Computer-assisted language learning
Computer-Assisted
Language Learning (CALL) is defined as
“the search for and study of
applications of the computer in language teaching and learning.” (Levy,1997: 1)
Aim to find ways for using computers for the purpose
of teaching and learning the language.
Definition of CALL
CALL is represented
by the use of computer technologies that promote educational learning,
including
– word
processing, presentation packages, guided drill and practice, tutor,
simulation, problem-solving, games, multimedia CD-ROM, and
–
internet applications such as e-mail, chat and the World Wide Web (WWW) for
language learning purposes
Terms associated with CALL
• Computer-Aided Language Learning (CALL)
• Computer-Assisted Language Instruction (CALI)
• Computer-Enhanced Language Learning (CELL)
• CALL and CALI refer to computer applications in
language learning and teaching
• CELL implies using CALL in a self-access
environment (Hoven, 1999).
Why CALL?
The reasons why ELT teachers use CALL:
• Computers can do some of the work of the
teacher and provide great assistance to the learner even without the presence
of the teacher (Pennington and Steven, 1992).
• New technologies have seen computers become
smaller, faster, and easier for the teacher to use (Evy, 1997).
• well-designed CALL software is readily available to
the teacher
• Technologies allow computers to do multimedia
applications, incorporating video, sound, and text, and this capacity allows
the learner to interact with both the program and other learners. (Felix, 1998)
• The computer offers great flexibility for class
scheduling and pacing of individual learning, choosing activities and content
to suit individual learning styles. (Oxford and others, 1998)
• The computer can provide a meaning-focused,
communicative learning environment, which serves the purposes of communicative
language teaching.
HISTORY OF CALL DEVELOPMENT
Warschauer (1996) divides CALL into phases of
development as follows:
• Behavioristic CALL
• Communicative CALL,
• Integrative CALL (Multimedia
CDROM)
• Integrative CALL (internet)
USES OF CALL IN ENGLISH LANGUAGE TEACHING
Drill and practice :
• a tool for saving time with the
immediate feedback The learning principles behind Drill and Practice is the
Behaviorism Learning Theory and the Audiolingual approach language to teaching.
• the aim of Drill and Practice is to
review the content/background knowledge and to assist the learners to master
separate language skills (such as reading, listening, etc.)
Drill and practice consist of three steps:
• Providing stimulus;
• Receiving active response from the learner;
and
• Giving immediate feedback
There are several types of drill and practice
activities (exercises):
• Paired Associate (Matching);
• Sentence Completion;
• Multiple Choice;
• Part Identification;
• True-False; and
• Short-Answer questions
Computer as tutor:
• The role of the computer as tutor is to
present to the learners the content of the lesson as text graphics, video,
animation, or slides, including learning activities, drills and practice.
• The computer serves as a means for delivering
instructional materials.
• The program consists of the following stages:
• Introduction stage (stating aims,
background knowledge),
• Presentation of the content, exercises and/or
testing;
• Giving the feedback
• Examples of CALL tutorial programs are:
• Grammar: Longman Grammar Software; Grammar
Expert Plus;
Computer used for simulation / problem solving
• Simulations and problem solving is used to foster analysis, critical thinking,
discussion and writing activities.
•
The program is designed to create language interaction through problematic
situations, conditions or problems challenging for the learner to solve. Many
simulation programs are problem solving games, which are entertaining and
educational ("edutainment").
Games on computer
• The main principle behind computer gaming is that
“Learning is Fun.”
• aim is to create a pleasurable learning
environment , motivate the language learner, provide entertainment to the
learner
• CALL games and simulation games are similar in that
both are designed to motivate students to learn through
entertainment
–
Simulation games always use simulations (real life situations) in the
presentation of a game, while CALL games focus on
–
providing fun, but challenging environment to the learner.
Computer as a tool for teachers and learners:
• Word Processors: creating documents, handouts,
exercises
• Spelling checkers
• Grammar checkers
• Concordancers
• Collaborative writing
• Reference software: encyclopedias,
dictionaries, thesauruses, maps
• Authoring: Authorware (Macromedia), Adobe Captivate
Internet applications:
• To access text, graphics, audio, video, and
animation published on the internet, the teacher and learner need to use
"Web browser" software, a computer based graphical program that
allows users to search and explore information on the internet.
• The following are internet applications that
ELT teachers can use for language teaching:
–
Electronic mail (e-mail)
–
World Wide Web (WWW): Texts, Pictures, Audio files,Video files, Chat &
voice chat, Desk-top teleconferencing
