The Evolution of CALL

 As time goes by, our modern technology is getting better and developed. It helps to assist users in many ways such as improving skills and cognitive thinking. The evolution of CALL has given many benefits to every individual including students, teachers and learners. There are three progressions of CALL which are Behaviouristic CALL, Communicative CALL and Integrated CALL.

Behaviouristic CALL

It is primarily used for Audio-Lingual Method and developed in 1960s based on behaviourist learning theory. The Programmed Instruction involved repetitive drill and practice. Teacher uses computer as aid as a drillmaster with a perfect pronunciation model. The objective is to transfer textbooks and worksheets to computer-based application. There was a project named The Stanford Project in 1960 where students are required to answer questions by using a teletype coordinated with a tape recorder. While students listen to questions, they must type in the answer and their work is compared to the Answer Sheet.

There are many advantages gained from this method such as it can provide immediate feedback. We do not have to waste time to receive feedback and make every second count. As we all know. Repetition is beneficial for learning to have a strong memory. It is a fact that if we keep repeating the same thing such as writing essay, reading educational books or listening to speech, it is easier for us to remember it well. Furthermore, it is efficient record keeping and students can work their own outside the classroom.

It is stated by a theory based on Operant Conditioning by B.F. Skinner which it is somehow associated or similar to the training of animals. CALL activities should be built on continuous motivation and real communication. Students are passive respondents therefore they should be paid more attention.

Communicative CALL

This type of progression is developed between 1970s to 1980s. Basically, it focused on the usage of language than grammar. Students will have the opportunity to create their own words and environment where the usage of the language becomes natural. Grammar will not be stressed on as it is taught implicitly. During this progress, computer will act as tutor where it will provide non-drill format skill practice. Moreover, students will have more control in making choice and interaction in answering such as language games, text reconstructions, paced reading and pronunciation practice.

In addition, communicative CALL operates computer as stimulus to stimulate students’ discussions, writing and critical thinking. This will develop students’ way of thinking to be more realistic and creative. The computer programs are designed to enhance problem solving skill too. Besides that, games are created with the concept of ESL or critical thinking to guide students and language learning is integrated into those games and stimulation.

Communicative CALL objects computer as a tool that involves the use of generic software as tools for language learning such as Word Processor, Excel Spreadsheets and Publisher. This generic software is useful among students and people who work in the office because they need to do reports, assignments, figures or presentation slides that require them to use the applications. Even though these programs do not assist them by providing language material but it ensures and empowers students to use and understand the language.

Advantages
Behaviouristic CALL	Communicative CALL
Repetition is necessary for learning	Cheap programs and widely available
Provide immediate feedback	Focus more on active student performance
Students will be more independent outside the classroom	Greater students’ participation
Efficient record keeping	Learning experience becomes more real, authentic and exciting

Integrated CALL

This type of progression is combining various aspects or real-world materials in Computer Assisted Language Learning. The introduction of CD-ROM as a location to store large amounts of media was the starting point of Integrated CALL. It continued with the development of high speed internet and widely accessible hypermedia which is the extension of hypertext. It is described as a non-linear medium of information that can include texts, audio and graphical media and consists of both interactive and non-interactive media.

How is the Internet and CALL related?

As you know that CALL is getting advanced and it is caused by the internet to access and communicate information. With the existence of internet, everything gets better and improved. It is used for various purposes and acts as a role of the English Language. Despite of being just recipients, they started to communicate and create. This is the part where Computer Mediated Communication (CMC) is produced where it is an authentic two-way communication where students can directly communicate with other speakers and learners of the language. For instant, my group and I can discuss about our assignment with our lecturer through CMC. There are 2 types of CMC which are:

1) Asynchronous

2) Synchronous

No matter how good or advanced it is, we still have to be alert about every aspect of the program. It is said that one of the disadvantages of Integrated CALL is the quality of the authentic material varies between creators. For example if you are not creative, your material might not be good. It is not suitable for ESL learners and the interactions over CMC may be concise but it is disposed to human mistakes.

In conclusion, behaviourist and communicative CALL are still used even though it is not advanced. There are many aspects or ideas of Computer Assisted Language Learning are developed with the help of internet and wide availability of technology. We cannot expect to be motivated from the computer, thus learning English is becoming difficult.