Abstract: A categorization scheme is presented here. Additionally a few schemes from other language teaching/learning experts are mentioned.
Computer programs, which can be used for language learning, can be categorized in several ways.
One possibility is the following:
Figure 1: Categorization
Wolff, Dieter, 1998 has a different cassification.
On the first level he distinguishes between tutoring systems, tools and communication applications.
This shows e.g. how important he thinks telecommunication nowadays is for language learning and teaching.
Other characteristics of computer applications can be used too.
Ritter, Markus, 1995 also uses three categories, namely tutoring programs, games and simulations as well as tools.
Another classification (Thome, Günther in: Thome, Günther ; Thome, Dorothea (Ed.), 2000) distinguishes 8 types of programs:
Learning- and training-programs, intelligent tutoring systems, simulations and experimental environments, multimedia "Erlebnisumgebungen", thematic databases, environments for communication and cooperation, tools for writing, designing etc., as well as programming environments.
This chapter will only introduce programs, which belong the category of "language learning programs" (see figure » Categorization), i.e. which were designed specifically to teach or to train languages.
Other programs such as textual databases or applications like word-processors can also be used to teach or train a language.
There are some language-teaching specialists who prefer the latter types of systems, because they interact nicely with modern types of didactics as mentioned in the chapter about didactic issues.
One important didactic theme is that of "explorative learning".
The learner is offered a lot of authentic material which he is able to explore and able to use for building his own hypotheses about the language.
These kinds of programs are not at issue here, even though some of them might even be enhanced using CL-technology.
The next chapter about » Functionality will go into more detail in this matter.
