CALL (Computer-Assisted Language Learning Program)
Chris Higgins, Gallaudet University
For many years, foreign language teachers have used the computer to provide
supplemental exercises. In recent years, advances in computer technology have
motivated teachers to reassess the computer andconsider it a valuable part of daily
foreign language learning. Innovative software programs, authoring
capabilities, compact disk technology, and elaborate computer networks are providing
teachers with new methods of incorporating culture, grammar, and real language
use inthe classroom while students gain access to audio, visual, and textual
information about the language and the culture of its speakers.
Computer-Based Foreign Language Programs
For many years,basic dril land-practice softwareprograms dominated the marketin
computer-assisted language learning (CALL). These programsfocusedon vocabulary or
discrete grammarpoints.A vast array of drill-and-practice programs
are still available; inaddition, however,an increasing number of innovative
and interactive programs are being developed. Simulation programs, while reinforcing grammar
points, present students with real-life situationsin which they learn about the culture of a country and the protocol for various situations
. For example, the Ticket series by Bluelion Software and Recuerdos de
Madrid from D.C.Heath are simulations that provide country-specific situations
in a task-based format. PC Globe and
encyclopedia-type programs are information programs that allow students to conduct
research in the targetlanguage. Games such as the foreign language versions of Where
in the World Is Carmen Sandiego? by Brøderbund Software or Trivial Pursuit from
Gesslerpublishers provide an entertaining environment forstudents to learn culture
and the target language through problem-solving and competition. Writing assistants,
like Salsa and Système-D (Davis, 1992; Garrett, 1991) aid students in writing
compositions in the target language by providing help in grammar, style, and
verb conjugation and use (Willetts, in press).
compositions in the target language by providing help in grammar, style, and
verb conjugation and use (Willetts, in press).
ตัวอย่าง CALL
Present
Practice
Product
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