Using CALL effectively: What do we need to know about students?

With an increasing variety of language courseware available, its effectiveness must be considered in the light of the type of student using a particular set of materials. Thisarticle outlines five student characteristics that may be important for examining computer materials: age, expectations, ability, cognitive style, and effect. These student characteristics are described and their relevance for valid assessment of courseware effectiveness is exemplified. Suggestions are provided for teachers' and researchers' observation of student CALL use.