Tools and trends in self-paced language instruction

Abstract

Ever since the PLATO system of the 1960's, CALL (computer assisted language learning) has had a major focus on providing self-paced, auto-correcting exercises for language learners to practice their skills and improve their knowledge of discrete areas of language learning. The computer has been recognized from the beginning as a patient and tireless--if inflexible--tutor, allowing students to practice repeatedly, completing drill exercises with the computer program providing feedback. Chunks of knowledge for which identifiable right and wrong answers can be provided enable the creation of self-correcting exercises. The advent of the Web (and particularly of "JavaScript") as well as of digital multimedia has provided new options and capabilities for creation of language exercises. At the same time, the Web has become the preferred platform for delivery of intelligent tutoring systems, which provide a rich context for self-paced instruction. In this article, the author discusses emergen