The Roles of Computer in

:Language Teaching and Learning

1 2016-2nd term
• Three roles of the computer in
Communicative CALL:
• 1-The Computer as a Tutor (As a teacher).
• 2- The Computer as Stimulus (To stimulate
• discussion, critical thinking etc)
• 3- The Computer as Tool (Tool to use and
• understand language)

2 2016-2nd term
1-The Computer as a Tutor (As a teacher).
• The role of the computer as tutor is to present to the learners the
content of the lesson as text graphics, video, animation, or slides,
including learning activities, drills and practice. The computer
serves as a means for delivering instructional materials.
• Examples of CALL tutorial programs are:
• Grammar : Longman Grammar Software.
• Reading : Read It! Study Skills (Clarity Language Consultants) (EAP
reading); Rocket Reader (1998) (a speed reading program)
• Writing : Paragraph Punch (a writing tutor for effective paragraph);
Write Express Easy Letters (effective business letters); Power
Editing (an interactive tutorial on how to edit and revise sentences)
• Speaking, Pronunciation & Listening: Learn to Speak (The Learning
Company)

3 2016-2nd term
2- The Computer as Stimulus (To stimulate
discussion, critical thinking etc)

• Simulations and problem solving is used to foster analysis,

critical thinking, discussion and writing activities. The
computer is not used much for tutorial purposes. The
program is designed to create language interaction through
problematic situations, conditions or problems challenging for
the learner to solve. Many simulation programs are problem
solving games, which are entertaining and educational
("edutainment").
• Examples: Educational simulation problem solving games are
Carmen Sandiego, A Day in the Life (1995), and Carmen
Sandiego Word Detective (1999), which helps learners to
master essential language skills, Amazon Trail II (The Learning
Company) which is a simulation of a trip up the Amazon River.

4 2016-2nd term
3- The Computer as Tool (Tool to use and
understand language)

• The programs do not necessarily provide any

language material at all, but rather empower the
learner to use or understand language.
• 1-Word Processors, Spreadsheets, Graphic Programs
• The most common tool used by teachers and learners
in CALL is probably word processors. Word Processors
are tools for creating documents for making
handouts, sheets, desktop publishing, letters, and
flyers for language teaching and learning.
• Examples: WordPerfect, Microsoft Word, Simple Text, BBedit,
Excel, Corel Draw, etc.

5 2016-2nd term
• 2- Spelling and Grammar Checkers:
• Spelling and Grammar checkers are tools for ELT teachers and
learners for conducting spelling and Grammar check.
• Spell it Deluxe (1997), Bilingual Writing Centre, the Grammar
Check in Microsoft Word etc.
• 3-Desktop Publishing Program:
• PageMaker, etc.
• 4- Reference:
• At present many CD versions of encyclopedias, dictionaries,
thesauruses, maps and other references are available to the
teachers and learners.
• Longman Dictionary of American English, Oxford Picture
Dictionary CD-ROM, Microsoft Encarta Interactive World Atlas
2000 etc.

6 2016-2nd term
How Computers can be used in the
?Language Class
• 1) Teaching with one computer in the class

- delivery of content (PowerPoint, word-processor,

Webpages, etc.)
- classroom activities/discussions mediated by the
computer
- Interactive whiteboard

7 2016-2nd term
• 2) Teaching in the computer network room
(network-based language teaching)
- task-based group work /activities
- computer-mediated communication (CMC):
asynchronous/synchronous
- tandem learning.

• 3) Self-access learning (independent learning)

- drills and exercises
- word processing
- resource searching
8 2016-2nd term
• 4) Distance learning
• (i.e. individual learners working by themselves, at a
place and time of their choice and, to some extent, at
a pace and in an order also chosen by themselves.)

- delivering online course content

- CMC activities: email, discussion forum, chat
rooms
- tandem learning

9 2016-2nd term