Research into the online informal learning of English (OILE) examines how nonnative speakers of English may develop L2 skills through participation in leisure activities on the Internet in the target language. Such activities include, e.g., watching television series, films, or videos, interacting on Facebook, reading articles, or listening to…

This paper presents the findings of a six-week telecollaborative project between sixteen American students enrolled in a second-semester German class at an American university and sixteen German students enrolled in an advanced English course at a high school in Germany. Students discussed various cultural topics with their partner in two e-mails…

English foreign language learners generally tend to consider email exchanges with native speakers (NSs) as an effective tool for improving their foreign language proficiency. This study investigated Jordanian university students' perceptions of using email exchanges with native English keypals (NEKs) for improving their writing competency. A…

Traces the origin of ISAAC (Information System for Advanced Academic Computing) and the development of a languages and linguistics "room" at the University of Washington-Seattle. ISAAC, a free, valuable resource, consists of two databases and an electronic bulletin board spanning broad areas of pedagogical and research fields. (Author/CB)

Outlines design of an open computer system that relies on distributed computing for collection and storage of data from very large samples. Purpose of the system is to provide a base of reliable data for assessing impact of technology on delivery of educational materials. The system consists of an open instrument that generates student forms, an…

The Japanese character set is used to describe electronic mail utilization in sending and receiving foreign character sets. Because electronic mail is fast, inexpensive, storable, and printable, it can accelerate the traditional letter writing process as well as act as a medium of instruction in correspondence courses and sending other…

Groups of editors and authors used a variety of technologies to create a cohesive team that produced a textbook series with instructor manuals along with a supporting Web site. Describes the development of the groups for this materials publication project in terms of six areas--situation, leadership, individual versus group goals, norms, roles,…

Based on recent studies, computer-mediated communication (CMC) has been considered a tool to aid in language learning on account of its distinctive interactional features. However, most studies have referred to "synchronous" CMC and neglected to investigate how "asynchronous" CMC contributes to language learning. Asynchronous CMC possesses…

The introduction of computer technologies into the regular school system has not been very successful, probably because of the lack of sound curricular integration. Proposals are offered for courseware development that will better fit into the modern languages curriculum. (Contains three references.) (Author/LB)

Describes the design and testing process that resulted in the production of "Un Meurtre a Cinet" and "Un Misterio en Toluca," two role-playing applications that ask students of French and Spanish to collaborate to solve a murder mystery using e-mail, listservs, and a culturally-rich Web site. (Author/VWL)

Describes a collaborative upper level Latin literature course taught at a secondary school and a university that used a variety of technologies, including a MOO and e-mail. The design of this course on Plautus'"Aulularia" is discussed, including objectives, learning goals, and collaborative assignments. Argues that informed use of technology can…

Examines the decline in Latin provision in English state schools before discussing practical, technical, and pedagogical issues arising from a small-scale, one-year project in which two state schools ran Latin classes without Latin specialists but with the support of Web-based electronic resources and e-mail tutors. (Author/VWL)

Research suggests electronic mail can be a powerful motivator for authentic second language (L2) interaction, but little is known about the efficacy of this medium in the development of target language proficiency. This study examines Email exchanges between university learners of Japanese as a foreign language and native Japanese university…

Presents and analyzes the results of a cooperative electronic-mail project conducted at Mount Holyoke College (Massachusetts) and Ohio State University, to determine whether an e-mail exchange between two intermediate-level German classes would improve students' writing and speaking skills. Suggestions and practical tips are offered to instructors…

Provides data on the computer literacy of university-level Spanish students with respect to word processing, CD-ROMs, E-mail, and the World Wide Web. The training method used integrated technical training into activities focuses on learning language and culture and resulted in gains in students' computer literacy for a small investment of class…