Umama N, defined Computer Assisted Language Learning (CALL) as "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 a substantial interactive element".
Advantages and disadvantages of CALL
We should know the advantages and disadvantage in applying CALL in English Second Language classrooms before applying them to improve our teaching or to help student learning. These advantages and disadvantages are following:
A- The advantages
CALL has many advantages as the following:
Interest and motivation
It can provide student methods to learn English through computer games, animated graphics, and problem-solving techniques which can make drills more interesting.
Individualization autonomy for learner
It allows learners to decide which skills to develop, which course to use, and the speed and level by their own needs.
Incompatible style of learning for students will cause conflicts to them, because of different styles. CALL can provide an exciting fast drill for one student and slow for another 'compatible learning style'.
Computer enables students to choose the appropriate time, place, thing, and the manner they want for learning. They are given a chance to study and review the materials as many times they want without limitation.
The application of computer based materials for language teaching has its limitations and disadvantages as the following:
Less-handy equipment.
computers or language laboratory can only be accessed in schools, so CALL there only benefits people who have computers at home.
Increased educational costs.
CALL will increase educational cost, since computers cost money and low-budget school and low income students cannot get a computer.
Lack of trained teachers.
Computers will only benefit people who are familiar with computer technology, although it is necessary for teachers and learners to have basic computer technology knowledge before applying it in teaching and learning process..
Unexpected situations hard to be handled
The learning situations that face a second-language learner are various and ever changing. And today’s computer technology and its language learning programs are not intelligent enough to be truly interactive with situations.
References
Umama N, Computer Assisted Language Learning http://nurulumama.wordpress.com/2010/11/11/200/
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