Computer-assisted language learning

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; Tense Buster (Clarity Software); Grammar

          Mastery (ALA); Grammar Rom (Addison Wesley Longman); Grammar 3D: Contextualized Practice for Learners of English (Heinle & Heinle).

•Reading: Read It! Study Skills (Clarity Language Consultants) (EAP reading); RocketReader (1998) (a speed reading program); ReadFlex (Speed Reading); Reading for English (Athelstan) (Reading Comprehension); SEEN: Tutorials for Critical Reading (KenCD Software) (tutorials designed to develop analytical thinking and critical reading skills); Accelerated Reader (Advantage Learning Systems).

•Writing: Paragraph Punch (a writing tutor for effective paragraph); WriteExpress Easy Letters (effective business letters); Power Editing (an interactive tutorial on how to edit and revise sentences); Report Writer for Science and Engineering Reports (Clarity Language Consultants)    (EFL/ESL report science and engineer writing).

•Speaking: Pronunciation & Listening: Learn to Speak (The Learning Company); English Pronunciation (1997-98) (Okanagan University College); Dragon, Naturally Speaking (A voice recognition program); See It, Hear It, Say It! (Courseware Publishing International); Accent Improvement (SpeakWare); Real English (Wiser Software).

•Integrated Skills / Courseware: Ellis (CALI), Dynamic English (DynEd); English Discoveries (Berlitz); English Language Development (Jostens); Rosetta Stone (Fairfield Language Technologies); Planet English (Unisearch Ltd and the University of New South Wales); Issues in English (Protea Software); Active English (Courseware Publishing International).

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