Digital Audio, Networks, and Foreign Language Instruction

Abstract

This paper describes a system for the use of digital audio in foreign language instruction. The system consists of networked personal computers with digital audio adapters. The use of a digital audio adapter allows for the flexible manipulation of audio materials: natural sounding audio may be played, recorded, replayed, paused, and ordered under computer control with no distracting delays or distortion. In addition, audio can be coordinated with the display of text or graphics on the computer screen. Finally, the network allows for the central storage of the digital audio materials and computer programs. Only a single copy of any audio material needs to be produced and stored on a network file server. This material is then available for selection at any time for independent use by any number of students.