#14: Lesson 2 - CALL

The first lecture introduces us to the history of Computer Assisted Language Learning (CALL) which occurred in the 1960s, which was when computer began to be used by us. Under CALL, we would explain the three main stages of CALL, as an educational theoretical cycle; they are Behaviourist CALL (Structural), Communicative CALL (Cognitive) and Integrative CALL (Sociocognitive). Our knowledge of computer before we learn this subject, can be identified them as very technical, cyber and high in technology while after we understood the three stages and combine the understanding with its application of CALL, we manage to explain the three approaches of CALL. Below are the elaborations on the three main stages of CALL:      

1) Behaviorist CALL

- Computers treated as mechanical tutor

- Emphasized on behaviorist learning model (B.F. Skinner)

 Example: To control how people behave, therefore the usage or reward and punishment system. It is believed that people need this kind of environment to create ‘learning’ among people.

-          Behaviorist said that in order for learners to learn, we must create the environment to trigger that switch in us. Perhaps, we might be someone passive in class. Due to this reason, that is why the learning techniques suggest that the environment need to be created to trigger the learner’s learning style ( exposing learners to the rules, repeat, memories).

-          The role of behaviorist CALL is structural; providing unlimited drill, practice and corrective.

-          Emphasize on product; example of learning grammar. At the end of the day it is about acquiring grammar and not about the process it is required

2)  Communicative CALL

-        -  Introduced in the 70s and 80s

-        -  Computer as pupil (learners are not only interacting with each other, but also with the computer. That is why, computer is the pupil)

-          Rejection of behaviorist: people believe that not everything need to be learned by drilling. Therefore, because of this reason, discovery learning came into picture (Communicative CALL)

-          Emphasize on discovery learning: in behaviorist Call, people require language by learning the rules, however, in communicative CALL, in order to acquire language, they need to use the language.

3) Intergrative CALL

- Started due to the displeasure with communicative CALL

- Computer is recognized as the tool in interactive proces

- Computer as a tool

- Its role is as sociocognitive where it provide alternative context for social interaction.