ESL applications of the computer-controlled videodisc player

Abstract

The essence of the computer's role in language learning can be described in a single word: control. This is not intended to imply control over students, but rather a greater degree of control for students, teachers, and course developers over the spoken and written media in which language is expressed. For teachers, this offers an enhanced ability to present language materials and conduct classes in exactly the way they desire. For individuals or groups of students, it means expanded opportunities to work with materials adapted to their interests and abilities, and greater choice in the style and manner in which they use those materials. For both teachers and students, greater control over language media also offers a reduction in the "inauthentic labor" (Kemmis et al. 1977} involved in the learning process.At our current level of technology, even the most basic computer systems provide much of the necessary control over the written medium. As hardware prices continue to fall, a case can now be made that just one of the functions of this type of equipment--word processing--is sufficient to justify an investment in computer systems for use by both ESL students and their teachers.As I have argued elsewhere, however, {Wyatt 1982; Wyatt 1984) basic computer systems also have great potential in the reading class. With reading passages presented on their video screens, computers can offer students a choice among a wide range of reading topics, and then

Enhancing Teaching and Learning Methodology with Computing Visualization in Studies of Qiraat (Malaysia)

“…Presentation of teachers using information and communication technology (ICT) are able to help students who have a variety of intelligence to learn optimally during class (Hadi, 2005). According to Wyatt (1984), computerassisted learning has met the consumer's wishes.…”

Language and Computers

“…Another trend in CAI is the exploration of interactive video systems. Interactive video systems can integrate sound, still pictures, film, and computer text and graphics into one manageable medium (Wyatt 1984, Chung 1985, Kramsch, Morgenstern, and Murray 1985, Webb 1985, Little and Davis 1986, Niesz 1986, Stevens 1986, Howlett 1986, Sutherland 1986. A video disc can be played back from any part of the recording and thus is a better device.…”