Computer-Assisted Language Learning (CALL)

CAL and CALL: What are they? CAL program refers to the learning involving the utilization of the computer, usually by means of an interactivecomputer system (hypertext/multimedia system e.g. GUIDE 3.1, Toolbook, Hypercard) in which students and the computer can interact each other, and in which the students are given a freedom to choose any topic of information and even, to become a trouble-shooter of their own problems. CALL means CAL which is implemented to language. Thus, the utilization of the computer is primarily directed to make provisions to a language learning tutorial program (Hartoyo, 2006)

CALL: Underlying considerations The use of computers in language learning are utilized in the computers flexibility. Ahmad, et al, (1985:4) suggest: The computer is flexible in a number of significant ways. It often happens that students cannot attend a class because of illness, timetable clashes, and other problems. This presents no difficulty for the computer. Provided a computer is available, the student can come at any time, and spend as long as is needed to gain full benefit from the material. It can accommodate different speeds of learning, or alternatively, limits can be imposed on time available for answering questions, which us valuable when it is used for testing purposes.

Advantages and Disadvantages of CALL A. Advantages CALL encourages users (students) to develop a non-sequential reading habit, which it is hoped will carry over to reading tasks with traditional, printed material. Thus users can scan a large amount of information (topic) of their interest.

CALL offers freedom for users to choose any topic of information available within package. The table of contents denotes all topics available which can be selected by clicking on the box labelled for a particular topic.

CALL tutorial is in a package; thus, it can also be used in pairs. The students are able to collaborate very usefully in problem solving which itself is considered to be a good skill to acquire.

CALLs flexibility of time allows the students to determine what particular object topics and how long he wants to learn. Students who are sick and miss the class, still have opportunity to learn the particular topic taught in the class as far as the topic is available in CALL program.

B. Disadvantages Compared with traditional books, the electronic book the CALL program is much less handy. It is different with traditional books that are small enough to be carried around and studied wherever and whenever. In general, reading a text, especially the long ones, on the screen is slower, more difficult and tiring. Viewing from the financial point, CAL is costly enough for the programmer or teacher, let alone for students. A lot of funds have to be provided to purchase equipment, design programs, and for the maintenance.