Running Head: THE POSITIVE IMPACT OF CALL

The Positive Impact of Using Computers

on Language Learning
Computer-Assisted Language Learning
Emily Clymer
Forat saleh
Furat.saleh22@gmail.com
December 22, 2016

THE POSITIVE IMPACT OF CALL

Recently, the use of computers in foreign language teaching and learning has
increased enormously because of the tremendous development in multimedia and
computer technology.

CALL is an acronym that stands for Computer-Assisted

language learning. (Levy, 1997, as cited in Davies, 2002) defined CALL more
succinctly and more broadly as The search for and study of the computer in language
teaching and learning. (Egbert, 2005, as cited in Shafaei, 2012) noted that CALL
means students learn language in any context with, though, and around computer
technologies. Currently, computers are used in classrooms almost everywhere and
they play different roles in language learning and teaching. According to (Bruce,1990)
computers can be used as tutors, tools, ways to explore language, and finally as media
that allows new forms of meaningful communication and it shapes the relationships
among students and teachers. Undoubtedly, the use of computers and it is applications
has a positive impact on the teaching and learning of a foreign language as they have
made it easier, faster, more efficient and more engaging.
(Chapelle, 1983, as cited in Barani, 2013) pointed out instructors need to understand
how CALL can best be used to offer effective instruction to language learners.
Computers enable language learners to enhance their language skills by providing them
with integrated skills and separate activities. (Warscher & Healey (1995) as cited in
Gunduz, 2005) described the activities as follows:
Computers can assist in improving reading skills in three main ways. a) Incidental
reading. Most of CALL programs involve the learners in reading text for successful
completion of the activity. b) Reading comprehension. The traditional question and
answer CALL programs are used for reading comprehension, grammar and vocabulary

THE POSITIVE IMPACT OF CALL

development. c)Text manipulation. Computers manipulate continuous text for the learner
to be involved in close study of the content and structure of the text. Developing reading
skills can be also done through sentence structure, speed reading and cloze reading.
Word processing programs improve students writing skills and their attitude towards
writing as they can manipulate the text freely. The learner can play round the text until
completely satisfied.
Computer simulations focus oral activity and give continuous scenario for learners to
talk about. Computers with the help of movies enable learners to make dialogue study.
According to (Gunduz,2005) They can see the conversation, setting, cultural atmosphere,
the body language and the semiotic background of the conversation and get an
outstanding experience and develop their communicative competence.
( Gunduz,2005) also pointed that students use CALL materials in conjunction with other
equipment like the cassette recorder to get practice in listening comprehension and get
instant feedback. Students also can find multiple grammar activities such as matching,
filling in gaps and multiple choices.
There is a clear consensus among educators about the impact of existing computer
technology on the acquisition of foreign languages. The majority agrees that it has many
benefits.
(Ravichandran, 2000) listed a number of advantages of CALL. He pointed that CALL
boosts learners motivation as it offers them with ways to learn English through games,
animated graphics, and problem solving techniques which make drills more interesting.

THE POSITIVE IMPACT OF CALL

Another benefit of CALL is individualization. CALL programs enable learners to choose

the skill they want to improve, the material they want to use as well as the speed and the
level that is appropriate to their own needs.
An added advantage is that it offers a compatible learning style. Students have
different learning styles. If they are taught in a way that suits their preferred style, they
gain better results. Therefore, the computer can be used for adjusting teaching to the
preferred styles of individual students. For instance, the computer can offer a thrilling
rapid-fire drill for one student and a tranquil, slow-paced mode of presentation for
another. An added advantage is optimal use of time. (Ravichandran,2000). In addition,
using computers allows learners to use their Academic Learning Time wisely and more
productively. As Ravichandran (2000, p.3) puts it:
Computers enhance second/foreign language academic learning time by
permitting learners to acquire specific information and practice specific skills and
by helping students develop basic tools of learning which they can apply in a wide
variety of settings.
Providing immediate positive feedback for learners is very beneficial as it acts as an
encouragement and reinforcement. However, the delay of negative feedback harms the
progress of the learner because he may continue making the same mistakes without
realizing the nature of his mistakes. The computer instantly provides the learner with
feedback which helps him to keep from his misconception at the initial stage itself.
(Ravichandran,2000)
Additionally, (Ravichandran,2000). Stated that educators can use computer database
to categorize and differentiate the kind of general errors and the errors committed by

THE POSITIVE IMPACT OF CALL

students due to the impact of the first language. Errors made by the learner can be
analyzed by the computer which in return responds in a different way from the usual
teacher. This allows students to self-correct themselves and comprehend the principle
behind solution. According to (Ravichandran,2000), computers also provide students
with guided and repetitive practice. The Word processor which is the most common
among the "productivity" software applications in use, is very effective in teaching
guided/ free writing. It allows the learner to manipulate the text easily which promotes
practice in guided or free writing activities in conjunction with a number of sub-skills
which are included in the writing process. This enables the learner to pay attention to
paragraphing, register, style, cohesion, rhetorical structure, lexical choice and expressions
without learning different programs. This gives the teacher the opportunity to direct
students writing restrictions. Understanding of grammar, vocabulary, punctuation, can
also be improved. It is agreeable that there is a strong relationship between the learners
academic performance and achievement and his self-esteem. ( Tayebinika and Puteh,
2012) claimed that some researchers who studied the influence of CALL instruction on
self-esteem found that participants joining computer assisted language learning programs
had considerably higher self-esteem ratings than other students. This shows that computer
technology could boost learners- esteem and their language proficiency.
The utilization of computers in language teaching and learning has played a
substantial role in the improvement of literacy development and foreign language
acquisition. Computers nowadays are used as tutors, tools and as a media by both learners
and teachers. Ample studies have highlighted the positive impact of the use of the
computer and software applications on the teaching and learning of foreign languages as

THE POSITIVE IMPACT OF CALL

well as students achievement. The benefits of CALL can be delineated as providing

motivation for learner, compatible and time flexible learning, immediate and detailed
feedback, error analysis, and providing guided and repetitive practice. From my own
perspective, the future of CALL is very promising and will be more welcomed by
students and educators because of the computers immense potentials in facilitating
teaching and enhancing students attainment levels. Prospective advancements in the
field of technology will pave the way for new ideas of using the computer in language
learning. It is more likely that learners will have more sophisticated applications that
allow them to interact and communicate with virtual peers and tutors in a more realistic
way. In addition, the cost of CALL applications will be cheaper and its accessibility will
be more convenient. Therefore, present applications should be reevaluated in order to
strengthen their positives and minimize their weaknesses and limitations. Additionally, it
is imperative for both learners and teachers to develop their computer skills in order to
cope with the anticipated developments in the use of the computer and its applications in
language learning in particular, and education in general.

THE POSITIVE IMPACT OF CALL

Sources Page for Research Essay

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THE POSITIVE IMPACT OF CALL

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Tayebinika, M. & Puteh, M. (2012). The Significance of self-esteem in computer

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