Computer-assisted language learning: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 00:38, 26 December 2004

Revision as of 17:53, 24 January 2005

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Fascinated by the new technology, many users within the school environment focused on technological issues, neglecting pedagogical and methodological questions and not realising that innovative pedagogy and methodology were required to integrate satisfactorily the use of computers into the languages curriculum. One point of criticism which could easily be refuted was the claim that students tended to be isolated from their classmates when working in a computer lab - the "battery chicken" syndrome. It was found out, however, that using computers in language classes could promote team work among students and, if planned well, could also encourage them to use the target language to communicate in front of their PCs, thus increasing the time they spent practising their oral skills.

Whole-class teaching, which was a feature of early CALL - because scoolsschools could only afford one computer per classroom - is now making a comeback with the introduction of interactive whiteboards.

Generally speaking, however, CALL pedagogy and methodology continue to lag behind the technology.