As
research in speech technology develops, so does the
L2 software industry. However it is important to recognize
the existing discrepancy between some technology-driven
CALL software available today and the pedagogical
needs for specific learning/teaching situations. The
questions raised recently by Jozef Colpaert are essential:"
Starting from a particular design of language learning
and teaching, what do we need in order to obtain more
quality, efficiency, proficiency...? Which tech-functionalities
can help both learner and teacher to achieve their
goals?". One important element in a learning
situation, however still problematic in many currently
available software, is the type and the quality of
feedback a student can receive. I will present several
examples of teaching/learning applications being developed
at Trent, using a real time speech analyser / visualizer
/synthesizer, for on site courses and distance learning
instruction. Each activity will focus on the type
and quality of feedback allowed by the software's
speech visualization, synthesis and integrated Computer
Mediated Communication tools.
