The Evolution of CALL

Continuing from previous post, today we learned about the EVOLUTION OF CALL.

CALL has made progression throughout the years. They are :

• Behaviouristic CALL
• Communicative CALL
• Integrated CALL

1. Behaviouristic CALL

Behaviouristic CALL was developed in 1960s based on behaviourist learning theory by Skinner which it is primarily used for Audio-Lingual method. The principal used of a computer is to repetitive drill and practice. Computer is an ultimate teacher's aid because it is seen as a tireless drillmaster that have a perfect pronunciation. It is aimed to transfer textbook and worksheets to computer based- application. The example of this behaviouristic call is the Stanford Project (1960).

2. Communicative CALL

Communicative call was developed in 1970s to 1980s which is to focused on the usage of the language and not so much on the grammar. It teaches grammar implicitly rather than explicitly. Communicative Call allows student to generate their own utterance and it creates an environment where the usage of the language becomes natural.

This progression is where the computer : 

• Acts as a tutor - Non drill format practice, students have more control, computer guides but not judge. Eg: Language games, pronunciation practice.
• As stimulus - Used to stimulate students discussion, to train problem solving skills, games designed around ESL concept, integrated to entertaining games and simulation.
• As a tool - Involves the use of generic software, the program does not provide language materials but empowers student to use and understand the language. Eg: Microsoft Word, Excel, Publisher.

3. Integrated CALL

Integration of real-world CALL than began with CD-ROMs to store large amounts of authentic media that can be used as materials. It became popular when high sped internet is developed and the widely accessible hypermedia. There are 3 parts in Integrated CALL, which are:

• Hypermedia - Extension of hypertext, non-linear medium in of information that included texts, audio and graphical media. It also includes interactive and non- interactive media.
• The Internet and CALL - Recent advances in CALL, used for variety of purpose, have a role in English language. Learners does not only the recipient but also the communicators and creators.
• Computer Mediated Communication (CMC) - An authentic two way communication, students can directly communicate with other speaker and learners from the same language, asynchronous and synchronous.

In conclusion, Even though it is commonly known as old fashion way of learning the language, but it is still used today. With the advancement in technology and the wide spread of it's availability, CALL is changing align with the technology itself. Therefore, computer has became a motivation and learning English now a means to an end. 

Introduction to CALL 📱

So this week, we learned about Introduction to CALL. Let's start! ✨

What is actually CALL?

From my understanding, Computer Assisted Language Learning (CALL) is a term used to refers to the area of technology and second language teaching and learning. It is used to search and study the application of computer in language teaching and learning and also a process in which a learner uses a computer and, as a result, improves his or her language. It involves material designs, technologies, pedagogical theories and modes of instruction.

There are 4 type of CALL programs :

• CALL-Specific Software
• Generic Software
• Web-based Learning Programs
• CMC

1. CALL-Specific Software

CALL-Specific Software is actually applications that are designed to develop and facilitate language learning, such as CD-ROMs, web-based interactive language learning exercises/quizzes.

2. Generic Software

Generic Software is applications that are designed for general purposes, such as word-processors (Word),  presentation software (PowerPoint and spreadsheet (Excel), that can be used to support language learning. To this day, generic software has became very important to our day to day task as the technology has been less paperless environment. Added to the collection such as One Note, Publisher, Outlook, Access and also Lync.

3. Web-based Learning Programs

A Web-based Learning Programs are applications and stuff we found on the internet that co-opted for use as tools for language teaching and learning such as the Wikipedia, Google Scholar, News Website, blog, online dictionaries, and etc.

4. Computer Mediated Communication (CMC)

A Computer Mediated Communication or commonly known as CMC is actually a program that allows us to communicate online. Two types of CMC are synchronous which is like online chat, messaging, etc and asynchronous which is email, discussion forum, message board, etc.

Computers seems like an object that can do everything. But not EVERYTHING a computer can do. These are the differentiation between what a computer can do and can't do :

Computers CAN	Computer CAN’T
Judge predetermined right-or-wrong answers, e.g., multiple choice and fill-in-the-blanks	Judge unexpected input
Provide immediate, yet fixed, feedback, suggestions, and encouragement	Provide individualized feedback beyond a predetermined list of messages
Provide authentic information through multimedia - texts, images, sounds,videos, and animations	Engage learner in rich negotiation of meaning characteristic of face-to-face interaction
Motivate task persistence •Record learner’s writing, speech, and learning progress	Motivate depth and quality of engagement characteristic of human interaction

Last but not least is Roles of the Computer in language learning and teaching:

• Computer as tutor for language drills or skill practice
• Computer as a tool for writing, presenting, and researching
• Computer as a medium of global communication

That is all for now. Thanks for reading! To be continued btw......😄😄😄

What is Blogging?

So, what is actually blogging?
Blogging is the trend for youngsters and paparazzi like Perez Hilton around the 2000's to keep up with the news and also gossips. But in 2017, it became a trend again as our technology also are getting more advanced. A blog is actually a "web log" which over time became "blog". It is commonly known for writing a journal or diary online which you can update everyday and express yourself to the whole world.
Now, lets move on to the real deal. There are many types of blogs which are Weblog, Tutor blog, Class blog and Learner blog. Each one of these have their own different purposes and usage. Let's start with Weblog.

A weblog or blog, are often maintained and run by a single individual that it is updated daily, or contain personal remarks about a topic, a personal ramble, or an update on the person's life. It contains text, images or even videos. It is open to everyone (public) and really easy to set up and maintain. The only thing you will need to create a weblog or blog is just a computer/laptop and a reliable internet connection. Easy peasy right? 😋

Moving on to the next one is Tutor blog. What is Tutor blog?

A Tutor blog is a blog where the contents can be a syllabus material, course information, home work and also assignments. It is usually runs by a teacher where they can have access to the blog and add the information needed. Certain tutor blogs contains or share about reflections, culture and experiences that are related to the teaching material.  Students are restricted at the comments section as it is only serve to school work related. This is convenient for students to get information about a topic from a teacher/lecturer indirectly. A comment section is also provided for students to ask questions. But, it has small disadvantage because it is not a real time communication where the teacher/lecturer need to reply to the questions asked.

Next is Class blog. A class blog is basically dedicated for students and teachers. It is where the teacher and students can communicate regarding a topic and discuss it together at the comment section. This site is usually shared between the class members. This is very convenient for both parties as it gave them benefits such as the students are more involve in the content itself and the teacher is the moderator.

Last but not least is Learner blog. A learner blog is a students personal blog where the can make it as a journal where they can express their thoughts, sharing their reflection on a lesson or even write about things that interests them. Basically it is just like what I am doing right now where Madam Azidatun can check up on my blog to mark my work hehehe 😁 This is also to encourage the students to be more frequent about out-of-class writing. But there's a catch because it takes more time and efforts for the teachers to implement it.

It is undeniable that there are pro and cons about blogging. But mostly there are more good reasons than the disadvantages. I believe that by blogging, it can saves our planet as a paperless product which is also easier and cheaper to conduct as well as a great tool for teachers to use in class.

Me, Myself and I

Hello friends! Welcome to my blog!
First things first, my name is Siti Syareena.My nickname is Reena.I am 22 years old this year andwas born in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Currently, I am furthering my degree 

in English Language Studies @ KUPTM KL.

This blog is specifically for the subject of 

Internet Technologies for Language Learning.
This subject is teached by Madam Azidatunnoor for semester 4.
I find that this subject is particularly
interesting because I myself
have been admiring technologies since I was a kid.
Therefore, it is undeniable that I have a great connection and
so much love for technologies.
I hope that I can score and do well for this subject
by the end of the semester.

Thank you for reading! Au revoir!