No computer expertise on the part of student or teacher is necessary. This cd-rom is designed for use with native speakers, middle school age or higher. To use it with ESL students, the teacher would be required to spend more time activating students' schema and familiarizing them with critical vocabulary. The program makes use of a cd-rom and student worksheets. The purpose is to generate discussion and decision-making among students.
Cultural content is combined with critical thinking.
There is one cd-rom per computer, so you need more than one copy of the program if you want to use it on more than one monitor. This should not be necessary, however, because students can work in teams and rotate at the computer. The content of the cd-rom are six debate videos and eight additional 'connection' movies. Each lasts only a few minutes. Students have only to enter their names and click on their choice, then watch a movie.