of controlling a computer conference is often known as modemtion; it is
useful to recruit student moderators from those learners who are particularly
computer-literate, and who may be only too willing to become conference
moderators, editing and re-arranging contributions to keep the structure of
the conference fluent and easy to follow.35 Choosing computer-aided learning packages
As other tips in this chapter reflect, we are at a point where the integration of
electronic materials into teaching-learning situations seems ever more possible.
Learning and reference packages are being put on to the market in increasing
numbers, and many teachers have the knowledge, interest and facilities to create
their own teaching/learning software. Here we will look at factors to consider
when choosing computer-aided learning packages. Many of the suggestions
given elsewhere in this book about selecting print-based learning packages
continue to apply when choosing computer-based ones. Some of our suggestions
relate to packages that you might use in a class, others to out-of-class use. We
hope our suggestions will help you to select appropriate packages for your
particular learners.
1 Choose your packages carefully. Read a good review, for example in an
educational software journal, of any package you are considering buying.
Journals can raise your awareness of new packages, as well as give
information about those you are already aware of! You can also ask the
supplier or manufacturer for details of clients who have already used
particular packages, and check that the packages really deliver what you
need.
2 Find out about packages from colleagues in other institutions. Use your
contacts. Ask them about packages they know of that work well and really
help students to learn. Also ask them about packages that they don’t rate
highly, and about the factors that led them to this conclusion.
3 Consider packages that are not specifically designed for language
learning. Anything that requires decision making, such as a ‘dungeons and
dragons’ type game, can provoke valuable discussions if learners do the
activities in small groups. Children particularly might enjoy working with
packages designed to develop other cognitive skills, such as maths skills,
through the medium of English.
4 Try before you buy. Computer-aided learning packages can be quite
expensive, especially if you need to purchase a site licence to use them on a
series of networked computer terminals, or to issue learners with their own
copies on floppy disk. The best indicator of a good package is evidence that
learners engage with it and are appropriately stretched by it. If you’re
considering buying a particular package, try to get a sample of your learners66 500 TIPS FOR TESOL