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.