WHO SHOULD USE THIS TRAILGUIDE?

This trailguide is intended for language teachers with an interest in the application of technology to language learning. The information and methods described are applicable in K-12 or higher education. The specific focus is on the World Wide Web, but there will be some incidental discussion of other computer-based applications.

In order to use the information in the trailguide you will need to have access to a Windows (3.1 or '95) or Macintosh computer with a Web browser (such as Netscape Navigator or Microsoft Internet Explorer). For many of the programs you will need a version of Netscape Navigator 2.0 or higher, or a compatible Web browser. Some of the programs discussed here do not require actual Web access, but this is necessary for those incorporating server-based interactivity.

You should already have how to create Web pages using a text editor or Web page editor (such as Mirosoft's FrontPage, Claris HomePage or Macromedia DreamWeaver). Some basic knowldege of HTML (Hypertext Markup Language), the authoring language for Web pages, is assumed; that is to say, you should be able to use HTML tags to do basic page formatting, creating hypertext links and including other media such as graphics. The Trailmarkers include pointers to sources of information for learning HTML. A knowledge of some other Internet applications is helpful, chiefly e-mail and FTP (file transfer protocol).

The learning curve for understanding and using the sections of this trailguide dealing with scripting and programming will be considerably shorter for folks with some experience using programs such as Hypercard, Toolbook or Director.

Of course the most important prerequisite for creating effective interactive Web pages for language learning has nothing to do with technology-it's your knowledge of what helps students learn. This is invaluable. Harness the same creativity you use in the classroom to language learning over the Web and you've got a powerful combination. Helpful as well is the knowledge of the basic principles of second language acquisition.

This Web site provides a brief look at several different options for creating interactive Web pages. It is not meant to be an in-depth, step-by-step cookbook to implementing any of these methods. There are a number of books and on-line guides on the topics covered, which give detailed explanations of the syntax and other components of the scripting or programming languages. Covering here a variety of approaches precludes an in-depth look at any one of them. The emphasis is on introducing and suggesting methods which can be applied to practical language learning on the Web. The examples given are meant to serve as illustrations of the kinds of functionality available and to give some idea of what is involved in creating that functionality. If you see something in this trailguide you think looks promising for how you would like to incorporate the Web in your teaching you will want to find additional resources to help you develop that knowledge. The Trailmarkers are intended to help you do that.

HTML Pointers

• Beginner's Guide to HTML
• Bare Bone Guide to HTML
• An Interactive Introduction to HTML and CGI
• WDG Reference HTML links from the Web Design Group
• HTML Crash Course for Educators from Andy Carvin (French version)
• HTML Reference Guide from Sandia Laboratories
• HTML from W3C Links to official info on HTML
• HTML Introductory Tutorial from Case Western
• Writing HTML Tutorial from Maricopa
• Yale Web Style Manual

Teaching with the Web

• Teaching with the Web from Lauren Rosen
• The Internet for Language Learning from National Council for Educational Technology
• A Practical Guide to Teaching with the Web
• Web-Based Instruction Resource Site
• World Lecture Hall
• Learning over the Internet from IAT