With the advent of the internet and its increasing importance in the classroom, Computer Aided Language Learning, or CALL, has become a viable and useful source for both teachers and students. CALL first became prevalent in US classrooms in the late 1070’s. Since its introduction it has gone from a primitive, structured Q&A program, to full-fledged language programs such as Rosetta stone.
Although programs like Rosetta Stone have experienced success, many experts believe that CALL should be used to augment rather than replace face-to-face learning environments. This was one of the big questions facing ESL teachers in the late 90s, how to integrate CALL and its resulting technological concerns successfully into the classroom. Such things as whether an institution had the necessary funding, teachers with the technical skills to run the CALL programs, and facilitators to manage the new IT requirements were all necessary to take into account before proceeding with the installation of a high end CALL lab. Over the next decade those problems would become less burdensome as technology advanced and costs diminished.
Today we see many institutions using integrated CALL programs and labs for a variety of purposes. Warschauer stated that there were three distinct phases of CALL:
Behavioristic: The earliest stage, where the computer is used to give learners instructions and materials
Communicative: The next stage, where the computer is used for skills practice and gives the students more choices and control. It has also helped in that now dictionaries, concordances and other reference material has been digitized and put on computers. This cuts down vastly on the amount of time needed to look something up and has given students and teachers more time for other language related activities.
Integrative: The final phase and the one we are now entering, spurred
Multimedia and internet have given students the opportunity to combine all the skills into one activity. Gap-fill exercises, multiple choice tests, simulations, video games, and using word processors for writing exercises are just a few of the areas CALL has branched into. Even oral skills can be addressed by CALL with the advance of such technologies like Skype, a computer based voice over IP program that allows people to communicate via phone or video conferencing for free.
Teachers in internet equipped classrooms have started using it to access crosswords, word searches and other internet based games. Teachers have also started using the internet to help prepare lesson plans citing that it is easy to use, easy to find information and holds the latest information, information that, if not for the internet, would not be available to many teachers given their remote locations.
For all the advances in computer technology and computer aided learning, face-to-face teaching time is still one of the most necessary parts of learning. Because of this, CALL although helpful, will never take the place of real teachers. It will continue to be an aid for those teachers. Yes it will make their jobs easier. Yes it will help create a fun atmosphere for students. But always, a teacher will be needed to create the synergy between the technology and the students the technology is serving.
David Thompson
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