Abstract:

Beginning with the concern of those who view "computer revolution" as a threat to the present system of education, the paper suggests that technology can be destructive only if it fails to function in response to the "humanistic" objective of educational programs. This objective is examined in relation to language instruction, and the ultimate function of language study is defined as an attempt "to achieve an understanding, as complete as possible, between people of different linguistic background." It is then suggested that because of its great potential for improving and facilitating the earner's progress, modern-language-teaching technology can help us fulfill our humanistic mission more efficiently. To achieve this end, it is first necessary to change the negative reaction by students and teachers which started with the introduction of language lab. For this purpose, an attempt is made to dispel some of the "myths" that arose in the course of the first wave of language-teaching-technology.

Author: James E. Alatis