The Significance of CALL
Abstract
This essay will provide you an overview about what is
CALL, how it is related to language learning, its advantages
and disadvantages. Also, you will find a number of teach tools
as examples of how CALL can improve language skills for the
students, and how it can be beneficial in language teaching
and learning. And finally a conclusion as a brief summary
.about what is written and a predict future of CALL
Introduction
Do you know what is CALL? Have you ever heard about
it? Computer assisted language learning (CALL) may be
defined as the search for and study of application of the
computer in language teaching and learning (Levy 1997, p.1).
The name is a fairly the recent one. The existence of CALL in
the academic literature has been recognizable for about the
last thirty years. Using computer in language learning can
improve learner's skills as Beatty (2003) comments that
"accommodates its changing nature is any process in which a
learner uses a computer and, as a result, improves his or her
language". In addition, students can learn by using computers
any context they want as Egbert (2005) notes that "CALL
means students learn language in any context with, though,
and around computer technologies". CALL has come to
encompass
issues
of
material
design,
technologies,
pedagogical theories and modes if instruction. Materials for
CALL can include those which are purpose-made for language
learning and those which adapt existing computer-based
materials, video and other materials (Beatty, 2003, pp.7-8). In
my opinion, CALL is about programs have the potential to
improve all learner's skills and provide students with the
power to control the speed, timing, and the materials they
.want and allows students to work at their own level
Recent years have shown an explosion of interest in
using computers for language teaching and learning. Studies
have shown that 90% of students have access to some type of
computer or mobile device- whether at school, work, or at
home. For students learning a language, it's key to do things
with language rather than just learning about language from
teacher. Technology makes it possible for students to interact
with their language courses and gather a more complete
understanding of all the language components. There is a
wide range of on-line applications which are already available
for
use
in
dictionaries
the
and
foreign
language
encyclopedias,
class.
These
links
for
include
teachers,
pronunciation tutors, chat-rooms, grammar and vocabulary
quizzes, literacy extracts, games and puzzles. And all teach
tools develop at least two language learning skills for the
students. And help teachers to teach in easier and effective
.way
The purpose of this essay is to discuss the advantages and
disadvantages of computer assisted language learning (CALL)
programs for current second language learning. The use of
computer technology has a positive effect on the achievement
levels of English as second language students, but it still has its
limitation and weakness, such as financial, isolated, and knowledge
required
issues.
We
must
recognize
both
advantages
and
disadvantages of using computer, so we can get the minimum
effectiveness of technology to enhance second language learning.
Advantages
Computer assisted language learning has many
advantages for second language learning. First, interest and
motivations. Since motivation is considered as playing a key
role in the success of language learners. Gardener and
Lambert, (1922). Traditional language teaching in classroom
can be boring and frustrating. And students can loose interest
and motivation in learning. CALL programs can provide
students tech tools to learn the language and enjoy at the
same time. For example, using youtube in the classroom as a
motivator
makes
the
language
learning
process
more
entertaining, beneficial and enjoyable. It gives students the
chance to get more understanding of the materials. And
because youtube is an integral part of student's lives, it makes
perfect sense to bring them into the language classroom and
by using youtube they improve their listening skills. Second,
authentic materials for study, all learners can use various
resources of authentic reading materials either at school or
anywhere. Those materials are available any time at relatively
low cost. For example using quizlet website. It can provide the
students or any learner with authentic materials including
flashcards, study and game modes, either materials was
created by their teacher, their friends or anyone. They can use
.it anytime, anywhere with low cost
Third, the time flexibility of using computer enables
students to choose appropriate timing for learning. Winter
(1997). So students can learn anytime, anyhow and anything
they want. In addition, they can review the materials as many
times they want without limited time. For example, using
edmodo to send the materials from the teacher to the
students enables them to study and revise the materials
whenever they want.
Forth, individualization, students can
study by their own, 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. Shy or inhibited student can be
greatly benefited by individualized. They can do their best and
.learn effectively without shy or fear from fail
Disadvantages
Although there are a lot of advantages of CALL, the
application of current computer technology still has its
limitations
and
disadvantages.
First
of
all,
less
handy
equipment, according to Ansel (1992) the CALL programs is
different from traditional books that can be carried around and
studied wherever and whenever they wish. School computers
or language laboratory can only be accessed in restricted
hours, so CALL programs only benefits people who have
computers at home or personal notebook. Second, increased
educational costs, because computers become the main
require for each student besides the internet. For example, to
connect with soliya program to develop speaking skills, this
required from each student to have a computer and strong
connection
to
the
internet.
Third, lack of trained teachers, According to Roblyer (2003) it's
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.
Lastly, imperfect current CALL programs, in these days the
software of CALL mainly deals with reading, listening, and
writing skills. But the programs of speaking skills still limited.
Warschauer (2004), comments that it should be able to
diagnose a learner's problem with pronunciation, syntax, or
.usage and then intelligently decide among a range of options
Conclusion
To conclude, CALL has certain advantages and
disadvantages and teachers should know what are them and
what are the strengths and weakness of CALL in applying it in
classrooms. It's agreeable that computer assisted language
learning motivate student's, provide them with authentic
materials, enables them to study anytime and anywhere, and
by their own. Even so, CALL is still has its limitation and
weakness. Therefore, we must first realize the advantages and
disadvantages of CALL before applying it in our classrooms. In
the end, we can avoid the mistake in employing CALL program
and get the maximum benefit of CALL in our teaching and
.learning
There can be infinite uses of the computer and of new "
age technology, but if teachers themselves are not able to
bring it into the classroom and make it work, then it fails."
Nancy Kassebaum. I believe the future of CALL is bright if we
have qualified teachers of technology and they have the
ability to bring technology into classroom and apply it
effectively. We can develop our technology if all students have
personal computers, if this happens we can dispense with
books in schools. So I think that the future of CALL depends
mainly on teachers because even if all students dont have
personal computers, they can benefit from technology by the
.way their teachers teach them
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My name is: Hanan Alawadi
Course: computer assisted language learning (CALL)
Professor: Ms. Tasnim Al Naimi
My Email: hna0151624@gmail.com
Date: December 22, 2016
ID number: 0151624
.I am a second year student
*
