M.Ed. / South Africa is known as the rainbow nation, therefore it is important to be able to communicate with one another in order to understand each other. A second language is therefore necessary to acquire and the second language teacher at a South African high school plays an important role in this process. The computer has become a part of our everyday life. It has found a place in the business world and more and more people are becoming aware of the computer as a helping aid. Educational authorities are also aware of the computer as a helping aid, especially with administrative work. It can also be used in the classroom. The young people of today grow up in a technological era and the computer is something that they are very familiar with. It has been proven by research that the computer can be utilized in the classroom, but only if it is used effectively. The main aim of this study is to show how CM (computer-assisted instruction) can be used in the teaching of Afrikaans as a second language, and that CM complements the communicative approach. A further aim is that CAI can be a helping aid for the teacher in the communicative Afrikaans classroom. In order to find an objective answer, it is necessary to do a literature study regarding how first and second languages are acquired. A literature study regarding the four most common CAI approaches has been conducted, namely: Drill and practice Games and simulation Problem solving Tutorials A short discussion regarding the word processor, database and spreadsheet has also been included. Different methods or approaches regarding teaching a second language have been used over the years. This study follows the Communicative Language approach. It focuses on learners and learners' skills. Co-operative learning works hand in hand with the communicative approach. Working in groups helps learners to learn to work together and communicate in the target language. The teacher needs to create opportunities for the learner to communicate and the computer can be used to do this. One of the advantges of CAI is that it can motivate learners if the computer is used properly. Certain problems in teaching a second language have been highlighted and discussed. The problems are: Quality of teaching Method of teaching First language influence Attitudes (teacher and learner) Number of learners in class There are some limitations concerning computers in classrooms. Most of the teachers in the teaching profession did not grow up with computers and are therefore hesitant about using them. They may also be unaware of the possibilities for using computers in the classroom. Examples of how the computers can be used in an Afrikaans second language classroom have been presented. Different exercises of drill and practice, problem-solving, simulation, games and tutorials are discussed. The following finding resulted from this study: The potential of the computer in the language classroom has not yet been discovered. Programmes are limited for Afrikaans. Computers motivate learners if they are used correctly and if learners feel that they are learning something. Learners become active participants and not only passive listeners. The teacher's role in the language class is still important; it is one of a facilitator, helper and a coach. The computer cannot take over the role of the teacher. The following conclusions can be made: The computer can be an effective helping aid for the second language teacher in his/ her complex task. The computer can provide opportunities for groupwork, which is important in the communicative approach. In order to successfully implement computer-aided instruction programmes in second language classrooms, it is recommended that: Teachers should try computer usage in their classrooms as one method that can help the learner as well as the teacher. In-service training programmes should be implemented. These programmes should keep the teachers up to date with the latest technological developments. Programmes should be developed with the help of the Department of Education. It can be said with certainty that the computer has an important place in the second language classroom.

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