Overview 2: Computer Assisted Language Learning (CALL)

Assalamualaikum! :)

Let us enlighten you on the overview of CALL, shall we?

There is a quote that says;

"….Technology is not a panacea or a magic bullet that suddenly transforms all learning. The effectiveness of educational technology depends on how it is employed to meet educational goals for particular kinds of students in specific language learning environments…." (Oxford and others, 1998: 13)

Courtesy of Google Image

Definition of CALL

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) More specifically, CALL is 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.

There are several terms associated with CALL. CALL is variously known as Computer-Aided Language Learning (CALL), Computer-Assisted Language Instruction (CALI) and Computer-Enhanced Language Learning (CELL). The first two terms generally refer to computer applications in language learning and teaching, while 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). 

• 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.

The source of this post is taken from the article by Barrung Torat on the Overview of CALL.

For full article, click here.

To know more on the stages of CALL, visit Warshauer’s article on this link:

http://www.ict4lt.org/en/warschauer.htm