25 Computer Assisted Language Learning (CALL).pdfVIP

Computer Assisted Language Learning CALL 623 25 Computer Assisted Language Learning CALL PAUL GRUBA 25.1 Introduction Simply stated, Computer Assisted Language Learning CALL can be de?ned as “the search for and study of applications of the computer in language teach- ing and learning” Levy, 1997, p. 1 . Although earlier practitioners relied on acronyms such as CAI computer-aided instruction , CAL computer-assisted learning , CELL computer-enhanced language learning and TELL technology- enhanced language learning , CALL is now widely regarded as the central acronym to refer to studies concerned with second language and computer tech- nology. Other terms, however, continue to be introduced to focus on particular uses of the computer. For example, individual learning through adaptive com- puter systems, promoted as intelligent CALL ICALL , and web-enhanced language learning WELL , is used by educators who promote Internet-based activities. A European Community group has formed under the banner ICT4LT Information and Communication Technologies for Language Teachers . For their part, Warschauer and Kern 2000 prefer to use the term NBLT net- worked-based language teaching to encompass a broader range of the inter- connected computers; whereas Debski 2000 has coined the term PrOCALL project-oriented CALL to highlight large-scale collaborative activities. Chapelle 2001 , on the other hand, employs the acronym CASLA computer applica- tions in second language acquisition to serve as an umbrella phrase that pulls together research in CALL, computer-assisted language assessment CALT and computer-assisted second language acquisition research CASLR . Overall, the main objective of CALL is to “improve the learning capacity of those who are being taught a language through computerized means” Cameron, 1999a, p. 2 . Note that such a de?nition