Abstract:

For years researchers and theoreticians have been arguing that real world experience is the only practical way to learn alanguage. But because many of us do not have the opportunity to live in another culture and be constantly, or even regularly, exposedto another language, apparently the only practical way that language instruction can take place for groups is in the traditional setting ofa classroom with the extensive use of printed materials supplemented by audio tapes. The promise of new technologies changes thislimited approach to language instruction. With the advent of videodiscs mated to microcomputers we suddenly have available verysophisticated ways of delivering instruction while simulating real world experiences.The following reports an attempt to teach Spanish to students at Brigham Young University using interactive videodisc bysimulating a visit to a Mexican village. In the process of describing this program called "Montevidisco," the problems encounteredwill be listed as well as their solutions. The design, production and computer program development will also be described along withthe results of the project and the interest spawned by "Montevidisco."

Author: Larrie E. Gale