Listening is arguably the most important skill required for obtaining comprehensible input in one's first and any subsequent languages. Given the importance of listening, the natural assumption is that listening skills are actively taught to both first (L1) and second (L2) language learners. However, this is not necessarily so in L1 instruction…

In this article, the authors introduce Digital Dante, an online, multimedia Dante-related academic resource that presents traditional elements of scholarly research through new technological means, specifically digital technology. The project seeks to provide multimedia supplementary materials to those studying the original text, enabling readers…

The World Wide Web is very much a part of many people's everyday lives now, whether it be for personal or professional reasons. The Foreign Language Teaching Forum (FLTEACH) was inaugurated in February of 1994 to provide a forum where foreign language (FL) educators could engage in collegial dialog about work issues on a regular basis. A great…

While the debate over the optimal age for second language (L2) acquisition continues into the 21st century--that is, whether or not there is a clearly established critical period beyond which L2 learning cannot take place--most people believe (rightly or wrongly) that "earlier is better." In this article, the authors begin with the premise that…

Frequent reading practice is one of the best ways to develop vocabulary and improve reading comprehension. "Extensive reading" (reading large amounts of text without worrying too much about details or looking up all vocabulary) and "intensive reading" (closely examining meaning and structures to be sure you figure out all the details) are both…

There is no question that the development of oral language skills in second (as well as first) language learners is of prime importance. Language learners must focus on oral language proficiency because it is eventually the skill they will most use. But oracy in second language learners does not develop in a vacuum. It is inextricably intertwined…

Examines some of the techniques used in a variety of online sites for learning several languages. The lessons featured were chosen for their quality, the variety of technical features, range of pedagogical techniques, and selection of languages taught. (Author/VWL)

Provides information on foreign language study and the brain and highlights a Web site called Foreign Language Study and the Brain. The Web site is in Spanish and English and provides information on brain-sensitive activities that foster memory storage and language retrieval. Recent research on the brain and general recommendations for classroom…

Examines Web sites that are designed for foreign language educators and serve as vehicles for both teacher education and professional development, (Author/VWL)

This article reviews a high quality Internet site called The Perseus Project, which serves as a remarkable entry page to the exploration of Greek, Latin, and the ancient classical world. (Author/VWL)

Foreign language (FL) teachers have long been leaders in the use of technology in the classroom, from short wave radio and newspapers, to film strips, to tape recorders, to records, 16 mm films, video, and now computers, as a means of bringing authentic language and culture to their students. Computer and Internet technologies require…

Truly current, up-to-the-minute video by native speakers using the language for real communication can make the language and culture come alive for students. With the explosion of broadband Internet access through cable and DSL, better connections in schools, faster low cost computers, and better graphics adapters, access to authentic video on the…

Big "C" culture is en essential component of the foreign language classroom in so far as it helps students better understand what is important to native speakers from their cultural perspective. The national standards for foreign language encourage a person to focus on this perspective, through its cultural triangle highlighting the…