Computer-Assisted Language Learning



Introduction

Computer Assisted Language Learning (CALL) is also considered as language teaching method which is practically not accepted. Traditionally CALL methodology was used to be a behaviouristic approach in programmable teaching. In programmable teaching, students input where checked by computers and feedbacks were given to them. The latest CALL is focused on communication (Anonymus).

Now a day the role of CALL has been changed. It has shifted from receiving inputs and then giving feedbacks towards the communication management, text management, audio and video management. As days are passing it is seen that from 2006 onwards all appliances are merging into one unit. Like television, audio, video, text, graphics, internet and many more things are available into mobile phones (Anonymus).

In the development of CALL, army has played the most important role. Military has developed the base for this field and brought CALL at this level. There were many inaccuracies about CALL in start but the authors of EUROCALL (2000) discovered the facts about CALL. CALL played strategic role in making multilingual and multicultural, educational learners. It is helpful for the learners to know about the history of CALL which gives summary about its contributors to the learners. It also enables a person to be updated about how the system and how it came into being (anonymus, 2000).

Computers from the past decade are considered to be a significant source for teaching and learning purposes. Softwares, internet and networking systems have created great opportunities for students to increase their communication skills. Not only for the learners of any specific region but for the global learners. Computers are also considered as a major player in bringing cultural change in the world. Way of doing work, way of living, and way of communication all have been changed because of the silicon chip (Davies, 2002).

As the computer chips innovations has reached so far there is no wonder about the development of CALL. Many struggles have been done on CALL to bring innovative changes in it. Firstly CALL was used for other purposes but with the passage of time computer teachers have applied technological innovation in CALL and made it language education (Davies at el, 2000). In 1980s changes started to occur in technological field. Firstly the desktop computers came which were very slow, its memory was also low too (Davies at el, 2005). With the passage of time electronic changes were continuously taking place and small computers were introduced and then laptops. In early years of CALL more focus was on how to use this technology instead of using it for learning purpose. It was also debated that the computer are replacement of teachers or not because of their advance features (Davies, 2005).

Literature Review

CALL is a term which is used by teachers and students both to describe the use of computer as a subject of language course. Traditionally it was used for three basic aims of language. A student is first given a rule with some examples and then questions were asked to check knowledge of ...