ELTWeekly Vol. 5 Issue#32 | September 2, 2013 | ISSN 0975-3036
Abstract
The aim of this study was to find ways to improve online reading and vocabulary learning. Various new types of online reading comprehension and vocabulary development programs and tests were compared in this study to consider how useful they may be for guiding individual or classroom L2 vocabulary instruction. It explored how these programs seek to test and teach new L2 vocabulary learning and reading comprehension strategies more innovatively and accurately. Several programs are reviewed, compared and combined within a comprehensive, recycling model of second language acquisition (SLA), in an attempt to help maximize effectiveness in teaching and testing these areas. Using online reading labs and vocabulary learning programs found at this researcher’s site (under Reading, Vocabulary and Word Lists sections), the author’s graduate courses for engineers aim to improve access to authentic general and technical English articles organized online at http://www.call4all.us///home/_all.php?fi=g. We also aim to provide them with more true and complete versions of historical events than may be presented in most national texts. These online reading courses also teach Japanese college students how to use many vocabulary and language learning web tools and programs that can make their online reading of English articles written at any level much more effective and enjoyable by making them more accessible and comprehensible. (Contains 1 table.)
Keywords: Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary Development, Second Language Instruction, Second Language Learning, Educational Technology, Computer Software, Learning Strategies, Language Tests, Computer Assisted Instruction, Computer Assisted Testing, Graduate Students, Foreign Countries, Engineering Education, English for Academic Purposes, Internet, Word Lists, Computational Linguistics, Language Processing