The Effectiveness of CALL Programs for Teaching Japanese

Biographical Notes

Masahiko Minami is Assistant Professor of Japanese at San Francisco State University. Dr. Minami has been involved in developing CALL programs for many years. At Harvard University, he worked with Professor Carol Chomsky
on the development of CALL programs, using IBM's Info-Window System. Dr. Minami has also contributed chapters to books covering Asian narratives, cultural constructions of meaning, child care quality in Japan, and East
Asian students' experiences in U.S. classrooms. He is coauthor of "Language Issues in Literacy and Bilingual/Multicultural Education" (published in 1991 by Harvard Educational Review).

Shoko Aramaki is an M.A. candidate at San Francisco State University. She has been interested in multimedia and web technology for learning Foreign language learning. The title of her most recent work is "Japanese Idioms."

Abstract
Demonstration (45 minutes)

Abstract:
We would like to demonstrate how we have integrated computer-assisted course delivery into the curriculum of the Japanese Program at San Francisco State University. To meet the diverse needs of those who are learning Japanese as a foreign language, we have developed a variety of CALL programs. For example, we recently developed a prototype consisting of a number of computerized language exercise programs. Students who are studying Japanese now have the opportunity to use CD_ROM review exercises in the Foreign Language Computer Laborite. We believe that our CALL projects are of both practical and pedagogical importance.

Method of Presentation/Planned Activity:
CALL Programs demonstration

Anticipated Benefit to Participants:
Computer related activities are both motivating and satisfying. In addition, computerized language instruction will allow students to enjoy added flexibility in scheduling their classes and the convenience of self-paced studies. Participants will enjoy how multimedia activities are integrated into foreign language teaching.