Computer Assisted Language Learning and English Language Teaching in Thailand: Overview

Week 10 :

CALL focused on learning rather than instruction and based on three teaching methodologies dominant in ELT:

         🙈Behavioristic CALL

         🙈Communicative CALL

         🙈Integrative CALL.  

💕 Behavioristic CALL  is recognized as the first phase of CALL. Most of CALL programs in this phase entailed repetitive language drills-and-practice activities.  

💕 Communicative CALL  the focus of CALL in this phase is placed on using the language or functions rather than analysis of language forms. And the functions stimulates students’ discussion and writing through role-playing game.

💕 Integrative CALL , CALL in this period is regarded as a shift from the use of the computer for drill and tutorial purposed into a medium for extending education beyond the language classroom.  

💬 Advantages of CALL in Language Learning 💬

First, the use of CALL to support in language learning provides students with the authenticity of the input. At this point, students can have an opportunity to interact in one or more of the four core skills, namely listening, speaking, reading, and writing because they have to use or produce text meant for an audience in the target language, not the classroom  

Second, computer mediated communication or CMC, helps encourage foreign language learners to produce comprehensible output. 

Third, CALL is able to provide learners with the kinds of information and support that they require to complete individual tasks and to respond to the diversity of learner needs even within a single classroom structure. 

Next, based on the theoretical framework of learner autonomy, CALL can be used to promote autonomous learning. Since CALL allows students to focus on the development of their four macro language skills, they can enjoy their own individuality because they can choose and determine their own level, pace, and time of language practice and development. 

In addition, learners are pushed to control their learning time and effort to communicate with their partners, peers or class.

💬Disadvantages of CALL in Language Learning 💬

       👀 The presentation or authentic input might not be easily comprehended by low proficient learners.

       👀Teachers and students need to be trained.

   👀 CALL might not be fully affordable and available to all institution.

       👀 A lack of appropriately-educated person as a classroom helper.

💬 Educational CALL Programs and ELT in Thailand 💬

Common educational CALL programs used in the THAI context include:

    😍 Tutorial programs are responsible for collecting, presenting and guiding information, teaching rules. Students can l learn content through questions. When the students answer, they receive immediate feedback.

    😍 Drill and Practice is to review the content background knowledge. The questions will be repeated many times.

    😍Demonstration is very helpful with self-directed learning, students will be encouraged to learn by themselves.

    😍 Simulation or so-called problem solving is used, aiming to raise students’ critical thinking, discussion skills and writing abilities

    😍 Games are used to provide a rich learning and teaching environment.

    😍 Testing is a tool for assessment and a method to determine what students know and do not know.