vocabulary Section providing 250-300 new words with practice exercises
• Speaking Section, preparing learners for real-life conversation
• Writing Section which includes tasks such as filling in a cheque, writing business letters, etc.
• Listening Section focusing on listening comprehension
• Reading Section where users can develop and improve their reading comprehension.

Each learning section offers different working modes such as Explore, Practise, Game and Test.

English Discoveries offers two different learning approaches: an open approach where users choose their own learning path, and three different kinds of prefabricated lessons, within which users have to follow the sequence of each lesson. In addition, a game called The Adventure provides learners with an opportuinty to use their language as if they were in a ‘real life’ situation.

English Discoveries is a colourful program supported by good graphics, sound and video sequences offering learning material in the fields of vocabulary and grammar as well as a variety of authentic material in order to explore and practise language for communicative use, e.g. reading postcards, listening to radio shows, watching a soap opera on TV, listening to an answering machine, role-play, reading short stories etc.

Our reviewer’s main criticisms include:

• lack of feedback in gap-filling exercises
• lack of connection between the different topics
• no encouragement to learn words in context
• irritating music between sequences

Whilst English Discoveries is not at the cheap end of the CD-ROM market, it does provide a wealth of material which could be usefully integrated into a conventional language learning course where learners need to practise and consolidate what they learn in class.

The above is a shortened version of a review by Annemarie Kasper, University of T�bingen, published in ReCALL Vol 8 No 2.

Additional Software reviewed in:

ReCALL Volume 8 Number 2, November 1996

• English Discoveries (Edusoft/Berlitz) (full version);
• Up to Standard German (Mast Learning Systems)
• Italiano Interattivo (Antonio Borraccino)

Russianglish

John Slatter, University of Durham has written a short review of Russianglish, a Russian-English/English-Russian dictionary, published by InterGGS Inc.

Please contact CTI Modern Languages at the address on the front cover for a copy, which may be sent electronically.

Recent software donations to CTI Modern Languages

• A la recherche d'un emploi (CAMILLE)
• CD-Lectura (Collins Educational)
• Collins French Dictionary on CD-ROM (Harper Collins)
• French Activities for Claris Works PC Demo (Collins Educational)
• French Activities for Claris Works Mac Demo (Collins Educational)
• Gapkit V2.0 (Camsoft)
• German Technical Dictionary Demo (Routledge)
• Hologram (Rijksuniversiteit Groningen)
• Italiano interattivo (A Borracino)
• Logifrench (Wida)
• Longman CD-ROM Preview Disk (Addison Wesley Longman)
• MacLearn (Capite Computator)
• MacLearn Compiler(Capite Computator)
• MonoConc (Camsoft)
• Practice Makes Perfect French (Guildsoft)
• Practice Makes Perfect German (Guildsoft)
• Perspectives Fran�aises (AVP)
• Russian Vocabulary Tester V3.0 (Andrew Quilley)
• Talk Now (Eurotalk)
• T�l�-Textes Author (Wild Strawberry)
• The Grammar Rom (Addison Wesley Longman)
• Think & Talk Spanish V2.0 (Guildsoft)
• Visa Software upgrades(B McCarthy)
• Wordsmith Tools (OUP)

The ReCALL Software Guide Online

You are invited to sample the new online version of the ReCALL Software Guide. Searchable under :

• a variety of languages
• specific categories
• keywords from the software description

The database contains approximately 800 items, together with details of suppliers and prices. The Software Guide Online is currently in the process of being updated and is still under development.

Teachers from UK HEIs and EUROCALL members may contact CTI Modern Languages office at the University of Hull, for further information on specific products or for copies of reviews if they are available.

The ReCALL Software Guide Online can be accessed via World Wide Web at:

URL: http://www.hull.ac.uk/cti/search.htm

Conference News....................

EUROCALL 97 Conference: 'Where Research and Practice Meet'

Dublin City University
Dublin, Ireland
11-13 September 1997
Call for proposals for papers, show & tell and poster sessions: Deadline for submissions: 31 January 1997

CALL and TELL in theory and practice

• integration of CALL/ TELL in the language curriculum;
• language learning strategies and their influence on courseware design;
• assessment and evaluation of software tools and resources (including multimedia and telematics) used in the teaching and learning process.

New developments in CALL and TELL

• New technological developments and/or pedagogical innovations in relation to their potential for enhancing the quality, diffusion and cost-effectiveness of language learning materials, either in a classroom, self-access or distance learning environment.

Information , guidelines for submissions of proposals and registration forms available from:

Fran�oise Blin (conference organiser) or Jane Fahy
EUROCALL 97
SALIS
Dublin City University
Dublin 9
Ireland
Tel: +353 1 704 5809
Fax: +353 1 704 5527

Email:[email protected]
URL:http://www.hull.ac.uk/cti/ec97.htm

Call for Papers

Association for Computers and the Humanities & Association for Literary and Linguistic Computing Joint International Conference ACH-ALLC’97
3-7 June 1997 Queen’s University, Kingston, Ontario, CANADA

The Deadline for Proposals for papers and sessions is 20 November 1996; for posters and software demos it is 8 January 1997

Further Information: URL:http://www.qucis.queensu.ca/achallc97

CALICO 96

Philippe Delcloque (University of Abertay Dundee) has prepared a full review of the CALICO 96 conference, held in Albuquerque in May 1996. Assisted by Graham Davies of Camsoft, Philippe has provided a comprehensive overview of the event, which is included in ReCALL Volume 8 Number 2.

CALICO ’97 Annual Symposium

23-28 June 1997 Hosted by the United States Military Academy, West Point, New York

The CALICO 1997 Annual Symposium will bring together educators, administrators, materials developers, researchers, government representatives, vendors of hardware and software, and many others who are interested in the field of computer assisted language learning.

The Deadline for Proposals is 18 November 1996

Further Information:
CALICO, Duke University, 014 Language Center, Box 90267, Durham, NC 27708-0267 USA, Tel (919)660-3180, Fax: (919)660-3183, Email: [email protected] URL:http://calico.org/call.html

CTI Modern Languages Workshop at the University of Hull 'Integrating Computers into Language Teaching'

Wednesday, 29 January 1997 ~ 10.00am - 4.30pm

For teachers of Modern Languages in higher education who are interested in introducing computers into their teaching, or who wish to update their knowledge of available materials. CTI Modern Languages staff will be available throughout the day to offer advice and assistance. Sessions will include:

• An introductory presentation and demonstration of a range of text-based and multimedia programs

• 'Hands-on' workshop using various programs on IBM compatible and Apple Macintosh computers, with an opportunity to look at the Internet

• Optional sessions using printed tutorials, looking at simple CALL authoring packages and introducing the novice to ToolBook (the number of places for these sessions will be limited)

• Final discussion session will offer an opportunity to identify issues and discuss ways forward

Lunch will be provided at the University and an accommodation list is available upon request

Price: 55.00 pounds including lunch and refreshments

Downloadable Registration Form available or contact: Jo Porritt, CTI Modern Languages, University of Hull, Hull HU6 7RX Tel +44 (0)1482 465872 Fax +44 (0)1482 473816 Email: [email protected]

Recent Publications....................

Technology in Teaching and Learning: a guide for academics

This is a pack of two books and a video that can help academics:

• prepare for the changes that are already happening in Higher Education
• consider the opportunities for change
• understand the technologies available
• integrate these technologies to adapt and improve courses

It has been written for academics who are interested in finding out how new technology can help them, but who do not have the time to read the wide range of technical publications currently on the market. This guide is a ‘handy pack’ that discusses, in a consultative style, how technology can be used for teaching and learning. It gives tips on getting started, how to avoid pitfalls and advice on the use of certain technologies. All practical information is linked to the technology reference book.

The accompanying video is approximately 15 minutes long and introduces the viewer to academics who have used some of the basic technologies in their teaching, such as: computer based learning, resource based learning, computer mediated communication and the use of the World Wide Web. The viewer is given a synopsis of the issues involved in using these technologies

The guide was funded by HEFCE, SHEFC, HEFCW and DENI as part of the University of Southampton’s TLTP Institutional Project, "A Campus -Wide Structure for Multimedia Learning".

Price: 35.00 pounds UK HEIs, 80.00 pounds others

Contact: Patricia Maier, Educational Developer (IT) University of Southampton, Interactive Learning Centre Building 35, Southampton, S017 1BJ, UK, Tel +44 (0)1703 593314, Fax +44 (0)1703 592651,
Email [email protected], URL: http://ilc.tsms.soton.ac.uk/

Current Research into Language Teaching and Learning in the UK

Edited by Philippa Wright
This publication presents the full results of the CILT survey of research in progress, carried out in autumn 1995. It gives an up-to-date overview of current research activity in the field of language teaching and learning, covering all areas and sectors of education from early language learning to language learning in higher education and vocational language learning.

Price: 15.00 pounds

Contact: CILT RR Mail Order, PO Box 8, Llandysul, Dyfed, SA44 4ZB, Tel: +44 (0)1559 970464, Fax +44 (0)1559 370464

Computers & Teaching in the Humanities

Edited by Michael Popham and Lorna Hughes

A selection of papers given at the CATH94 conference is now available as the second volume in the CTI Centre for Textual Studies’ Occasional Series. The contents include:

• Perspectives on Computers in Education
• Design and Development of Courseware
• The Electronic Classroom
• Assessment and Implementation Issues
• Electronic Resources for the Humanities
• Courseware in Action Case Study: The STELLA Project

Price:10.00 pounds; postage & packing per copy, UK 1.00, Europe 2.00 pounds, Rest of World 3.00 pounds.
All orders should be accompanied by a cheque made out to: Oxford University Computing Services.
Please send name and address together with payment to: Mari Gill, CTI Textual Studies, Oxford University Computing Services, 13 Banbury Road, Oxford OX2 6NN, UK

Call for Contributions

Special issue of Computer Assisted Language Learning

Computer Assisted Language Learning (CALL) is an international journal dedicated to all matters associated with the use of computers in language learning. It provides an interdisciplinary forum for the exchange of current research in CALL. The journal’s focus is on research and review articles in the field of CALL in business, industry, and educational establishments. Contributors and readers include professionals in business and industry, as well as government and academia.

This special issue, to be published by Swets and Zeitlinger, will be on the subject of L1 Computer Assisted Language Learning. Topics include (but are not limited to):

• CALL for L1 development tools
• Issues concerning CALL for L1 development
• Applications of CALL for L1
• Tutorial reviews of key issues, technologies, or methodologies
• CALL for L1 and the Super Information Highway (e.g., the World Wide Web)
• Case Studies in CALL for L1 application.

Contact: Martha E. Crosby, Department of ICS, 2565 The Mall, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, HI 96822 USA, Email: [email protected]
or Ian M. Richmond, Universite Sainte-Anne, Church Point, NS, Canada, Email: [email protected]

Internet Resources....................

France � La Carte

The French Embassy in London maintains a Web Site, named France � La Carte, that provides both cultural resources and linguistic material.
URL: http://www.campus.bt.com/CampusWorld/pub/FranceALC/

Less Commonly Taught Languages

Try out the LCTL project’s internet resources, WWW and Gopher:
http://carla.acad.umn.edu/lctl/lctl.html or gopher://carla.acad.umn.edu

Also subscribe to their language teachers listservs:

china-t, celtic-t, hindi-t, nordic-t, polish-t, lctl-t

using the following in the message field

sub <listname> <yourfirst> <yourlast>

to [email protected]

New Frontiers of Learning on the Web

An electronic edition of New Frontiers of Learning is now available on the WWW. This is a set of “guidelines for multimedia courseware developers in higher education”. The original paper version was published under the auspices of the ITTI, and this electronic edition is part of the TLTP-CAUSE project.

Almost all of the original material is available in a searchable form. There are also some updates to accommodate changing technology, and many more of these are planned. Contributions welcome!

URL: http://ibis.nott.ac.uk/guidelines/

Email Penpals Opportunities for Students on the WWW

This list has been compiled by the Department of Linguistics at Lancaster University. The web page includes information for students to exchange email with other students, for teachers to find other teachers to make keypal arrangments for their students, email projects already done, and students’ work through such email projects.

URL: http://www.ling.lancs.ac.uk/staff/visitors/kenji/keypal.htm

ITTI/CAUSE Beginners' Guide to Teaching and Learning Technology

Sections currently on the web site include:

• Creating Teaching and Learning Technology Material - including reviews and information on authoring systems
• Tools and Resources - including links to media archives
• Reports and Information - including the TLT usability guide
• Finding Teaching and Learning Technology Material
• Jargon Guide - a glossary of CAL and general computer related terms

URL: http://www.icbl.hw.ac.uk/begin/

Further Sites / Links: URL:http://info.mcc.ac.uk/CGU/mmsup.html

In Addition....................

Elsevier's dictionaries on CD-ROM

By the end of 1996/early 1997, the majority of Elsevier dictionaries will be available on CD-ROM. The first disk will contain about 50 titles and 300,000 concepts in various European languages. Updated versions of the CD-ROM will be published annually and will be available on a subscription basis.

Elsevier are also interested to hear any publication proposals from people who have collections of terms which would be suitable for publication or could form the basis for a dictionary.

Contact: Ms Rina Terstall, Dictionaries Editor, Elsevier Science BV, PO Box 1991, 1000 BZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands Tel +31 20 4852 462, Fax +31 20 4852 623, Email: [email protected]

LEVERAGE

LEarn from Video Extensive Real Atm Gigabit Experiment

LEVERAGE, a collaborative research project, will develop, implement and field trial a complete multimedia broadband network infrastructure, over a three-year period (1996–1998). This will be used to support trials of collaborative, task-based foreign language learning between students in Cambridge, Paris and Madrid.

For more information visit the LEVERAGE Home Page at
URL: http://www.dit.upm.es/~leverage or contact Philippa Wright or Clare Power at the LEVERAGE dissemination unit: Tel:+44 171 379 5110, Fax: +44 171 379 5082, Email: [email protected]

The Writing & Computers Association

The Writing and Computers Association was formed in March 1991 at the Computers and Writing IV conference at Sussex University. The Association aims to promote communication between individuals and groups with an interest in the writing process and in computer support for writing. The Association supports an active electronic mail conference list called WRICOM which is an open list for the discussion of a wide range of issues associated with using computers for writing, writing instruction, and social and cognitive factors affecting the writing process.

For further information contact: Ken Thomson, The Writing and Computers Association, c/o Dept of Education, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB9 2UB

URL:http://www.cogs.susx.ac.uk/users/mike/wa/wricom.htm

FLEAT III Conference

12-16 August 1997, University of Victoria, Canada.
Third Conference of Foreign Language Education and Technology (FLEAT) Conference theme: Languages, Resources and Cultures.

Topics are welcome for papers at FLEAT III on any aspect of Technology and Second Language Learning. Please submit proposals via abstracts of up to 200 words.

A limited number of EUROCALL members will be able to attend FLEAT III at the same rate as members of IALL and the LLA of Japan

Fax +1 250 721-8778 or Email [email protected] to get more details on where to send your abstracts. Registration and other information is available from URL:http://www.castle.uvic.ca/hrd/fleat3/

South Africa: New Postgraduate course in 1997

M.Phil in Technology-enhanced Foreign Language Instruction [TELI]

A two-year course, exploring the broad area of electronic text processing and providing an insight into the principles of computer assisted language teaching through intensive training in the use of hypertext and multimedia authoring systems, like Authorware and Guide.

Contact: Prof. Rainer K�ssler, Dept. of German, University of Stellenbosch, P Bag X01, Matieland 7602, South Africa Tel +27 21 808 2133, Fax +27 21 808 2032

Email [email protected]

URL: http://www.sun.ac.za/local/academic/arts/forlang/fl_home.html

Forthcoming Events....................

20 November 1996, Milton Keynes, UK: New technologies for language teaching in open and distance learning

Information: Brenda Parish, Workshops Co-ordinator, Institute of Educational Technology, The Open University, Walton Hall, Milton Keynes MK7 6AA Tel +44 (0)1908 653055, Fax +44 (0)1908 653744, Email [email protected]

21-23 November 1996, Germany: Languages & The Media - International Conference and Exhibition

Information: ICEF, Am Hofgarten 18, 53113 Bonn, Germany, Tel +49 228 20 11 90, Fax +49 228 21 19 44, Email [email protected]

5-7 December 1996, Hungary: 8th Annual EAIE Conference: On Equal Terms - new partners in international education.

Information: EAIE Secretariat, Van Diemenstraat 344, 1013 CR Amsterdam, The Netherlands Fax +31 20 620 9406, Email [email protected]

8-10 January 1997, France: CALICO in Paris - Multimedia and Language Learning Conference

Information: CALICO, Duke University, 014 Language Center, Box 90267, Durham, North Carolina, 27708-0267 USA, Fax (919) 660-3183, Email [email protected], URL: http://calico.org

28-30 January 1997, Karlsruhe, Germany: LEARNTEC 97 - 5th European Congress and Trade Fair for Learning and Information Technologies

Information: Karlsruher Kongre�-und Ausstellunds-GmbH, Festplatz, D-76137 Karlsruhe, Germany, Tel +49 721 3720, Fax +49 721 3720 139

29 January 1997, Hull, UK: CTI Modern Languages CALL Workshop - Integrating Computers into Language Learning

Information: Jo Porritt, CTI Modern Languages, University of Hull Email [email protected]

23-26 March 1997, Exeter, UK: CAL’97

Information: CAL’97, School of Education, University of Exeter, Exeter EX1 2LU, UK Tel +44 (0)1392 264913, Fax +44 (0)1392 493761, Email [email protected]

6-11 April 1997, Southampton, UK: The Eighth Annual Hypertext Conference

Information: Hypertext’97 Information, Dept of Electronics & Computer Science, University of Southampton, Southampton SO17 1BJ Tel +44 1703 593255, Fax +44 1703 5932865, Email [email protected], URL:http://ht97.soton.ac.uk/ht97/

11-13 April 1996, Keele, UK: Language World

Information: Association for Language Learning, 150 Railway Terrace, Rugby CV21 3HN Tel +44 (0)1788 546443, Fax +44 (0)1788 5441489

5-7 June 1997, Germany: Media - Multimedia - Omnimedia: 5th Man & the Media Symposium

Information: Dr Udo O H Jung, Universit�t Bayreuth, Sprachenzentrum, D-95440 Bayreuth, Germany, Tel +49 (0)921 553595, Fax +49 (0)921 553694, Email [email protected]

23-28 June 1997, USA: CALICO’97

Information: CALICO, Tel 919 660 3180, Fax 919 660 3183, Email [email protected], URL: http://calico.org

12-16 August 1997, Canada: FLEAT III at UVIC

Information: The University of Victoria, Tel (604) 721 8291, Fax (604) 721 8778 Email [email protected], URL: http://ikra.call.uvic.ca/LangCen/FLEAT/flet1.html

11-13 September 1997, Dublin, Ireland: EUROCALL 97

Information: Fran�oise Blin or Jane Fahy, SALIS, Dublin City University, Dublin 9, Tel +353 1 704 5809, Fax +353 1 704 5527, Email [email protected]

21-23 September 1997, Exeter, UK: CALL’97 Theory and Practice of Multimedia in CALL

Information: Mrs Daphne Morton, CALL’97 Conference, Dept of French, The University, Exeter EX4 4QH, Tel/Fax +44 (0)1392 264222

13-17 July 1998, Melbourne, Australia: WORLDCALL Conference

Information: June Gassin, Horwood Language Centre, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia Email [email protected]

10-12 September 1998, Leuven, Belgium:EUROCALL 98

Information: CTI Modern Languages, University of Hull, Email [email protected]

17-19 September 1998, Italy: 5th CercleS International Conference

Information: CercleS Secretariat, Centre for Modern Languages, University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth PL4 8AA, UK, Tel/Fax +44 1752 232249, Email [email protected], URL:http:www.cml.plym.ac.uk/CERCLES/CERCINTRO.HTML

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