--- Forwarded Message from "Doug Worsham" <[log in to unmask]> ---
>Date: Mon, 27 Sep 2004 16:25:42 -0500
>From: "Doug Worsham" <[log in to unmask]>
>To: <[log in to unmask]>
>Subject: Re: #7634.1 Computer-assisted language learning (!)
In response to Valli's post questioning the merits of CALL (or TELL, as
the case may be), Tracy Dingess makes a good point when saying that "It
is not the tool and its limitations," but the way we use the tool for
instruction.
I've made much the same argument several times when other instructors
tell me that their students don't communicate enough when they are
working in computer labs. These instructors say that this is because
Internet activities result in limited interaction. For me, this limited
interaction is not at all an essential characteristic of computer labs
or Internet activities. Instead, it is a result of how the labs and the
Internet are being used as teaching tools.
In the case of activities involving accessing online content, making
good decisions about how to set up the task often determines how much
interaction will come out of the activity. Simply setting up an activity
so that there are two students for each computer, rather than one, is
often enough to turn dull mouse-clicking into an opportunity for
communication and negotiation. Giving the students a compelling task
that allows them to manipulate, analyze, and discuss the online
materials, and then allowing them to report on their findings, is
another way to ensure that an Internet activity includes meaningful
social interaction between learners.
Facilitating successful CALL or TELL activities requires the teacher to
use the same teaching principles and techniques s/he would use in a
traditional classroom. These principles shouldn't be left at the door
when we walk into the computer lab.
Doug
---
Doug Worsham
Foreign Language Technologist
AV Services Coordinator
L&S Learning Support Services
246 Van Hise Hall, UW-Madison
Madison, WI 53706
608/262-4965
[log in to unmask]
>>> [log in to unmask] 9/21/2004 2:45:03 PM >>>
--- Forwarded Message from LeeAnn Stone <[log in to unmask]> ---
>Date: Tue, 21 Sep 2004 12:12:50 -0700
>To: Language Learning and Technology International Information Forum
<[log in to unmask]>
>From: LeeAnn Stone <[log in to unmask]>
>Subject: Re: #7634 Computer-assisted language learning
>In-Reply-To: <[log in to unmask]>
>References: <[log in to unmask]>
Valli,
If we limit our range of applications of technology for
language
learning to CALL, or computer-delivered language learning materials,
then
we indeed are not making use of the incredible wealth of interactive
learning opportunities that new technologies can provide our students.
Europeans have been ahead of the U.S. in shifting the conceptualization
of
the role of technology in language learning from computer assisted
(often
conceptually limited with same the assumption you made that this means
solely computer-delivered) to technology-enhanced language learning
(TELL).
Within the umbrella concept of technology-enhanced language
learning, those computer labs can provide an incredible breadth of
interactive learning opportunities which entail students doing
research
that they share via discussion boards, through email exchanges, in
MOOs,
with online audio exchanges, and many other functionalities. One
advantage
of some of these types of activities is that, unlike many interactive
activities in the classroom, they can be captured for discussion,
feedback,
evaluation, and correction.
But the delivery of content with such resources as Hot
Potatoes is
not insignificant either. These types of CALL materials can provide
students with often much-needed practice and reinforcement, freeing
classroom time for those activities that make the best use of student
and
teacher time together-- such as face-to-face paired and small-group
activities.
I would look forward to discussing this further with you (and
anyone else!) at any time!
LeeAnn Stone
Dr. LeeAnn Stone
(Past IALLT President & former Language Lab Director)
> >Date: Mon, 13 Sep 2004 15:27:43 +0100 (BST)
> >From: valli subramaniam <[log in to unmask]>
> >Subject: Computer-assisted language learning
> >To: [log in to unmask]
>
>
>Everyone I have talked to have been saying some wonderful things
about
>computer-assisted language learning. The schools here (in Malaysia)
are also
>being equipped with computers so that language learning is more
effective.
>However, I am a little sceptical about this. If language learning is a
social
>activity and so it is most effective if there is interaction between
people.
>However, lessons on the web allow limited interaction for the
learners. For
>example, lessons using the Hotpotatoes programme only allow the
learners to
>carry out activities and limited feedback is given. There is no
genuine
>interaction. How can this promote language learning? I hope those who
have
>used
>this programme or others can respond to this. Thank you.
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>---------------------------------
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