Abstract:

Speech can be integrated into computer-assisted language learning programs (CALL) with Apple II computers and cassette recorders activated by inexpensive cassette control devices (CCD). While this arrangement is increasingly used with great success in foreign language instruction, teachers who want to introduce sound into their computer programs are restricted to programs whose code can be listed because two POKE statements to activate the CCD have to be inserted.

Until now a more serious drawback has been the lack of an algorithm to turn off the cassette recorder automatically to keep screen text and audio in synchronization. This article offers a program that turns the recorder off automatically and describes how to integrate the audio of a totally computer-controlled cassette recorder with the text of a conventional CALL program.  The program code will be in the public domain.

Author: Harry S. Wohlert, Martin McCormick