'''Computer-assisted language learning''' (CALL), known as '''computer-aidedassisted instructionlearning''' (CAICAL) in British English and '''computer-aided language instruction''' (CALI) and '''computer-aided instruction''' (CAI) in American English,<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Higgins|first=John|date=1983|title=Computer assisted language learning|journal=Language Teaching|volume=16|issue=2|pages=102–114|doi=10.1017/S0261444800009988|s2cid=145169394 }}</ref> Levy (1997: p. 1) briefly defines it as "the exploration and study of computer applications in language teaching and learning."<ref name="levy1997">Levy, M. (1997). CALL: Context and Conceptualisation. Oxford: Oxford University Press.</ref> CALL embraces a wide range of [[information and communications technology]] "applications and approaches to teaching and learning foreign languages, ranging from the traditional drill-and-practice programs that characterized CALL in the 1960s and 1970s to more recent manifestations of CALL, such as those utilized [[virtual learning environment]] and Web-based [[distance learning]]. It also extends to the use of [[#Corpora and concordancers|corpora and concordancers]], interactive whiteboards,<ref name="schmidcutrim2009">Schmid, Euline Cutrim. (2009). Interactive Whiteboard Technology in the Language Classroom: Exploring New Pedagogical Opportunities. Saarbrücken, Germany: VDM Verlag Dr. Müller.</ref> computer-mediated communication (CMC),<ref name="lamyhampel">Lamy M.-N. & Hampel R. (2007) ''Online communication in language learning and teaching'', Houndmills: Palgrave Macmillan.</ref> [[#Virtual worlds|language learning in virtual worlds]], and [[Mobile-assisted language learning|mobile-assisted language learning (MALL)]].<ref name="shieldkukulska">Shield, L., & Kukulska-Hulme, A. (Eds.). (2008). Special edition of ReCALL (20, 3) on Mobile Assisted Language Learning.</ref>
The term CALI (computer-assisted language instruction) was used before CALL, originating as a subset of the broader term CAI (computer-assisted instruction). CALI fell out of favor among language teachers, however, because it seemed to emphasize a teacher-centered instructional approach. Language teachers increasingly favored a student-centered approach focused on learning rather than instruction. CALL began to replace CALI in the early 1980s (Davies & Higgins, 1982: p. 3).<ref>Davies G. & Higgins J. (1982) ''Computers, language and language learning'', London: CILT.</ref> and it is now incorporated into the names of the growing number of [[#Professional associations|professional associations]] worldwide.
