Software Reviews:
Club PoM (for Macintosh). Je, tu, il... New York: Gessler Publishing Co. Inc., 1994.
This drill-based software takes the form of a children's board game and includes multiple choice (i.e, choose the appropriate pronoun) or cloze format (i.e., conjugate the appropriate verb) questions. Despite its juvenile format, the grammar questions can be challenging even at the lowest level of difficulty. Although this game has little communicative value in itself since students do not necessarily need to understand the context in order to reply correctly, the 2-3 player game format may stimulate conversation.
The Athena Language Learning Project-Yale. À la Rencontre de Philippe. New Haven: Yale University Press, 1992
"À la Rencontre de Philippe" is an interactive multimedia French language learning application on the leading edge of language learning software. The application combines the technology of Macintosh with that of videodisc in an original pedagogical approach to French language and culture. The objective of the "Philippe" game is somewhat problem-based in that a scenario is provided and the player then sets out to resolve the given dilemma- in this case, finding an apartment for "Philippe". The creators of this software have explicitly recognized the role of culture in the language learning experience. Because of the subject treated, this game may be more appropriate for mature learners (high school and up).
Secant Software. The Private Language Teacher: Interactive Authoring Systems I and II. Richmond, BC, 1993.
This authoring tool allows the user to create personalized versions of the software by inputting written text and audio recordings designed to meet specific needs and objectives. System I is a basic pronunciation program involves listening to (and reading) a given text, repeating it and then comparing it to the original recording. System II provides a question and answer format in which the student listens to (and reads) a given question and then responds. It is in the authoring characteristic that lies the unlimited potential of this particular software. Interaction, albeit simulated, is a key component to this software package and thus it could be easily integrated into a communicative SLL environment.
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