Rujira Machimo ID:51010512539... English Major: CALL Model

Lesson Plan : CALL Model

Computer-assisted language learning (CALL)

Computer-assisted language learning (CALL) is a form of computer-based assisted learning which carries two important features: bidirectional learning and individualized learning. It is not a method. CALL materials are tools for learning. The focus of CALL is learning, and not teaching. CALL materials are used in teaching to facilitate the language learning process. It is a student-centered accelerated learning material, which promotes self-paced accelerated learning.

Advantages of CALL

Motivation: using a variety of multimedia components in one program or course has been shown to increase student interest and motivation. One quantifiable benefit to increased motivation is that students tend to spend more time on tasks when on the computer. More time is frequently cited as a factor in achievement

Adapting learning to the student: Students tend to prefer exercises where they have control over content, such as branching stories, adventures, puzzles or logic problems. With these, the computer has the role of providing attractive context for the use of language rather than directly providing the language the student needs.

Authenticity: “Authenticity” in language learning means the opportunity to interact in one or more of the four skills (reading, writing, listening, speaking) by using or producing texts meant for an audience in the target language, not the classroom.

Critical thinking skills: Use of computer technology in classrooms is generally reported to improve self-concept and mastery of basic skills, more student-centered learning and engagement in the learning process, more active processing resulting in higher-order thinking skills and better recall, gain confidence in directing their own learning.

The CALL environment is highly motivating and less threatening psychologically,
which has greatly changed the teaching and learning of second/foreign language
speaking skills. However, compared with how computers are used to enhance the
learners’ writing, reading and listening skills, the application associated with the
improvement of the learners’ speaking skills is still rather weak. In a CALL survey
(Levy 1997), under software categories, the rate for speaking is much lower than
those for reading, writing and reading.
Language is basically speech. In all first language acquisition, the understanding and
production of speech precedes that of written texts. People talk far more than they
write and the importance of mastery of the spoken language as the primary objective
among learners is confirmed time and again by surveys (Coleman 1991). Therefore,
the use of the specific potential of computers in developing speaking skills and
effective teaching with the existing computer-based environment require further study
for CALL researchers, program designers and language teachers.