Computer-Assisted Language Learning (CALL) "Attaching Technology: A Review of Computer-Assisted Language Learning in Applied Linguistics"

الملخص

This research paper reviews the evolution of Computer-Assisted Language Learning (CALL), a vital branch of applied linguistics. Despite the significant advancements in using technology to improve language teaching and learning, many undergraduate and postgraduate EFL students, and even some instructors, lack foundational knowledge about CALL and its impact on teaching methodologies. This paper aims to shed light on this contemporary field.

The review begins by thoroughly exploring the definitions of CALL. It then details the three distinct stages of CALL's evolution, each driven by technological advancements that reshaped language teaching approaches. The paper also discusses how CALL relates to other concepts and terms, highlighting both similarities and differences based on specific pedagogical needs. This includes tracing the function of each term from Computer-Assisted Instruction (CAI) to Intelligent Computer-Assisted Language Learning (ICALL).

Additionally, the paper outlines the benefits of integrating CALL into language learning, such as allowing learners to practice at their own pace, personalizing learning experiences, and enhancing flexibility and accessibility through various technological devices.

Looking ahead, the ongoing evolution of CALL is influenced by the integration of artificial intelligence, the emergence of new computer-based platforms, and the incorporation of sophisticated computer capabilities into alternative applications. However, a persistent challenge in CALL, as Beatty (2010) notes, remains the need to improve the alignment between effective teaching practices and technology utilization.