CALL(Computer-Assisted Language Learning)

InstructorThom Thibeault, Ph.D.

Fill in the blank with the correct ending:

1. yo habl___

A. aB. oC. e

The Stone Age of CALL

CALL was originally very primitive because hardware was primitive. Computers could display only text, no graphics. The first computers didn’t have a mouse, You entered your answer by typing in the letter of the correct answer. Also, there were few software development tools. Development tools were complicated to use and required an extensive technical background.

The first implementations of CALL consisted mainly of grammar drills, often called ‘Drill & Kill’.

Welcome to the 21st Century!Second Life

Nowadays, computers are much more advanced and, with the Internet & Web, it's even possible to explore virtual worlds that recreate cities around the world and let you talk to people anywhere in the world in real time. Click on the image above to see a video about language learning in a virtual world.

Some Random Things You Should Know About CALL

When it comes to technology, things are always changing, and they always will.

For this reason, you need to always be working at keeping up to date. You will often have to relearn old skills because of new tools or methods. Attend conferences and webinars. Google keywords to find Web sites that deal with relevant topics. Join professional organizations (see our Moodle site for a list) and read professional Journals (also listed on our Moodle site).

The most important skill in CALL is learning how to figure things out on your own.

You will eventually reach a level of expertise where there are few people who can help you solve problems. It’s more likely that other people will turn to you for help. You have to develop trouble-shooting skills. For example, use HELP features found in software. These often include tutorials. Use a search engine to find information or tutorials. Check YouTube for tutorials.

Some Random Things You Should Know About CALL

Find out where to go or whom to ask to get the info that you need.

You may have to go to many places and ask many people before you get the answer.

By networking with other professionals, you can find the ones who can help you in certain areas. Check out online forums. You can find them using a search engine. Type in the word ‘forums’ and then enter the topic (forums powerpoint)

Some Random Things You Should Know About CALL

- Check the HELP features!

- Use Google / Baidu- Use YouTube / Youku- Search for Forums

Some Random Things You Should Know About CALL

CALL requires a high tolerancefor frustration! $#@&!!

Whenever you work with technology, you can’t assume that things will always work the way they’re supposed to or the way you think they should. If you have a problem, try to break the problem down into small parts and then work on each part. Sometimes you just have to shut down the computer or quit the software and start up again. Sometimes the problem is the result of software bugs or viruses or hardware incompatibilities. Sometimes the problem exists because of knowledge gaps. Sometimes you’re just too tired to see things clearly. In that case, quit what you’re doing and get some sleep. The rest will make a difference.

Some Random Things You Should Know About CALL

Working on CALL assignment...

Don't let thishappen to you!!

Click on the image to see what happened to this CALL student who couldn’t handle the frustration…well…OK…maybe we wasn’t really a CALL student but the frustration was real!

GOOGLE & YouTube are your best friends. (Well, maybe 2nd & 3rd best friends)

That’s the third time I’ve mentioned this so it must be important! In short, the answer is out there. It may take time to find it but your Web mining skills may be the only resource you have for getting the information that you’re looking for.

Some Random Things You Should Know About CALL

In China Baidu & Youku are your best friends.

Some Random Things You Should Know About CALL

"Computers will not replace teachers. However, teachers who use computers will replace teachers who don't."-Ray CliffordDefense Language Institute

Some teachers are fascinated by what the technology allows them to do in foreign language instruction. They want to try out some of the new possibilities. Some teachers are used to doing things the way they’ve always done them. Many feel overwhelmed by the technology or don’t trust their tech skills enough to implement CALL. Many job ads for language teachers now ask for CALL skills. Some real examples are coming up…

Some Random Things You Should Know About CALL

"... We both found really good jobs, and I will be teaching English at a private high school. The hours and the salary are excellent so I have no complaints. I will be teaching all grades of high school and everything (reading, writing, listening, speaking)."

"They even offered me more money because of the Computer-Assisted Language Learning class I took (they asked me to do some exams online on Quia) so encourage all students to take that class!!"

--Andrea Athanasiou (CALL student, SIU ‘08)

Some Random Things You Should Know About CALL

"She asked me why she should hire me over the other hundred applicants interested in the job. I showed her what I could do with CALL, so she hired me."

--Hind Rmail (CALL Student, SIU ‘11)

Some Random Things You Should Know About CALL

"... I have TWO job interviews on Monday. Both of them said they are interested in me because of my experience in CALL. You were right:) of course. "

--Terah Keim (CALL Student, SIU ‘12)

Some Random Things You Should Know About CALL

"If you don't use PEDAGOGICAL CREATIVITY in CALL, all the technology in the world isn't going to serve you (or your students)."

--Thom Thibeault

I can’t overemphasize this. You can master the technology but your pedagogical creativity allows you to find innovative ways of implementing it…ways that will enrich the learning experience of your students. Most CALL technology is not generally ready to use out of the box. That’s why you have to think outside the box when preparing CALL materials for your students.

Some Random Things You Should Know About CALL

Different ways to implement CALL

●Use commercially produced materials.

●Repurpose commercially produced materials.

●Create your own materials using assets created by others.

●Create your own materials from scratch.

In this course, you’ll learn more about these different ways of implementing CALL. The first part of the course will focus on creating and editing ‘assets’ (images, audio, video). Then we’ll focus on using those assets in different learning environments (online quizzes & activities, hypermedia, presentation software, etc.).

Creating & Editing Assets

Images

Video Sound

Learning Environments

PowerPoint

Quia Web

FLAn Hypermedia

Online Resources

We’ll also explore online CALL resources…

The End