COMPUTER ASSISTED LANGUAGE LEARNING

The CALL theory is a method of teaching languages, although this is not always the case, it is a
behavioral method. CALL covers a wide range of information and communication technology
applications and approaches to language teaching and learning, for example, as used in a Web-
based virtual learning and distance learning environment. There are also "traditional" but
transformed tools such as interactive whiteboards, computer-mediated communication to keep
education on the same basis but with a different approach and method.

All this technological revolution provides us with many activities that both teachers and students
can put into practice such as online chat, commenting or correcting electronic messages or essays,
doing activities such as crossword puzzles, interactive games, and quizzes. Also, the knowledge
is extended to evaluate things like grammar, pronunciation in the case of languages, what has
been learned during the class sessions, etc. Through these tools you can perform these and many
more activities to which little by little people or students will adapt

The limitations of technology can have bad consequences because no matter how much you try
to create interaction between students or even between student/teacher, these types of tools make
people a little more "asocial" so that communication will not be comparable to a face-to-face
class. This method also greatly affects the way data and information is collected electronically.
The environment communicative on the computer as in the Chat, for example, has effects on the
interpretation and analysis of the collected data. Therefore, it is necessary to have a theoretical
framework or a well-structured basis to know what is going to be investigated and how.

As far as communication skills and the application of TICs are concerned, I would say that the
use of the CALL theory is positive because the perspective of all the studies that have been done
makes us think about how positive the implementation and use of the computer for teaching is.
However, we must take into account that it is an instrument that we have, which demands
continuous research. Also, there is a little more enthusiasm among students for the use of new
and authentic materials.
References

Alessi, S., & Trollip, S. (2001). Multimedia for learning. Methods and development. Sección:
Educational web site evaluation form (pp. 414-433). Needham Heights, MA: Allyn & Bacon.

Barr, D. (2008). Computer-enhanced grammar teaching. En F. Zhang & B. Barber (Eds.),

Handbook of research on computer-enhanced language acquisition.

Collentine, J. (1998). Cognitive principles and CALL grammar instruction: A mindcentered,

input approach.