Cambridge Micro Software have added two computer-assisted language-learning modules
to their library. They come together on a single 80-track
disc, are avilable in French (as Quelle tete! and Jeu de menages)
or German (as Kopfjager and Umziehen), and are intended for
children in their first or second year of language-learning.
The first module is based on identikit pictures. Using high
light selection, you match facial features and adjectives, both
chosen from a list in French or German, as the case may be.
The computer draws the results until the face is complete,
and composes simple descriptive sentences at the bottom of the
screen, emphasising any changes in articles and the position
and agreement of the adjectives.
In the second module, where the aim is to provide practice in
spelling and the use of prepositions, the screen shows the plan
of a house and you're asked to arrange various items of fur
niture in different rooms.
The items appear on the plan when you type in responses to
questions in French or German about where to put them.
Both modules are excellently documented, nicely presented on
screen with adequate graphics, and generally well-programmed
with some interesting touches.
For example, in the second module up to three spelling
mistakes arc accepted before the computer fails to understand a
response. It then presentswhat it thinks you meant, and asks for
confirmation.
With no authoring facility provided, teachers may find the
vocabulary content of under fifty words per module a serious
limitation, but the fact that faces and houses can be saved on disc
and dumped to a printer, opens up a number of possibilities for
classroom use, such as guessing or detective games.
The price of £18.34 per pack is no bargain for two comparatively
small programs. But you'll be paying for a high educational
quality and an imaginative use of the micro.
1st November 1985
