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.

First podcast, maybe.

I've finally done it although I'm not really sure if it counts as a podcast. You can hear it at http://www.box.net/shared/p4xuis2pky . Its a fairy tale about this stupid dragon. Enjoy

Podcast Cont...

Okay, I've downloaded Audacity, read out a story, edited the end product, took out the white noise, normalized the file and... have no idea what to do next.

You see, the tutorial I watched recommended two websites. The first was Podango and it seems that they have gone belly up and the second, which name I can't remember, is not taking in any new accounts. The future seems dire for podcasting...

In any case, I haven't given up. The answer must lie out there...

To Podcast or Not to Podcast?

What kind of question is that? Anyways, a podcast (derived from webcast) is a series of digital media files (either audio or video) that are released episodically and often downloaded through web syndication and the name was due to the rising popularity of the IPod and the capabilities of the company that designed the IPod in terms of broadcasting capabilities.

In any case, today I will try a hand at podcasting. Be sure to check back later for the first, and unless directed to do otherwise, the last podcast in this blog.

Hole in the Wall!!

How's that for a headline? And no, it does not refer to a place where all perverts gather. Instead, the 'Hole in the Wall' (HIW) refers to a project started by one Dr. Sugata Mitra who one day decided to place a computer in his office's outer wall which faced a slum in Kalkaji, New Delhi. Soon, he found that the kids there had started learning which later prompted this hypothesis

"The acquisition of basic computing skills by any set of children can be achieved through incidental learning provided the learners are given access to a suitable computing facility, with entertaining and motivating content and some minimal (human) guidance."

So, instead on delving into his whole experiment, I would like to draw your attention to the terms I highlighted since it proves two things.

1. Kids, even those we label as 'hopeless' generally want to learn.

2. Its not their fault if teachers keep boring them to death.

Just think about it.

What the heck is CALL?

CALL, which stands for Computer Assisted Language Learning is basically a set of tools used to facilitate the learning of a language. Notice how I have made the word facilitate in bold? First of all, I have just learnt how to do that. And secondly its to point out that CALL is not a teaching tool but rather, one that is used to promote self learning in a student centered manner and hence should not be confused with a method. Okay, enough with the bold. Lets see what else we have here.

Anyway, CALL, which was originally called CAI (Computer Assisted Instruction) was developed in the 70's. The reason for the change in name is not clear to me, probably it was just two scientist dicking over who had the bigger... clipboard (just learned that one too). In any case the two terms are used pretty much in tandem to each other to describe a process in which a learner uses a computer to learn where lessons carry two important features:

1. Bidirectional or interactive learning, and

2. Individualized learning, meaning the user can tailor the lesson to his/her own needs.

Also, since computers have been used to teach since the 60's, CAL has gone through three stages depending on the available technology as well as the pedagogical outlook of the day. The stages are:

1. Behaviorist CALL

2. Communicative CALL, and

3. Integrative CALL

The explanations for each of these different stages will be discussed in a later post.

Greetings and What I know about CALL?

Hi. Let me first start but saying that this blog is long overdue but because of err.. some health issues such as muscle atrophy syndrome and workophobia. Both of which are also known by their common name 'plain laziness', I have been unable to complete my blogs. No more. From this day onward I vow to be a bit more punctual with my entries. Also, since this is my first actual experience blogging, it should be an interesting journey.

Anyway, what do I know about CALL?

Err... Will have to get back to you about that.