Computer-assisted language learning

Abstract

Microcomputers are being used in schools around the world in a multitude of ways. School administrators are realizing that here is a powerful management tool and that many administrative tasks are similar to those in small businesses where the computer has proved an aid in inventory control, access to records, budgeting and accounting. Teacher-librarians are appreciating that the computer can be used to good affect in many aspects of library work. In the classroom computers are being used to teach programming, to teach about computers, to solve problems, to simulate processes, to assist writing, to access information bases, to drill facts, to test learning, to stimulate thinking, and to play games. In this article we examine some of the ways computers are being used in the language classroom. There are three main sections. In the first, the focus is on computers in language learning. In the second section, which occupies the major part, the focus is on the many different ways that language teachers around the world are using computers to promote language learning. And the third and final section, in examining prospects for theory and research, presents an overview of the strengths and weaknesses of the different approaches to the use of computers in language teaching and learning.