USE:  Literacy, Pre-GED/GED, Family Literacy

COMPUTER:  WIN/MAC and DOS

SPECIFIC SKILLS: Vocabulary development through repetition, recognition, short term memorization, definition, spelling, analogy, cloze, context analysis, application, and word games.

DESCRIPTION: LANGUAGE CLUES SOFTWARE provides sequential vocabulary development that correlates to a range of reading levels from literacy through the beginning GED levels. The program provides instruction for between 400 and 600 new words at each of the nine levels. Levels AA-CA contain 30 lessons each, while Levels DA-IA provide 20 lessons each. Every lesson follows a specific sequence structure of skill and concept development designed to progress from simple to complex. Note that some exercises have an adjustable "flash speed" and a time limit. The student must complete the following types of exercises which the computer presents in a prescribed order: 1)"Flash and Type"(AA-IA) requires the student to type the word at a set speed and within a time limit, after it is flashed and pronounced. 2) In "Fill in the Blank"(AA-IA), students use the word in a short cloze exercise. 3)"Analogies"(DA-IA) displays three parts of the analogy and users must complete the fourth part in thirty seconds. 4) In "Spelling Check"(AA-IA) the student must use the word in a longer cloze and choose from four variant spellings within a time limit. 5) "Words in Stories"(DA-IA) practices the correct spelling in a tachistoscope (flash/type) exercise and the meaning in a cloze sentence or paragraph. 6) "Word Games" includes word roll, crossword puzzle, or word search activities. Student progress is recorded and book marked through the management system which compiles screen and printed reports.

EVALUATION SUMMARY: Language Clues Software offers an effective vocabulary development curriculum of computer assisted instruction that guides students through a sequence of recognition to application exercises. My at-risk youths and my adult students benefited and progressed from the emphasis on short term repetition and a variety of contextual activities. An important feature of the program is the audio pronunciation of the words in the "Flash and Type" lesson, which is particularly beneficial to beginning readers. Language Clues can be used by as an individual program to improve language development, or with other text based materials.(Steck-Vaughn has a variety of off-line student workbooks and tapes.) The screen presentation is organized and displays attractive contrasting colors. Students that used the program said that the directions were easy to understand and to follow. My students enjoyed using Language Clues. Because of the focus on repetition and structural development inherent in Language Clues, students do succeed in expanding their vocabulary knowledge and application skills as a result of using this program.