--- 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. > > > > > > > > >--------------------------------- > Yahoo! Messenger - Communicate instantly..."Ping" your friends today! > Download >Messenger Now