CALL
(Computer Assist Language Learning)
CALL
(Computer-Assisted Learning Language) is an approach to language teaching and
learning in which computer technology is used as an aid to the presentation,
reinforcement and assessment of material to be learned, usually including a
substantial interactive element. CALL is not a method. It is a tool that helps
teachers to facilitate language learning process. CALL can be used to reinforce
what has been learned in the classrooms. It can also be used as remedial to
help learners with limited language proficiency.
The
design of CALL is used to help the teacher completing the learning, because
CALL have 2 important features, they are bidirectional (interactive) learning
and individualized learning. So CALL is not be used to replace the face to face
language instruction.
Maybe
using the internet to teach language in schools in Indonesia is still not
realistic for now because there is a lack of funding from government and
education institution itself, but maybe it can be realized in the future.
Actually in the learning with using CALL can give some advantages for students
and teachers, they are 1) CALL is good
for motivating students to study English, 2) Students can get different types
of input using a computer, 3) Learning can be individualized using computers, 4)
CALL can overcome barriers of time and place, 5) Teachers can get materials
from commercial companies. But there is also a disadvantage where the teachers
have obstacles in doing implementation in their class especially in Indonesia,
like there is no enough instrument in teaching, a school has to have a computer
for a student and of course there must be internet there.
However,
most of the problems that appear in the literature on CALL have more to do with
teacher expectations and apprehensions about what computers can do for the
language learner and teacher. Teachers and administrators tend to either think
computers are worthless or even harmful, or can do far more than they are
really capable of. Reluctance on part of teachers can come from lack of
understanding and even fear of technology. Often CALL is not implemented unless
it is required even if training is offered to teachers
For adoption of
learning technologies in schools, of course Teachers should be computer
literate and trained continuously and they have to get more experiences in
using CALL.Source:
