CALL (Computer Assisted Language

Learning)
What is CALL?
Computer-assisted language Learning (CALL):
is an approach to teaching and learning in which the
computer and computer-based resources such as the Internet
are used to present, reinforce and assess material to be
learned. It usually includes a substantial interactive element.
It also includes the search for and the investigation of
applications in language teaching and learning.
 CALL has also been known by several other terms such as
technology-enhanced language learning, computer-assisted
language instruction (Davies) and computer-aided language
learning but the field is the same.
History of CALL
 Computers have been used for language teaching ever since
the 1960's.
 According to Warschauer & Healey (1998) the history of
CALL can be divided into three stages:
1. Behaviorist CALL
2. Communicative CALL
3. And integrative CALL.
Behaviorist CALL
 Behaviorist CALL: In the 1960's and 1970's the first form of
computer-assisted Language Learning featured repetitive
language drills, the so-called drill-and- practice method. It
was based on the behaviorist learning model and as such the
computer was viewed as little more than a tutor. Computers
work as mechanical tutors that never get tired.
Communicative CALL
 Communicative CALL Communicative CALL emerged in
the 1970's and 1980's as a reaction to the behaviorist
approach to language learning. Supporters of communicative
CALL rejected behaviorist approaches at both the theoretical
and pedagogical level. Communicative CALL corresponded
to cognitive theories which stressed that learning was a
process of discovery, expression and development. In
communicative CALL, the focus was not so much on what
students did with the computer, but rather what they learnt
from each other while working on the computer.
Integrative CALL
 Integrative CALL Started to take hold in 1990s and
onwards
 Focus on use of multimedia and internet
 Combines text, sound, video, images, etc. in presentation
 Allows interaction between individual language learners and
“ Computer Work a as facilitator”
Background of CALL
 The term CALI (computer-assisted language instruction) was in
use before CALL. It appeared to imply a teacher-centered
approach; whereas, language teachers are more inclined to prefer
a student-centered approach, focusing on learning rather than
instruction. CALL began to replace CALI in the early 1980s
(Davies & Higgins 1982: p. 3) An alternative term, technology-
enhanced language learning (TELL), also emerged around the
early 1990s.
How does CALL functions?
 CALL puts a strong emphasis on student-centered materials
that allow learners to work on their own. Such materials may
be structured or unstructured, but they normally embody
two important features: interactive learning and
individualized learning.
 CALL is essentially a tool that help teachers to facilitate the
language learning process. It can be used to reinforce what
has already been learned in the classroom or as a tool to help
learners who require additional support.
Significance of CALL
 It was in year 2020 when the whole world including Pakistan witnessed
complete lock down and closure of educational institutes due to
pandemic. The only option to facilitate students was teaching and
learning in a virtual environment. Teachers and institutes who embraced
the reality and shifted to computer assisted learning process, managed to
survive and facilitated student’ learning to a great extent; whereas, many
institutes surrender to the challenges, could not pace with the demands
of the time and thus perished.
 CALL helped in minimize academic losses and helped people collaborate
and interact in the days of isolation and stress.
Thank you