Introduction to ICT/CALL

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ICT? CALL?

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ICT(Information & Communication Technology)

CALL(Computer-Assisted Language Learning)

These two acronyms are used often in fields dealing with languages and technology. CALL specifically links computers and technology, whereas ICT includes the area of communication, though not specifically in language learning. However, whenever we use the acronym ICT, we are referring to ICT in language learning.

CALL?

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CALL is an approach to language teaching and learning in which computer technology is used as an aid to the presentation, reinforcement and assessment of material to be learned, usually including interactive elements. (Wikipedia, 2005)

Any process in which a learner uses a computer and, as a result, improves his/her language (Beatty, 2003, p.7)

Any use of computer technology in the domain of language learning.

CALL?

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The philosophy of CALL puts a strong emphasis on student-centered lessons. CALL centers on interactive learning and individualized learning.

Sometimes called TELL (Technology-Enhanced Language Learning.

Allows for Collaborative projects, peer editing for compositions, and reinforcing course content.

For more information: The Computer Assisted Language Instruction Consortium CALL on the Web ICT4LT

CALL programs

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Generic software: software designed for general use rather than specifically for foreign language learning.

Specific programs: CD, DVD, Website (Web1.0). Web-based references:

dictionary, encyclopedias. Computer-mediated

communication: email, chat, blog, Facebook, twitter, etc. (Web2.0)

CALL development

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Stage 1970s-1980s:StructuralCALL

1980s-1990s:Communicative CALL

21st Century:Integrative CALL

Technology Mainframe PCs Multimedia & Internet

English-teaching paradigm

Grammar-translation & audio-lingual

Communicative language teaching

Content-based, ESP/EAP

View of language Structural (a formal structural system)

Cognitive (a mentally constructed system)

Socio-cognitive (developed in social interaction)

Principal use of computers

Drill & practice Communicative exercises

Authentic discourse

Principal objective Accuracy … and fluency … and agency

Role of computers Tutor Tool Medium

Mainframe → PCs → Laptops → Tablets → …

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The Stone Age of ICT/CALL

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Fill in the blank with the correct ending:

1. yo habl___A. aB. oC. e

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!

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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 ICT/CALL

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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).

Some Random Things You Should Know About ICT/CALL

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

Autonomous learning!!!!!!!!!!!

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 ICT/CALL

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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 ICT/CALL

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- Check the HELP features!

- Use Google

- Use YouTube

- Search for Forums

Learn how to use Google and other search engines  in a methodical way. If you're looking for a particular phrase, use quotation marks. The two entries below will give you different results:

computer language vs "computer language"

Some Random Things You Should Know About ICT/CALL

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ICT / CALL requires a high tolerance for 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 ICT/CALL

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Don't let this

happen to you!

Working on ICT assignment...?

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

Some Random Things You Should Know About ICT/CALL

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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 ICT/CALL

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“Technology will not replace teachers. However, teachers who use technology will replace teachers who don't.” - Ray Clifford

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 ICT. Many job ads for language teachers now ask for ICT skills. Some real examples are coming up…

Some Random Things You Should Know About ICT/CALL

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“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 ICT/CALL

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Don’t use new technology with old paradigms!

Different ways to implement ICT/CALL

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

Creating & editing assets

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Click on the video to watch it and on the word Sound to hear it. I consider hyperlinks an asset too so click on Randall’s ESL Listening Lab.

Images

Video

Sound

Randall’s ESL Listening Lab

Hyperlinks

Learning environments

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PowerPoint

Quia Web

FLAn Hypermedia

Online resources

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