CALL: Introduction To CALL (Computer Assisted Language Learning)

                             😍 Assalamualaikum and hello beautiful girls and lovely boys 😍

PART 1: Introduction To CALL

Familiar with this situation? Using chalkboards, marker pen, books or whiteboards during school time? Are teaching and learning method still the same?

Have you ever learned using computer during your school time? Did your teacher taught you using computer or any other technology devices? YES.. Let’s recall back! Ah ha! Did you know that you have just used CALL during your learning? Probably you must be thinking “What😮?’’ “Why I happened to be using CALL during my school😳?’’

 So in this entry, I am going to share to you my story and thoughts about CALL.

 Let’s get started! 👀🔎💻

During my school year, some of my teachers have been using certain applications of computer to assist in language teaching and language learning. I have experienced using some of the applications during my English subject. I was really amazed when my teacher taught us using these applications of computer.

Firstly, my teacher showed the questions to us. Then, she picked some of us to answer the questions. Sometimes, she asked us to use the computer mouse to point out the answer and sometimes she pointed it out by herself after we said the answer out loud. I really love the way she taught us by using that application. This was because it contained lots of interesting pictures and the animations were great.

This picture was quite similar to my experienced during my school.

What is CALL?

CALL is a term used to refer to the area of technology and second language teaching and learning. It refers to the method of application of the computer in language teaching and learning. Hence, it is clear that it involves lots of material designs, technologies, pedagogical theories and modes of instruction. CALL covers any process in which a learner uses a computer in order to learn a language. With this application, teachers can adapt and adopt the methods of language teaching that can help to improve the proficiency of their students in learning the language.

Here are the four types of CALL programs:

A. CALL-Specific Software

Have you ever played Duolingo or Memrise ? Have you ever used Prezi or HotPotatoes before? Well, if you have tried using this application either to help you learn the language or to teach others using this application, then you might not realize that you have already applied CALL-Specific Software during that time.

CALL-Specific Software is the applications and programs designed specifically to facilitate language learning. It includes web-based exercises, ELT-Software and language games. During my diploma, I have been exposed on several software like Prezi, HotPotatoes and others to create a teaching material for my students. These software can make the teaching and learning becomes exciting.

B. Generic Software

Generic software is the application designed for general purpose but co-opted for language teaching and learning. Most of the computers have some of the basic software that have already been installed. For example, Processor, E- Books, Microsoft Word, Power Point, Publisher and as what you can see on the above are genetic software. Based on what I have learned in my class, I realized that Microsoft Word can facilitate our language learning. It shows the correct spelling and suggestion for other vocabularies in which it helps me in my writing.

C. Web-based Learning Programs

Web-based learning programs the applications and stuff found on the internet which are co-opted for use as tools for language teaching and learning. Examples of Web-based learning programs are online dictionary, only encyclopedias, blogs, wiki, magazine and news websites. I have attached some of the useful web-based learning programs. Feel free to open it.

1. Online dictionary: Oxford Online Dictionary, Merriam Webster Dictionary

2. Encyclopedia: Encyclopedia

3. Blogs: Any useful blogs for teaching and learning purposes

4. Wiki: Wikipedia Dictionary

5. Magazine website

6. News website

D. Computer Mediated Communication (CMC)

Computer Mediated Communication (CMC) is one of the CALL programs that we used in our daily life. I am quite sure that most of you are familiar with WhatsApp, Facebook, gmail and Wechat. As a matter of fact, I believe that you might have used one of the applications that I had mentioned on the above.

Computer Mediated Communication or CMC refers to the applications or websites designed to facilitate online communication. There are two types of CMC which are synchronous and asynchronous. Here are the differences between the two of them.

CONCLUSION

Based on what I have learned, computer and its applications plays an important role in engaging human to gain knowledge. It helps us to learn the language by using advanced method and tool. Not only it can use for language learning but it can apply in another area of study too. Thus, I would like to conclude of what I have gained from this topic which are:

That is all for this chapter 😎 Do not hesitate to ask me if you have any questions. 😄

Wait for my next entry.😁

Until then, be safe and take care people. 💖