'Themen' und der Computer (Themes and the Computer).

N

15

Autoinstructional Aids; College Students; Computer Assisted Instruction; Computer Software Evaluation; Foreign Countries; German; Higher Education; Independent Study; Instructional Materials; Introductory Courses; Program Descriptions; Second Language Learning; Teacher Role

This report describes a project that used the computer-assisted instruction in conjunction with a textbook in a 3-year beginning German language class at a British university. Students received 6 hours per week of German language instruction: 2 hours with a human instructor, 3 hours of self-study in the language laboratory, and 1 hour of self-access to use materials in the language laboratory such as computer programs, newspapers, videos, etc. Because of departmental budget cut-backs, use of a computerized instruction system was surveyed with both students and teaching staff as a possible replacement for teaching staff time. A computer system was suggested as 40% of students at the university had computers and one third had word processors; all instructors had computer access. The computer was a great language learning motivation tool for students, but its use should be limited as a helping tool for instructors in conjunction with textbooks and classroom instruction rather than as the only tool for student language learning. (Contains eight references.) (NAV)

1996

ED386928