Practical Considerations in the Design of "Generic" Language Learning Software

This paper describes the evolution of programming parameters used in the development of a "generic" software program for the study of foreign languages at a survival level. Details include the origin of the concept of a "generic" curriculum which can be adapted for studying a variety of target languages; a description of the classroom training methodology, which is based upon specific pedagogical approaches common in TEFL/TESL; a summary of the methodology applied in actual language classes and teacher-training workshops; identification of pedagogical shortcomings based on the above training contexts; subsequent discussion of how the shortcomings might be overcome through language learning software; and, finally, a discussion of program parameters and the implications for selection of programming software.This paper describes the evolution of programming parameters used in the development of a "generic" software program for the study of foreign languages at a survival level. Details include the origin of the concept of a "generic" curriculum which can be adapted for studying a variety of target languages; a description of the classroom training methodology, which is based upon specific pedagogical approaches common in TEFL/TESL; a summary of the methodology applied in actual language classes and teacher-training workshops; identification of pedagogical shortcomings based on the above training contexts; subsequent discussion of how the shortcomings might be overcome through language learning software; and, finally, a discussion of program parameters and the implications for selection of programming software