Computer-assisted language learning (CALL) is a form of computer-based 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 learning material, which promotes self-paced learning.However, there are different definitions about this term. Some people may call it a courseware, an educational computerized program.Others may call CALL an approach to teaching and learning foreign languages whereby the computer and computer-based resources such as the Internet are used to present, reinforce and assess material to be learned.
The integration of computers as a way of learning foreign languages is a fact increasingly developed among suppliers and language materials. Nowadays there is a tendency of using CALL didactid materials for independent learning, without the supervision of a proffesor.
On the other hand, the gradual integration of technology in classrooms over the last twenty years reflects the technological developments that those technologies are undergoing. The tools used by this new system (CALL) enable the professor and the students to have a more interactive teaching and learning, because they use the internet and digital platforms where the students can work on and evaluate their own knowledge and progresses on the language they are focused on.
Moreover, Computer Assisted Language Learning (CALL) has highly developed in Europe and the USA. There are organizations which centre their investigations on this topic such as APACALL (Asia-Pacific Association for CALL), CALICO (US-based professional association devoted to CALL. Manages a regular annual conference.), EUROCALL (Europe-based professional association devoted to CALL. Manages a regular annual conference.) or PacCALL (Professional CALL association in the Pacific: from East to Southeast Asia, Oceania, across to the Americas.).
This new teaching tool continues improving the learning of foreign languages and making them more accesible to those who use this method.
Sources:
- Wikipedia, la enciclopedia libre. Última modificación: 29-03-08. Fecha de consulta: 23-04-08. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer-assisted_language_learning
- Computer Assisted Language Learning, Retrieved 18:09, May 7th, 2008 from http://edvista.com/claire/call.html
