Computer Assisted Language Learning
Jungae Lee
April 03, 2002
Dr. Wu ESLM 587
What is CALL? Computer Assisted Language Learning may be
defined as the search for and study of applications of the computer in
language teaching and learning.
CAI or CALL
- CAI - Computer Assisted Instruction suggests only one role of the
computer, exemplified
in drill-and -practice and tutorial materials and computer as a
tutor.
- CALL - a general term to cover all roles of computer in language
learning and computer as
a tool, tutor.
Advantages of CALL environments :
1. Learners can have opportunities to interact and negotiate meaning.
- supplementing software with external document.
- using software with built-in interactivity.
- teaching learners with computer networks for a communication with
others
inside and outside the classroom.
2. Learners can be involved in authentic tasks with authentic
audiences.
- using E-mail.
- involving in electronic discussion.
- finding keypals.
- participating in on-line projects on the World Wide Web.
3. Learners autonomy can be supported.
- authorable software - programs that can be customized by adding
data to fit specific
learners' needs.
- authoring software - tools within the software to make it of what
learner want it to.
4. Learners can be exposed to and encouraged to produce varied and
creative language.
- using multimedia ( texts, pictures, graphics,animation, video,sound
as well as scrolled,
highlightened texts)
focus on Input - listening ,vocabulary, reading hollistically.
focus on Output - writing, conversation.
5. Language teachers can address learners' various learning styles.
CALL Activities:
receptive activities
Reading electronic documents.
Using search engines and downloading files.
Listening on-line.
Receiving simulcasts.
Lurking on a list.
Active activities
Producing formulaic, short writings.
Producing short answers on electronic quizzes.
Commentating on other students' writing.
Playing simulation games on-line.
Telephoning in to satellite broadcasts.
Creating a World Wide Web page.
Interactive activites
Holding asynchronous text-based conversations.
Holding synchronous text-based conversations.
Participating in audio exchanges.
Videoconferencing.
Talking a distance-learning courses.
References
Miky Levy. (1997), Computer-Assisted Language Learning : Context and
Conceptualization. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Joy Egbert, Elizabeth Hanson-Smith. (1999), CALL Environment :
Research, Practice, and Critical Issues. Alexandria, VA : TESOL.
|