I have to admit I loved this week. Reading about CALL (computer assisted language learning) was very exciting. It is just great to see how close technology and teaching have come. I think one of the biggest problems that CALL solves is the reduced amount of time that students have to practice their English in class. Students have access to English 24/7 and that is just amazing.
The obvious application of this technology is grammar practice. Students can get into different websites, solve exercises and get immediate feedback, which is very beneficial. They can even practice by playing some interactive games. There are some other websites that allow students to practice their speaking skills. Currently, the software found in websites does a great job when it comes to pronunciation practice. However, there is still a lot to improve to make a computer able to participate in an active conversation. Hopefully that will never happen and teachers won´t lose their jobs. Just kidding.
Most of my students spend 5 – 6 hours a day online, so why not taking advantage of that? Students love the Internet, games and socializing through the Web, now we can have them learn a language using something they consider fun.
Jota
Hi Jota,
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad that you loved this week! I have a big smile on my face.
Donna
Hi Jota
ReplyDeleteIt is interesting that you loved this week. Your description about CALL is no doubt worthwhile and all over the world English language teachers are benefiting from this technology. But I am concerned about the training of English teachers for the use of CALL reference to third world countries, I do not know much about use of CALL in PERU but here in Pakistan, EFL teachers are not much familiar with CALL. Secondly, do you think that students of primary or secondary grades can do it at their own end ? I believe, they cannot! So technology has its limitations as well.
regards,
Athar