(CALL)
Computer
– Assisted Language Learning (CALL) is an approach to language teaching and
learning in which computer technology is used as an aid to the presentation,
reinforcement and assessment of material to be learned, usually including a
substantial interactive element. (https://nurulumama.wordpress.com/2010/11/11/200/)
In
modernized areas of the world, almost every aspect of people’s lives is
affected in some way by computers. If you rely on retirement income, disability
checks from government, tax and insurance refunds, or a host of other such
payments, your receiving them is dependent on computers. If you are an
employee, chances are that your payroll checks are computerized. Computers keep
track of money deposited in banking institutions and the interest paid. They
control countless devices in modern homes, such as those that generate
electricity or purify water. They are a boon to doctors, clinics and hospitals
in diagnosing health problems – and saving lives. Computers are used to monitor
weather conditions and to keep airplanes from colliding in the air.
Computer
Assisted Language Learning (CALL) studies the role and the use of Information
and Communication Technologies (ICT) in second/foreign language learning and
teaching. It includes a wide range of activities spanning materials and
courseware development, pedagogical practice and research.
Typical
CALL programs present a stimulus to which the learner must respond. The
stimulus may be presented in any combination of text, still images, sound, and
motion video. The learner responds by typing at the keyboard, pointing and
clicking with the mouse, or speaking into a microphone. The computer offers
feedback, indicating whether the learner’s response is right or wrong, and in
the more sophisticated CALL programs, attempting to analyse the learner’s
response and to pinpoint errors. Branching to help and remedial activities is a
common feature of CALL programs.
Advantages and disadvantages of CALL
Many
educators indicate that the current computer technology has many advantages for
second language learning. The following are the advantages as stated by many
experts:
♦ Interest
and motivation
Classical
language teaching in classroom can be monotonous, boring, and even frustrating,
and students can loose interest and motivation in learning. CALL programmers
can provide student ways to learn English through Computer-assisted language learning (CALL)
computer games, animated
graphics, and problem-solving techniques which can make drills more interesting
(Ravichandran 2000).
♦ Individualization
CALL
allows learners to have non-sequential learning habit; they can decide on their
own which skills to develop and which course to use, as well as the speed and
level by their own needs.
♦ A
compatible learning style
Students
have different style of learning, and an incompatible style for students will
cause serious conflicts to them. Computer can provide an exciting “fast” drill
for one student and “slow” for another.
♦ Optimal
use of learning time
The
time flexibility of using computer enables students to choose appropriate
timing for learning. Winter (1997) in Kiliçkaya (2007) stressed the importance
of flexible learning, learning anywhere, anytime, anyhow, and anything you
want, which is very true for the web-based instruction and CALL. Learners are
given a chance to study and review the materials as many times they want
without limited time.
♦ Immediate
feedback
Students
receive maximum benefit from feedback only if it is given immediately. A
delayed positive feedback will reduce the encouragement and reinforcement, and
a delayed negative feedback affect the crucial knowledge a student must master.
Computer can give instant feedback and help the students ward off his
misconception at the very first stage. Brown (1997) in Kiliçkaya (2007) listed
the advantages of CALL as giving immediate feedback, allowing students at their
own pace, and causing less frustration among students.
♦ Error
analysis
Computer
database can be used by teacher to classify and differentiate the type of general
error and error on account of the influence of the first language. A computer
can analyze the specific mistakes that students made and can react in different
way from the usual teacher, which make students able to make self-correction
and understand the principle behind the correct solution. (Ravichandran, 2007)
♦ Guided
and repetitive practice
Students
have freedom of expression within certain bounds that programmers create, such
as grammar, vocabulary, etc. They can repeat the course they want to master as
many as they wish. According to Ikeda (1999) in Kiliçkaya (2007), drill-type
CALL materials are suitable for repetitive practice, which enable students to
learn concepts and key elements in a subject area.
♦ Pre-determined
to process syllabus
Computer
enhances the learning process from a pre-determined syllabus to an emerging or
process syllabus. For example, a monotonous paper exercise of
‘fill-in-the-blanks’ type can be made more exciting on the screen in the
self-access mode, and students can select their own material. Therefore, CALL
facilitates the synthesis of the pre-planned syllabus and learner syllabuses
“through a decision-making process undertaken by teacher and learners together”
(Breen 1986 in Ravichandran 2000).
Disadvantages of CALL
Although
there are many advantages of computer, the application of current computer
technology still has its limitations and disadvantages.
• Less-handy
equipment.
According
to Ansel et al (1992) in Hartoyo (2006, 31), the CAL program is different
from traditional books that can be carried around and studied wherever and
whenever they wish: on a train, at home, in the middle of the night, and so on.
School computers or language laboratory can only be accessed in restricted
hours, so CALL program only benefits people who have computers at home or
personal notebook.
• Increased
educational costs.
Gips,
DiMattia, and Gips (2004) in Lai (2006) indicated that CALL will increase
educational cost, since computers become a basic requirement for students to
purchase, and low-budget school and low income students cannot afford a
computer
• Lack
of trained teachers.
It
is necessary for teachers and students to have basic technology knowledge
before applying computer technology in second language teaching and learning.
Therefore, computers will only benefit those who are familiar with computer
technology (Roblyer 2003 in Lai 2006).
• Imperfect
current CALL programs
At
present, the software of CALL mainly deals with reading, listening, and writing
skills. There are some speaking programs have been developed recently, but
their functions are still limited. Warschauer (2004) in Lai (2006) stated that
a program should ideally be able to understand a user’s spoken input and
evaluate it not just for correctness but also for ‘appropriatness’. Speaking
program should be able to diagnose a learner’s problem with pronunciation,
syntax, or usage and then intelligently decide among a range of options.
• Inability
to handle unexpected situations
The
learning situation that a second-language learner faces are various and ever
changing. Computers merely have artificial intelligence, and it cannot deal
with learner’s unexpected learning problem or response to learner’s questions
immediately as teachers do. Blin (1994) in Lai (2006) stated that computer
technology with that degree do not exist, and are not expected to exist quite a
long time. In other words, today’s computer technology and its language
learning programs are not yet intelligent enough to be truly interactive.
CALL
has certain advantages and disadvantages and teachers should know the
strengths and weaknesses in applying CALL in ESL classrooms. In the end, we can
avoid the mistake in employing CALL program and get the maximum benefit for our
ESL teaching and learning.
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