TOPIC 2: What Computers Can Do?

CALL

Communication and technology have been part of our live, especially in the area of education. Today, computers play a significant role in the learning process.


A computer is a tool and medium that facilitates people in learning a language. Therefore, teaching and learning English as a second language will definitely become easier with the proper use of the computers.


So in today's class, I have learned about CALL (Computer Assisted Language Learning) which an approach to language teaching and learning in which the computer is used as an aid to the presentation, reinforcement and assessment of material to be learned. The class was introduced to 4 types of CALL which are CALL-Specific Software, Generic Software, Web-based Learning Programs and CMC.

👉CALL-specific software

Applications designed to develop and facilitate language learning, such as CD-ROMs, web-based interactive language learning exercises/quizzes 

👉Generic software

Applications designed for general purposes, such as word-processors (Word),  presentation software (PowerPoint), and spreadsheet (Excel), that can be used to support language learning 

👉Web-based learning programs

Online dictionaries, online encyclopedias, news/magazine sites, e-texts, web-quests, web publishing, blog, wiki, etc.

👉Computer-mediated communication (CMC) programs

Synchronous - online chat; asynchronous - email, discussion forum, message board

In today’s technologically based fast moving world, one must be able to understand and be flexible while recognizing the needs to learn. We should fully utilized the roles of the computer in language learning and teaching which computer can act as tutor for language drills or skill practice as well as a tool for writing, presenting, and researching.