The Language Teacher

Computer Assisted Language Learning (CALL) helps students and teachers in their quest to make language learning simpler, more efficient, easier and more interesting. Computers in language learning are now being used in at least three different areas. Some examples:

Writing

Instead of using the computer as a fancy typewriter, regular word processing software can help with prewriting and postwriting. Students can make lists of ideas and drag-and-drop (move with the mouse) them to put them in groups or in some order. Important ideas can be highlighted, made bigger, or even color coded. Then they can be put into an outline or mind maps. From there it is easy to expand the ideas into sentences without having to type the original ideas again. A few more clicks and the list of sentences become a paragraph. The postwriting aids include grammar and punctuation checkers which can be modified by the teacher to catch the mistakes focused on in the lesson. Spell checkers offer lists of alternatives for the students to correct words not found in the dictionary. Then the paragraph can be made beautiful with all kinds of different typesets and formatting.

Computers and Communication

Electronic mail (e-mail) is a perfect example of Computer Mediated Communication (CMC). Students can easily find keypals through a number of agencies on the Internet. They can take their time composing messages to native speakers who respond with real human interest, but without the pressure of immediate conversation. Students can also write about focused topics such as movies or music, in groups. Each student discussion member sends a message which is seen by all the group members, wherever in the world they may be. News groups and the World Wide Web also offer other opportunities for CMC.

Interactive Multimedia

The best software today poses a realistic problem or goal that makes learners use language, and gives them the help to accomplish that goal at the exact moment it is needed. Students can work individually at their own pace to use their time most effectively. "People retain 10 percent of what they see, 20 percent of what they hear, half of what they see and hear (the multimedia advantage), and 80 percent of what they see, hear and do (the interactive edge)" (Begley, Newsweek, May 31, 1994, p. 47). Tasks can be as simple as setting up a food stand, or as difficult as solving a murder mystery or getting your UFO fixed. Some of these can be adjusted to the student level. Discussion can be with the computer (it can recognize your voice!) or with other students.

Resource/Reference

CD-ROMs and the Internet provide unlimited and indexed information for teachers to manage classes, keep records, give feedback, and get new ideas. Students learn new ways to find and organize information.

All this, and the computer revolution is still just getting started. To find out what lays ahead and to use what is available, join the JALT CALL N-SIG or ask us about other groups.

Kevin Ryan is the Coordinator the CALL N-SIG. He can be reached at: ShowaĆ@Women's University, 1-7 Taishido, Setagaya, Tokyo 154. Phone/fax (home): 044-853-7058; E-mail: ryan@swu.ac.jp