The session demonstrates the functionality and content of Planet English - a new interactive multimedia resource for teaching and learning English from elementary through upper intermediate levels. Planet English was released in October 1999 following four years of development. It is ideal for institutions which seek to incorporate and maximise the advantages of CALL in their curricula. Behind Planet English is the premise that language learning is best done through interaction in a social and cultural context. Consequently, students are exposed to graded language in realistic contexts.
Themes ensure language functions and lexis are recycled, and encourage independent learning.
Activities such as drag and drop, voice recording, multiple choice and write-in activities provide students with structured practice and are randomised to ensure genuine learning. The approach to grammar is through fun, innovative activities. Listening, reading and writing skills are taught through a genre-based approach. A range of semi-authentic text types are used, and texts were chosen to tie in with the social context of each theme. Writing is taught through a graded process beginning with reading models and progressing through controlled practice to free writing activities.