Fundamentals of CALL

What is CALL?
Computer Assisted language learning (CALL) can be defined as the use
of computer applications and technologies in language learning
processes.
It also may be considered as the search for and study of applications
of the computer in language teaching and learning. (Beatty, 2003, p.
7).

A brief history of CALL

CALL was first developed in the 1960s as Traditional CALL and it was
restricted on texts presented on screens for university students. With the
development of microcomputers in the late 1970s early 1980s, the number
of the audiences and users of computers in the learning process has
increased handling the name Explorative CALL.

In the late 1980s, early 1990s , there were different categories of CALL
programs that help students in their language learning processes. Each kind
of these programs is specialized in a specific field of improving students
learning skills. For example, there were filling in the blanks programs, textentry programs, multiple choice programs and voice-recording programs.

The Advantages and Limitations of CALL

Advantages of CALL

Disadvantages of CALL

It motivates students to learn.

Improves students
communication skills.
Keeps students in touch with
other cultures.
It saves students and teachers
time.
Students can freely choose any
topic they want to learn.

Not all students may have

internet connection.
Some schools lack the required
equipments.
No face to face interaction
between students and teaches.
It increases the educational
costs.
Some teachers may have limited
skills and knowledge about CALL.

The Three Phases of CALL

Behaviorist CALL
Defined by the dominant behaviorist theories of learning of Skinner as
well as the technological limitations of computers from the 1960s to
the early 1980s. (Mitsikopoulou, p. 1)

 In behaviorist CALL the learners observe the information, practice

the information and then receive reinforcement through praise.
(Mitsikopoulou, p. 4)
This method focused on drilling, repetition and habit-formation as
central elements of instruction. (Mitsikopoulou, p. 8)

Communicative CALL
Communicative CALL is based on the communicative
approach to foreign language teaching which became
prominent in the 1970s and 1980s (Mitsikopoulou, p. 2).

The Roles of Communicative CALL

The computer as a tutor: The computer functions as a teacher and
knows the right answer. It provides multiple choice, fill in the blanks
and true/false activities. (Mitsikopoulou , p. 8).
The computer as a stimulus: It stimulates students discussion,
writing and critical thinking. It helps students to become an active
part of the educational environment. (Mitsikopoulou, p. 17).
The computer as a tool: Programs are not designed specifically for
language learning but they can be adapted for this purpose. It teaches
students to manage information. (Mitsikopoulou, p. 24).
Some Examples of such tools: Word Processors, Spreadsheets, Graphic
Programs and spelling and grammar checker. (Mitsikopoulou, p. 24).

Integrative CALL
It is a social or socio-cognitive approach which focuses on language
use in authentic social context. (Mitsikopoulou, p. 2)
Integrative CALL is based on two important technological
development: (Mitsikopoulou, p. 3)
Multimedia CALL
Web-based CALL

Multimedia CALL and Web-based CALL

Multimedia CALL focuses on
creating a more authentic learning
environment as well as improving
students skills (Reading, writing,
listening and speaking) through
multimedia. (Mitsikopoulou, p. 4)

In Web-based CALL, Students can

use the Web to publish their texts
or multimedia materials to share
with partner classes or with the
general public.
Also it offers free lesson
plans/ideas, virtual libraries and
electronic discussion forums.
(Mitsikopoulou, p. 10)

The References:
G. D. (n.d.). LLAS Centre for Languages, Linguistics and Area Studies. Retrieved December 05,
2016, from https://www.llas.ac.uk/resources/gpg/61
Computer-assisted language learning (2016). . In Wikipedia. Retrieved from
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer-assisted_language_learning
Retrieved December 22, 2016, from
http://opencourses.uoa.gr/modules/document/file.php/ENL10/Instructional%20Package/PDFs/U
nit2c_CommunicativeCALL%20.pdf

Mitsikopoulou, B. Retrieved December 22, 2016, from

http://opencourses.uoa.gr/modules/document/file.php/ENL10/Instructional%20Package/PDFs/U
nit2b_BehaviouristicCALL%20.pdf
Mitsikopoulou, B. Retrieved December 22, 2016, from
http://opencourses.uoa.gr/modules/document/file.php/ENL10/Instructional%20Package/PDFs/U
nit2d_IntegrativeCALL.pdf

Retrieved December 22, 2016, from https://selalualways.files.wordpress.com/2010/10/threephases-of-call1.jpg

Retrieved December 22, 2016, from http://image.slidesharecdn.com/activity1-150929002258lva1-app6891/95/activity-18-10-638.jpg?cb=1443486231