Evolution of CALL

Salute everyone.

We meet again and this time I will tell you about another topic which we have covered and it is about Evolution of CALL. Yeah, you read it right. Just like us human, CALL also has its own version of evolution.

So, let’s start.

First thing first, there are three different types of progression of CALL; Behaviouristic CALL, Communicative CALL, Integrated CALL.

Let’s start with behaviouristic CALL. It was first developed in 1960s based on behaviourist learning theory. Also, it was primarily used for Audio-Lingual method. At that time, computer was seen as the ultimate teachers' aid as it has a perfect pronunciation and can work tirelessly. The aim for Behaviouristic CALL was to transfer textbook and worksheets to computer based application.

Even it brings a lot of advantages to its user, it also received criticism from the experts. To begin with, one of its biggest advantages is the concept of repetition. This concept is one of the best learning concept and still used by students all around the world. Also, Behaviouristic CALL was also able to provide immediate feedback. Also, it allowed students to work at their own pace outside the classroom. One of the criticism that caught people attention is the theory of Behaviourist CALL was based on Operant Conditioning by B.F Skinner which was associated to the training of animals.

Now let’s talk about Communicative CALL. Communicative CALL came after Behaviouristic CALL and it was developed between 1970s and 1980s. One of its niche is it focused on the usage of language rather than perfect grammar. In addition, it allows students to to generate their own original utterance. This has created an environment where the usage of language became natural. At this stage, computer was not only seen as a machine but also as a tutor, stimulus and tool. Advantages of Communicative CALL are programs are often cheap. Not to forget, these programs are also widely available. Also, with this type of CALL, learning experiences become much more interesting and entertaining. Picture below is the example of Communicative CALL.

Last but not least, Integrated CALL. Basically, Integrated CALL is the integration of real-world into CALL. It then became popular with the development of internet. Internet has dominated the advances of CALL. Learners are no longer a recipients but also communicators and creators.

I think it is important for us to know what the critics say about each type of progression of CALL so that we know how to use it and how not to use it.

Well, that’s it for today. Now we know a little background about CALL and its evolution, why don’t you share it with your friend or maybe students? Why? Because why not?

See you next time and if you have any comments feel free to drop it.

Computer Assisted Language Learning (CALL)

Hello everyone.

How are you guys doing? Today I will post something about CALL and it will be our first topic this blog. So, let’s start.

If you are a TESL student or if you have someone from your family who works as a teacher, I bet you are familiar with the term CALL. 

So, what is it actually?

CALL is a term referring to the area of technology & second language learning and teaching. You still don’t get it, right? No worries. Just continue reading. Basically, CALL involves material designs, technologies, pedagogical theories and modes of instruction.

Now, I will explain types of CALL. First thing first, there are four types of CALL; Call-Specific Software, Generic Software, Web-based Learning Programs and CMC.

CALL-Specific Software refers to the applications and programs designed specifically to facilitate language learning. It includes web based exercises, ELT-Software and games.

Do you guys ever heard about Pajama Sam? Seriously, no? Well, Pajama Sam is one of the example of CALL-Specific Software.

Generic Software refers to applications designed for general purpose but co-opted for language teaching and learning. This type of CALL includes MS-Word Processor, Power Point, E-Books, MS-Publisher.

I bet you guys are all familiar with Power Point, E-books and MS-Publisher, right? It’s just we don’t know that they are the examples of Generic Software.

Web-based Learning Programs refers to applications and stuff found on the internet and used as tools for language teaching and learning. It includes online dictionary, online encyclopaedias, magazine and news website, and blogs.

CMC or Computer Mediated Communication refers to the applications or websites designed to facilitate online communication. There are two types of CMC; Synchronous such as Instant Messaging and Asynchronous such as email and discussion forum.

So now we know there are four types of CALL and their examples. Do you think CALL is really necessary in today’s education world? Will it make the teaching process any easier?

Everything has its own pro and cons. Just like computers, there’s a lot of things a computer can do but that does not mean it only brings good things to us.

For example, a computer is definitely able to judge predetermined right-or-wrong answer but what it cannot do is judge unexpected input. Also, a computer is not able to provide individual feedback but interestingly a computer is still able to provide immediate feedback and suggestion.

Now, you decide. Is CALL really a good thing or not? Personally, I think CALL is a good thing for teaching and learning process but if we depend too much on it, that’s when it becomes a problem because no matter how good an invention might be, it will not bring us any good if we depend too much on it.

I guess that’s it for now. I hope you guys now have a better understanding about CALL and able to use it in your daily life especially if you are a TESL student.

See you next time.