Assignment 3

Computer-Assisted Language Learning (CALL)

Definitions of CALL

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Computer Assisted Language Learning (CALL) is often perceived, somewhat narrowly, as an approach to language teaching and learning in which the computer is used as an aid to the presentation, reinforcement and assessment of material to be learned, usually including a substantial interactive element. CALL may be defined as the search for and study of applications of the computer in language teaching and learning. Especially for teachers CALL is essentially a tool that helps them to facilitate the language learning process. It can be used to reinforce what has been already learned in the classroom or to help learners who require additional support.

Types of CALL Programs

·         CALL-specific software: applications designed to develop and facilitate language learning, such as CD-ROMs, web-based interactive language learning exercises/quizzes.

·         Generic software: applications designed for general purposes, such as word-processors (Word), presentation software (PowerPoint) and spreadsheet (Excel) that can be used to support language learning.

·         Web-based learning programs: online dictionaries, online encyclopedias, online concordances, news/magazine sites, e-texts, web-quests, web publishing, blog, wiki, etc.

·         Computer-mediated communication (CMC) programs: synchronous - online chat; asynchronous - email, discussion forum, message board.

Types of CALL Activities

·         multiple-choice & true/false quizzes

·         gap-filling exercise/cloze

·         matching

·         re-ordering/sequencing

·         crossword puzzles

·         games

·         simulations

·         writing & word-processing

·         concordance

·         web quests/searching

·         web publishing

·         online communication (synchronous and asynchronous)

Roles of the Computer in language learning and teaching:

- Computer as tutor for language drills or skill practice

- Computer as a tool for writing, presenting, and researching

- Computer as a medium of global communication

How Computers can be used in the Language Class

1) Teaching with one computer in the class

                - delivery of content (PowerPoint, word-processor, Webpages, etc.)

                - classroom activities/discussions mediated by the computer

                - Interactive whiteboard

2) Teaching in the computer network room (network-based language teaching)

                - task-based group work /activities

                - computer-mediated communication (CMC): asynchronous/synchronous

                - tandem learning

3) Self-access learning (independent learning)

                - drills and exercises

                - word processing

                - resource searching

4) Distance learning (i.e. individual learners working by themselves, at a place and time of their choice and, to some extent, at a pace and in an order also chosen by themselves.)

                - delivering online course content

                - CMC activities: email, discussion forum, chat rooms

                - tandem learning

                - community building

Source:

1. http://www2.nkfust.edu.tw/~emchen/CALL/unit1.htm

2. http://constructivisminelt.wikispaces.com/Constructivism+and+CALL

3. http://web.warwick.ac.uk/CELTE/tr/ovCALL/booklet1.htm

4. https://www.llas.ac.uk/resources/gpg/61

5. http://e-teachingweb.blogspot.com/2014/04/language-teaching-technology-class_16.html

6. http://www.ict4lt.org/en/en_mod1-4.htm