In this paper an updated overview of the main errors that Spanish students make when writing the English exam in the University Entrance Examination is provided. To do so, a Computer-aided Error Analysis (CEA) (Dagneaux, Denness & Granger, 1998) was conducted on a representative sample of the students who took the exam in June 2008 in Jaen, and…

Articles in this special issue include the following: "ICT and Modern Foreign Languages: Learning Opportunities and Training Needs" (Graham Davies); "Authoring, Pedagogy and the Web: Expectations Versus Reality" (Paul Bangs); "Web-based Instructional Environments: Tools and Techniques for Effective Second Language Acquisition" (Esperanza Roman);…

Considers why technology has not lived up to it expectations in bringing about improvements in language learning. Looks at a Website that offers a considerable volume of ICT training materials for language teachers, the ICT4LT website (http://www.ict4lt.org). Examines the aims behind the site as a whole and the pattern of visits to different…

Discusses two easy-to-use authoring systems--"Potatoes" and "MALTED"--for designing Web-based language instruction. Provides a check list of advice for would-be authors of language learning programs. (Author/VWL)

Reviews the nature of Web-based course management systems (WCMSs), which are designed to help teachers create learning environments in which students have the necessary means to interact effectively with their peers, their instructors, and the course material. Focuses on their advantages, disadvantages, and potential for language learning by…

Discusses the role of language laboratories in retrospective, paying attention to the technology diffusion process that accounted for their initial success, and contributing arguments for a revision of their historical evolution into a new tool for learning and teaching foreign languages. Includes a survey of existing language laboratory…

Provides an overview of Learning Management System (LMS) software, which is necessary for the creation of a Virtual Centre for Foreign Language Learning. Also describes a new discipline called Web Assisted Language Learning (WALL), which can be broken down into three areas: the Web as a source of resources; the Web as a window of multimedia…

Suggests that distributed learning environments and content often lack a common basis for the exchange of learning materials, which can hinder or even delay innovation and delivery of learning technology. Standards for platforms and authoring may provide a way to improve interoperability and cooperative development. Provides an XML-based approach…

Discusses a number of principles to bear in mind when designing and implementing multimedia language learning materials. A general overview is provided on the template approach to designing and creating a multimedia computer assisted language learning package. Examples are given from experience in multimedia development for language learning…

Surveys computational linguistic tools presently available, but whose potential has neither been fully considered nor exploited to its full in modern computer assisted language learning (CALL). Discusses the rationale of DDL to engage learning, presenting typical data-driven learning (DDL)-activities, DDL-software, and potential extensions of…

Presents one of the world's first prototypes of language learning software for smart-phones. Tele-EnREDando.com is an Internet based multimedia application designed for 3G mobile phones with audio, video, and interactive exercises for learning Spanish for business. (Author/VWL)

Defines the relationship that is intended between classroom-based and laboratory based activities, private study and language class, individual and collective effort, and computer-centered and teacher-led learning. Suggests that the aid the computer can provide can be effectively brought into the classroom as an integral part of the teacher's own…

Provides a survey of computer assisted instruction as applied to the Old English language from the work of the late 1980's pioneers to December 2001. Each instructional item--whether a website, java exercise, or an online course--is reviewed and URLs are provided in footnotes. Reviews are accompanied by pertinent background and practical advice.…