Overview
Abstract:
The following parts contain general remarks about the way language learning should be taught based on didactics research and how this is connected to using computers in language learning.
The second part is about the ICALL-research, which has taken place over the years. There have been various important initiatives to develop intelligent language learning systems, but the outcome of these projects rarely managed to surface as a commercial product. Two example ICALL-systems are presented in more detail.
Learning goals are a general "feel" for the issues involved in the didactics of CALL and a glimpse into the history of ICALL.
Table of Contents
Didactics IComputers are mostly connected to constructivits' approaches to CALL. From this perspective CALL seems perfectly supported by the building blocks of this approach.
Language Didactics and Computer ProgramsThe categorization of programs available for language learning raises the question what types of training and/or content may be best provided by the different categories.
Didactics II: Learning SkillsFinally the four main learning skills listening, reading, writing and speaking need to be addressed with respect to the support through CALL.
History of ICALLThe history of ICALL began about the late 70ies. Some important initiatives are presented to illustrate the main direction of research in the last century.