Instrumental and Agentive Uses of the Computer : Their Role in Learning French as a Foreign Language

This study examines the results of a comparative study of language use, computer use and learning outcomes based on two orientations: the agentive, where the computer acts as tutor and offers a closed language learning context; and the instrumental, where it functions as an open-ended tool (e.g. electronic mail or word-processing) that fosters collaborative action.

Learning outcomes were measured and compared, and the author demonstrates both the effectiveness and radically different natures of the two contexts.