USING COMPUTER-NETWORKS TO ENHANCE FOREIGN-LANGUAGE CULTURE EDUCATION

The call for more authentic communication in the language classroom ha s led to a variety of educational innovations such as content-based an d learner-centered instructional approaches. Although these approaches developed concurrently with the application of computer technology to language teaching, the computer has not traditionally been heavily us ed in either content-based or learner-centered language courses. This article reports on a content-based, learner-centered Italian language and culture class (Italian 403-1) which used Usenet (NEWS) and electro nic mail (E-Mail) to connect students with native speakers interested in communicating about contemporary cultural issues. Section One brief ly outlines the history of the use of computer networks in language ed ucation. Section Two describes the design, implementation, and outcome s of Italian 403-1 and discusses the potential importance of NEWS for language teachers. Finally, Section Three addresses the benefits and c hallenges associated with the use of computer networks in the language classroom.