TOPIC 2

Assalamualaikum and hi peeps,

Last week in the Internet Technologies for Language Learning class, we learnt about blog (take a look at my previous entry) and CALL.

Before we go further with this topic, actually I have learned CALL during diploma in semester 4 in Material Adaptation subject. We used application to create questions and to make the learning process become more interesting and effective. We used application such as HotPotatoes, Prezi and Powtoon. Since we studied TESL, obviously we need to ensure this technology is useful to assist the students in learning English language and at the same time they are having fun. However, I only use this in the class and did not have any chance to apply this method during my practicum in school due to shortage of computers and projector. So, rather than using the technology approach, I used my own alternative such as crossword ( I write it down on a mahjong paper) and given clues in questions form written in colourful cue cards ( Guess what? i wrote them and spare my time doing this for one whole day. Yes it took longer than I ever expected. Very time consuming💣). It did work well but it took longer time to prepare for the material itself since it was a handmade. If there is any other choice, I would prefer to use computer to shorter my time and make it more effective😥 (sadly I can't. That's why I said "if"😔). So here is a little bit about CALL.👇

What is CALL?

Computer-assisted language learning (CALL) is a term used to refer to the area of technology and second language teaching and learning. It is the process in which a learner uses a computer and improves his or her language as a result. There are few types of CALL programs namely:

1. CALL-specific software is the applications and programs designed to facilitate language learning. It includes web-based exercises/quizzes (CD-ROM), ELT-Software, games etc. 
2. Generic software refers to applications designed for general purposes. For example, MS-word Processor, PowerPoint, E-Books, MS-Publisher etc. that can be used to support language learning.
3. Web-based learning programs is a form of tools that can be found on the internet such as online dictionaries, encyclopedias, new/magazines sites, blog, wiki, etc.
4. Computer-mediated communication (CMC) programs is a websites designed to facilitate online communication. There are two types:

Synchronous – Instant Messaging, online chat, Whatsapp, (immediate reply)

Asynchronous – Email, discussion forum, message board, etc.📧 (most of the times, it was delayed)

Well, computers can do many things that sometimes we did not realize. It can judge predetermined right-or-wrong answers for example in the multiple choice and fill-in-the-blanks but it cannot judge unexpected input. It provides immediate feedback or suggestions in which it corrected the grammatical error found in a text. Moreover, computer also provides authentic information through multimedia such as texts, images, sounds, videos, and animations (gif). The most important things is computer motivate task persistence. It record learner’s writing, speech and learning process.