ICT 201-Computer-Assisted Language Learning (CALL)

Name   : Septiana Wahyu Setyaningrum

NIM    : 2201412053


     This week is more chalenging. I keep working and finally I have finished. The topic for this week is Computer-Assisted Language Learning (CALL).  

 https://ensukarsih.wordpress.com/

Computer-Assisted Language Learning (CALL)

Computer-Assisted Language Learning (CALL) is defined as "the search for and study of applications of the computer in language teaching and learning (http://web.warwick.ac.uk/CELTE/tr/ovCALL/booklet1.htm).

    There are four 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, presentation software, and spreadsheet. Web-based learning programs: online dictionaries, online encyclopedias, online concordancers, 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.

There also types of CALL activities. They are multiple-choice & true/false quizzes, gap-filling exercise/cloze, matching, re-ordering/sequencing, crossword puzzles, games, simulations, writing & word-processing, concordancing, web quests/searching, web publishing, online communication (synchronous and asynchronous).

Warschauer's Analysis (Kern & Warschauer, 2000; Warschauer, 1996; Warschauer, 2004) categorized  structural / behavioristic CALL, communicative / cognitive CALL, and integrative / sociocognitive / socioconstructive CALL on the development of CALL – from the pedagogical perspective. The most recent is integrative CALL. There are two types of integrative CALL: Multimedia CALL (CD-ROMs) and Webbased CALL (on the Internet). In Multimedia CALL, they create a more authentic learning environment using different media, language skills are easily integrated through multimedia, students have a high degree of control over their learning through hypermedia, and it facilitates a principle focus on the content without sacrificing a secondary focus on language form. In Web-based CALL, CMC provides authentic synchronous and asynchronous communication channels. On the Web students can search any material and publish their texts or multimedia material.

CALL has many advantages. For learner’s factors, CALL can adapt to the learners' abilities and preferences, learners’ cognitive and learning styles, and learner’s self-paced learning. CALL can be used for remedial work and to accelerate learning. CALL offers individualized and private learning and control student’s learning process and progress. For motivation and attitudes, CALL provides strong motivation and authentic communication. CALL can improve learners’ attitudes. For feedback and progress record, CALL can provide immediate responsiveness and feedback and provides accurate records of the learner’s performance and progress. For teacher’s roles and the relationship with the learner, CALL can change the relationship between teacher and student, the teacher becomes a facilitator and CALL is predictable and non-judgemental. For mastery learning, CALL provides opportunities for mastery-learning language skills. CALL can lower the amount of time required to master some materials. For co-operative learning  CALL encourages learners to work cooperatively problem solving and learn cooperatively as a result of working together. For communication, CALL create information gaps which provide learners a need to communicate or interact with each other or with the program. CALL promote direct communicative skills for the learners. CALL provides authentic, real communication. For access to information and cultures, CALL can increase access to information and cultures around the world. For learning environment, CALL is a neutral medium. CALL can provide an active and positive learning environment.

On the other hand, CALL also has disadvantages. Some CALL hardware and software are very expensive. The design of good CALL software needs expensive equipment and cooperative team work. Computer hardware is difficult to install and maintain for classroom teachers. CALL (e.g. CD-ROMs) are sometimes not suitable for all computers, platforms and hardware

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

    We as English students, feel that CALL is helpful for us. In the process of learning, CALL program and activities can improve the four skill, writing, reading, listening, and speaking. We have to use CALL wisely to get more knwledge and improve our learning.