Computer-assisted language learning: Difference between revisions

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{{Use British English|date=November 2013}}

{{Redirect|CALL|other uses|Call (disambiguation){{!}}Call}}

'''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.

An alternative term, technology-enhanced language learning (TELL),<ref>Bush M. & Terry R. (1997) (eds.) ''Technology-enhanced language learning'', Lincolnwood, Illinois: National Textbook Company.</ref> also emerged around the early 1990s: e.g. the TELL Consortium project, [[University of Hull]].

The current philosophy of CALL emphasizes student-centered materials that empower learners to work independently. These materials can be structured or unstructured but typically incorporate two key features: interactive and individualized learning. CALL employs tools that assist teachers in facilitating language learning, whether reinforcing classroom lessons or providing additional support to learners. The design of CALL materials typically integrates principles from [[language pedagogy]] and methodology, drawing from various learning theories such as behaviourism, cognitive theory, constructivism, and second-language acquisition theories like Stephen Krashen's. [[monitor hypothesis]].

A combination of face-to-face teaching and CALL is usually referred to as [[blended learning]]. Blended learning is designed to increase learning potential and is more commonly found than pure CALL (Pegrum 2009: p.&nbsp;27).<ref>Pegrum M. (2009) ''From blogs to bombs: The future of digital technologies in education'', Perth: University of Western Australia Press.</ref>

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There have been several attempts to document the history of CALL. Sanders (1995) covers the period from the mid-1960s to the mid-1990s, focusing on CALL in North America.<ref>Sanders R. (ed.) (1995) ''Thirty years of computer-assisted language instruction'', Festschrift for John R. Russell, ''CALICO Journal'' Special Issue, 12, 4.</ref> Delcloque (2000) documents the history of CALL worldwide, from its beginnings in the 1960s to the dawning of the new millennium.<ref>Delcloque P. (2000) ''History of CALL'' [Online]: http://www.ict4lt.org/en/History_of_CALL.pdf</ref> Davies (2005) takes a look back at CALL's past and attempts to predict where it is going.<ref>Davies G. (2005) ''Computer Assisted Language Learning: Where are we now and where are we going?'' [ Online]: http://www.camsoftpartners.co.uk/docs/UCALL_Keynote.htm</ref> Hubbard (2009) offers a compilation of 74 key articles and book excerpts, originally published in the years 1988–2007, that give a comprehensive overview of the wide range of leading ideas and research results that have exerted an influence on the development of CALL or that show promise in doing so in the future.<ref>Hubbard P. (2009) (ed.) ''Computer-assisted language learning'', Volumes I-IV, Routledge: London and New York: http://www.stanford.edu/~efs/callcc/</ref> A published review of Hubbard's collection can be found in ''Language Learning & Technology'' 14, 3 (2010).<ref>''Language Learning & Technology'' (2010) 14, 3, pp. 14–18 [Online]: http://llt.msu.edu/issues/october2010/index.html</ref>

Butler-Pascoe (2011) looks at the history of CALL from a different point of view, namely the evolution of CALL in the dual fields of [[educational technology]] and second/foreign language acquisition and the paradigm shifts experienced along the way.<ref>Butler-Pascoe M. E. (2011) "The history of CALL: the intertwining paths of technology and second/foreign language teaching", ''International Journal of Computer-Assisted Language Learning and Teaching (IJCALLT)'' 1, 1: 16–32: http://www.igi-global.com/ijcallt</ref>

See also Davies et al. (2011: Section 2, ''History of CALL'').<ref name=davieswalkeretal/>