CALL Computer Assisted Language Learning

CALL Computer Assisted Language Learning

1. To integrate computers into language learning curriculum

2. Includes a wide range of activities related to technology and language learning

3. Important characteristic: INTERACTIVITY

   • Learner interact with the computer
     • Stimulus, response, feedback

4. Background to CALL

   • PLATO Programmed Logic for Automatic Teaching Operations 1960s
     • Provided interactive, self paced instruction for large number of students
   • TICCIT Time-Shared, Interactive, Computer, Controlled Information Television 1971
     • First project to combine television with computer technology
       • Allowed teachers and students to modify the content of the program
   • Microcomputer was introduced
     • 1980s Teachers began authoring CALL software programs

5. Phases of CALL development

   • Behavioristic CALL: Students engaged in drilling and practice
   • Communicative CALL: Students generate original utterances.
   • Integrative CALL: Born with the invention of multimedia and the Internet.
     • Hypermedia: all elements linked. Authentic and integrated approaches to language teaching.
       • Communication can be: Asynchronous (e-mail) or synchronous (instant chatting)

6. CALL development

   • Dumb CALL 70-80s Not offer sound or video. Primitive images,technological restrictions. Drill and practice
   • Multimedia CALL 90s to present day. Computers offered sound cards, high quality photos, CD-ROM. But drill and practice rut prevailed.
   • Web CALL 1993 to present day. Internet access was limited and slow at the beginning. Behaviourist CALL re-emerged with drill and practice exercises in the Web.
     • Web 2.0 brought major changes. Sound and video quality improved. Sharing and socializing via de Web became the norm.

7. Benefits and constraits of using CALL in the classroom

   • Benefits
     • Learners: produce the language, use a variety of input devices, explicit and focused materials, favorable environments, motivation.
     • Language is explored, feedback, become instantly connected, exposed to different contexts, notice language forms.
     • Multimodal practice: visual, auditory and written, self pacing, materials and resources available, develop computer skills, have fun.
   • Constraits
     • Create sense of isolation
     • Limited tolerance to change of teachers and schools
     • Expensive computers and unavailable internet
     • Lack of teacher training in technology

8. Suggestions when using CALL

   • CALL assists language learning, it is not the main event in a lesson.
   • Evaluate availability of software and hardware. And task difficulty.
   • Use technology for all learning styles.
   • Use tecnology efficienhtly. Be time wise.
   • Back-up plan if technology does not work.