Learning Log 9 30/08/2016

This week I learnt about CALL : Computer Assisted Language Learning
the advantages  of applying CALL

Learner’s Factors

• CALL can adapt to the learners' abilities and preferences.

• CALL can adapt to the learners’ cognitive and learning styles.
• CALL can adapt to the learner’s self-paced learning. CALL can be used for remedial work for slow learners and to accelerate learning for fast learners.
• CALL offers individualized and private learning.
• CALL, with branching capability, provides choices and paths for learning, allowing learners to work independently.
• CALL allows learners to control their own learning process and progress.

Motivation and Attitudes

• CALL provides strong motivation for learning. Students will often do on a computer what they are reluctant to do in a textbook or paper-pencil.
• Some CALL features such as graphics, sounds, animation, video, audio are interesting and motivating for many learners.
• CALL can improve learners’ attitudes towards learning English.

• CALL (internet) provides authentic communication that motivates students to use language outside language classroom.

Feedback and Progress Record

• CALL can provide immediate responsiveness and feedback.
• CALL provides accurate records of the learner’s performance and progress.

Teacher’s Roles and the Relationship with the Learner

• CALL can change the relationship between teacher and student.
• The teacher becomes a facilitator rather than a person who controls the learning environment.

• CALL is predictable and non-judgemental.

Mastery Learning

• CALL provides opportunities for mastery-learning language skills.
• CALL can lower the amount of time required to master some materials.

Co-operative Learning

• CALL (e.g.simulation games) encourages learners to work cooperatively in problem solving.

• CALL allows learners to learn cooperatively as a result of working together (such as group works, and discussion.)

Communication

• CALL (e.g. games and puzzles) create information gaps which provide learners a need to communicate or interact with each other or with the program.

• CALL (e.g. e-mail, chat, moos) promote direct communicative skills for the learners.
• CALL (e.g. e-mail, chat, moos) provides authentic, real communication with native speakers of English outside the classroom.

Access to Information and Cultures

• CALL (e.g. CD-ROM and the internet) can increase access to information to the learners.
• CALL (CD-ROM and the internet) allow learners to acess to cultures around the world.

Learning Environment

• CALL is a neutral medium. Compared to teachers, computers do not lose patience, get angry, or play favourites as some teachers do. This creates a safe learning environment.
• CALL can provide an active and positive learning environment.
• Integration of a variety of multimedia such as texts, graphics, sound, animation, and video, allowing for creating authentic meaningful language learning environments.

• CALL (the internet) has no limitations regarding different time zones and places.

Cost Effectiveness

• CALL is cost effective.