Computer Assisted Language Learning
What is CALL?
CALL use of a computer in the language learning process. It aim to teach aspects of the language learning process though the medium of the computer. CALL program can be developed for the many parts of the language learning process. CALL program include: the language taught, the language of instruction, the language writing system, the level of the language to be taught, what is to be taught and how it is to be taught.
CALL tutors and tools
A tool does not assess the learner. When evaluating a CALL program, it is important to know if it is a tutor or a tool because they have different aims and therefore should be judged on different criteria.
CALL tutor
A CALL tutor offers flexibility on several different levels. While technology does offer many opportunities that can be done should be done. Reflection is needed on this issue.
CALL tool
A CALL tool is designed to assist learning -it is part of a larger process. The tool does not have a methodology and the learner is in direct control.
Computer Mediated communication (CMC)
CMC can occur between second language (L2) learners of the same target language. It can also occur between first language (L1) and L2 learners where the L1 learner's target language is the first language of L2 learner and vice versa.
CALL Materials
CALL material share many characteristic of NON-CALL material. Materials can either be authentic, produced locally or commercially. However, unlike a book, with CALL only a small component can be viewed at any one time -the learner cannot "flick" though the pages as she or he can with a book to get an overview of what is available on the course. While several frameworks have been proposed for CALL materials, non has been formulated that captures the unique qualities of CALL materials. Knowledge of application of technology encompasses knowledge the different types of technology available and their suitability for their intended process.
Benefits of CALL
Uses of computer to teach language, many benefits of CALL program have been generally accepted.
Learner Autonomy
It can be reviewed and tasks can repeated until the learner is happy to move on the new topic. The learner feels in control, which usually enhances satisfaction leave with the learning process.
Privacy
CALL is the private environment it offers for self-conscious language learners. The computer offers a forum where learners can lose their self-consciousness. The computer will not expose them when they make any mistakes. The learners can learn within the sheltered, protected confines of the CALL program.
Feedback
The immediate feedback is beneficial for the learner. It may not possible to provide immediate feedback to each individual learner. It is important that error are corrected before they are converted into part of the learner 's "language knowledge ".CALL programs can not only correct errors but also reinforce the knowledge shown in correct answer.
Motivation
Motivation is an important factor in language learning. Motivation encourages greater language performance. When looking at motivation in the field of language learning, consideration is given to the difference between foreign and second language learning.
Access to Information
They can leave a program to give themselves time to absorb the new knowledge. With CALL program, the users have more control over the cognitive load they bear during a lesson. A learner may feel more inclined to read extra information if it is only a click away.
Interactivity
Learners have to interact with the computer and cannot hide behind their classmates. Learners have to drive the program. Usually they have to use the target language exercise within program. They can practice the exercises as many times as they like, until they are satisfied with the results.
Non-traditional Features
CALL programs should not just imitate what happens in a traditional classroom situation but enhance the learning process by doing things that are only possible with the use of the computer. The variety of exercises available helps to maintain the student's interest. Audio and video are features possible in CALL that cannot be as smoothly integrated into the more traditional learning courses.
Repetition
Another benefit of CALL is the ability to repeatedly review information. Learners can listen to audio portions of a CALL program until they are satisfied. This obviously beneficial to the learner and is a definite advantage over the traditional classroom situation in which it is not that easy to ask the teacher to repeat something a number of times until it is understood.
Limitations of CALL
This sections some of the potential limitations of CALL and how these limitations can be avoided or at least minimize.
Limited Availability of Resources
Limited resources include time and money for development of CALL materials, finance to purchase computers and lack of teacher knowledge. Sometimes there is mismatch between the CALL program and the users and or the setting. Often, the teacher has just one computer available and the teacher must the teacher must try to maximise the benefit of a CALL program for a group of students. It should make clear to the user what resources it requires and point out the limitations if these resources are not available.
Anti-Social Behavior
Learners may get "wrapped-up" in the program and focus on learning the language in isolation. The computer cannot force learners to speak with other speakers of the language; it can suggest to learners that they practice with other speakers at various points throughout the program.
Learning Content
This may be more difficult in the CALL situation than when dealing with more traditional learning media as the content provider may be more removed from the courseware production process than may be the case in the traditional production process.
Underutilization of Resources
Often call programs provide learners with a whole variety of resources to make the learning process more stimulating and enriching. This can be partly overcome with user training. If users are made aware of features and their benefits, they will be more likely to use them. Also, if they are given guidance about when to use what feature, they will feel more confident with the use of these resources.
Ineffective Deployment
If there is a mismatch between the perceived and the actual setting of CALL program, its effectiveness may be limited. While the design of CALL program can try to encompass as many different learning situations as possible. - limitation in the deployment of call materials - slow access, -server complications, -end-user configuration unknown, -potential need for Plug-ins, -technophobic students / teachers.
CALL development
Teaching strategies and learning items in the language learning domain, that not all possible combinations of language and learning tasks can be covered. Sometime, a teacher will work with a software developer to come up with a CALL program to teach a particular topic, but sometimes the teacher will try to develop something on his or her own. They can decide what they want to teach and how they want to teach it.
The Design of a CALL program
It is not constraining and provides CALL developers with a map of the CALL process from design to development. The framework is helpful when designing CALL courseware and is neither prescriptive nor restrictive.
Hardware
It would be able to customize the hardware to needs of the proposed system.
Software
A disadvantage of authoring tools is that the developer is tied into a particular structure and there can be a lack of flexibility.
Authoring Package
Teacher often find commercially produced materials unsuitable in terms of pedagogic content. The final products are often text-based and materials are mainly aimed at the lower-proficiency levels
The internet and Email
The use of internet creates an additional workload for the language teacher. Suitable web site will have to be researched in advance. If long-distance collaboration projects are being worked on organisational and curricular challenges must be faced.
CALL evaluation
In evaluating a CALL program, factors such as ease of use, of the user interface, screen design and organization must considered. CALL it would be too simplistic to assume that a magic formula exists for the success of the success of CALL. Too many factors and variable need to considered. The following general guidelines should be taken into account.
