Module 1: The History of Call: A Summary
THE HISTORY OF CALL: A SUMMARY
First Blog Entry
What is CALL?
The chapter 'The History of CALL' provides a comprehensive historical overview of the field of Computer-Assisted Language Learning (CALL), including its development, current status, and future potential. There are many definitions given of CALL such as, “the search for and study of applications of the computer in language teaching and learning” (Levy 1997, 1; Amaral 2011, 365), “any process in which a learner uses a computer and, as a result, improves his or her language” (2003, p.7) and “learners learning language in any context with, through, and around computer technologies” (2005, p.4).
Emergence:
CALL emerged in the 1960s and 1970s. During this period, researchers began to experiment with using computers to help learners practice language skills, such as vocabulary and grammar. Warschauer’s typology divides CALL into chronological phases of Structural CALL, Communicative CALL and Integrative CALL. Bax proposed a different typology based on the approaches of CALL such as Restricted CALL, Open CALL and Integrated CALL.Chronological Stages of the Development of CALL:
1. Structural CALL
The first Phase of CALL is Srtuctural CALL, or previously named Behaviouristic CALL. At this stage, CALL was a "subset of the broad, allembracing field of Computer-Assisted Instruction (CAI)." (Singh, 12) Skinner's psychological principles based upon positive reinforcement was the basis of the feedback and self-pacing involved in this phase. It also consisted of Pattern drills of response to stimuli and imitation of correct structures. These activities were close-ended and routine-based. One of the CALL programs developed in this phase is PLATO,Programmed Logic for Automated Teaching Operations, which used mainframe computers to deliver language instructionb based on the grammar translation method.
2. Communicative CALL
This phase began in the 1980s by two factors challenging the first phase: rejection of behaviorist approaches and more advances prospects in language learning due to personal computers. It was also in this time period that Communicative Language Teaching (CLT) was developed. In this phase, drilling was deemphasized and use was the central point. Communicative CALL was based on s “a process of discovery, expression, and development” (Warschauer and Healey, 1998, p.57) and “a cognitive process where learners actively generate and transform knowledge” (Ozkan, 2011, p.12). The process required learners to persue discussions rather than finding the correct answers. The computer tools of this phase included word processors, spelling and grammar checkers and concordances.
3. Integrative CALL
In the 1990s, Integrative CALL replaced Communicative CALL, because it failed to concentrate on central parts of language and got stuck on the marginal aspects. In this phase, the use of language was placed in authentic social contexts (Warschauer and Healey, 1998, p.58) by practicing things they need to communicate in the world outside of the classroom. This made the emergence of g both content and language. As a result, task-based, project-based, and content-based approaches to language possible. Learners can communicate with audiences and other people around the world.
Current Status of CALL:
CALL has become more widely used in mainstream language teaching, with many teachers incorporating CALL programs into their instruction. There are now many divisions such as Computer-Mediated Communication, Blended Learning, Virtual Worlds, Gamification, CALL for ESP (English for Specific Purposes), CALL for EAP (English for Academic Purposes) and CALL for young learners. CALL is now an academic field being further researched. There are exclusive journals dedicated to this field of language teaching such as CALICO, ReCALL and Journal of Technology for ELT. " More importantly, the computer is now seen and used as a tool to accomplish certain tasks or to communicate." (Singh, 16) Social media in language learning, digital games, mobile learning and virtual worlds have been recent advancements of CALL.
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