Article Review

Citation of the article

Todd, R.W. (2007). Computer-Assisted Language Use: An Internet Survey, CALL-EJ Online Vol 9, No 1. Available at http://callej.org/journal/9-1/todd.html

Introduction

The article chosen for review was featured in the online journal CALL-EJ and is entitled Computer-Assisted Language Use: An Internet Survey by Richard Watson Todd of King Mongkut University of Technology where he currently serves as an associate professor.

Review

The article in question makes differentiation between Computer Assisted Language Learning (CALL) and what the researcher terms as Computer-Assisted Language Use (CALU). CALU are computer applications that promote the use of a second language such as computer mediated communication, online dictionaries and/or word processors. This differentiation, though not large by any means, discusses how much of the exploration in terms of research has focused on CALL while little attention has been paid to CALU despite the fact that for many non-native speakers the latter (CALU) may be more important. As such the main objective of the researcher was to conduct a survey on the perceptual importance of various CALU applications.

Towards this end, the researcher conducted a questionnaire-based Internet questionnaire whereby links were placed on popular websites. The researcher mentions that an Internet survey was used as his research focused on non-native speakers who used the computer regularly, yet were not enrolled in any formal English classes which created a problem if the research was conducted in a more direct manner. In the end, 95 respondents were garnered for his research, 41 of which were currently working while 54 were currently students.

The questionnaire focused on the frequency of use of seven types of computer applications; software designed to improve English, English websites such as online newspapers, websites specific for English learners, computer mediated communication such as email or chat rooms, online or computer based dictionaries, word processing software, and spelling and/or grammar checker such as those available in Microsoft Words.

If the objective of the researcher was to highlight the importance of CALU based applications then he was successful since his findings pointed to more frequent usage of computer applications that were CALU rather than CALL oriented. In fact, such were the differences that CALU oriented applications were in almost every way, twice as more likely to be used. However, the researcher cautioned, and the reviewer agrees that this does not in any way erode the importance of CALL but rather stresses the importance of having more research towards exploiting CALU oriented applications especially for English for occupational purposes (EOP) and for applications such as grammar and spelling checkers to be friendlier towards second language users.

Reaction

As with all other disciplines, the learning of English does not end with a student leaving the classroom. In fact, in some ways, it may even be described as where actual learning begins, through use. CALU oriented applications provide a platform for English usage. Yet, as mentioned by the researcher, little has been done in terms of exploring these applications further as a means of teaching English. As such, this article has provided an interesting and thought provoking insight into this frequently overlooked resource.

However, this does not mean that the article itself is without weakness, since many of them have been openly admitted by the researcher himself. One example that comes to mind is the number, or rather, lack of respondents. This makes the drawing of any conclusions beyond of that of the respondents accurately virtually impossible. Nevertheless, it must be said that for a research of its scope, the message was clear, the use of CALU oriented applications is significant, all it awaits is someone to capitalise on it.

Finally, if the success of a particular work of research is attributed to its scale, then this research would not be significant. However, as I believe, if the worth of a research is to be based on how much it has opened up new avenues and implanted new ideas, such as this has, then it is very successful indeed.