Computer-Assisted Language Learning (Call): Pedagogical Pros and Cons

Abstract

Computer-Assisted Language Learning (CALL) has begun a revolution in the domain of language pedagogy. Before the presence of technology, learning a language with the old-fashioned methods could not meet the learners' needs and what they expected from language for an effective communication. In addition, in the absence of software programming and so many other facilities by which learners could enhance their language abilities quickly, learning came to be tediously time-consuming. Therefore, the purpose of this review is to introduce some features of Computer-assisted Language Learning approaches and the related studies that have been carried out in this area. The pros and cons of this pervasive approach have been reviewed to show that this method can practically permeate through all language skills. On the basis of the analysis done by many researchers, it was found out that CALL can be so much applicable to both language learning and teaching in and out of the classroom. Most scholars unanimously emphasize that the use of computer and Internet can facilitate learning, particularly learning the second language. Beside some of its drawbacks, this approach reinforces the notion that the advantages of applying CALL in educational environment outweigh its disadvantages. It is also believed that it can be more beneficial and strategic than the traditional methodologies in the modern world. There are some software tools that have been analysed in the paper and the results are reported. The paper concludes how applying CALL system in and out of any educational centers can perfectly alleviate the difficulties of learning for students and significantly help the pedagogical methods become more productive. This paper has reviewed the pros and cons of the use of technologies, particularly computers and software applied to language learners to find out to what extent they can further the process of language learning.

Pre-service English teachers' experience with various CALL applications: Hindrances and reflection

“…In relation to those mentioned problems, some relevant studies also found several similar problems in CALL implementation, namely networking, computer facilities, and learner autonomy since not all students had a computer and good internet connection and not all of them could be autonomous learners (Derakhshan et al, 2015;Diana & Ciornei, 2013). These findings were in line with the current research even though the current research found new problems.…”

“…Furthermore, some researchers did conceptual papers on CALL. These conceptual papers contain the theory of CALL, such as CALL as teaching and learning media (Rachmawati, 2016), challenging issues of CALL (Garrett, 2009;Tal & Yelenevskaya, 2012), pros and cons of CALL (Derakhshan et al, 2015;Diana & Ciornei, 2013), history, merits, and barriers of CALL (Primani & Agustrianti, 2017;Tafazoli & Golshan, 2014) and CALL in the curriculum of foreign language learning (Soleimani & Alaee, 2014). These conceptual papers were distinct from the current research because the current research is not a conceptual paper.…”

Producing Global Malaysian Secondary Students through Foreign Novels: Perspectives

“…This is an important concept as it plays a crucial role in language learning and teaching. This statement was supported by Derakhshan, Salehi, and Rahimzadeh (2015) stating that the students' successes and failures in learning the novel was heavily influenced by how much they enjoyed the novel and the efforts given by the students towards learning and appreciating the novel. Through the study, we noted that students with a more positive attitude spent more time and effort to learn and read the chapters of the novel, understand the underlying messages and values and important events that occurred in the novel.…”

Current Developments

“…The incorporation of the above features in a rich digital learning platform captures learners’ attention and provides contextualized cues which eases learners’ comprehension difficulties and enhances their motivation in communication and language learning (Butler, Someya, & Fukuhara, 2014 ; Derakhshan, Salehi, & Rahimzadeh, 2015 ; Lin, Chen, & Liu, 2017 ). More importantly, the presence of up-to-date sound and visual effects in electronic devices can reflect real-life situations, which enables more exciting discussions among learners.…”