CALL...

Alsalamualukum, I would like to answer the questions about CALL and share with you my experience. CALL is an abbreviation for Computer Assisted Language Learning. According to Warschauer & Healey (1998), this 40-year period divided into: behaviorist CALL, communicative CALL, and integrative CALL. Each stage corresponds to a certain level of technology and certain pedagogical theories. From what I have read on CALL's definitions it is clear that the usage of computer is related with the process of teaching and learning.

In addition, the three theories imply that the way the learning environment is set up is a powerful determinant of the effectiveness of language learning. To behaviorists, the stimuli that reinforce desired learning results must be present to promote learning. The cognitive theorists, although subscribe to the belief that language learning is preprogrammed, actually indicate that the learning environment must provide room for the autonomous learner to reflect and make mistakes. The constructivists, of course, place lots of importance in an interactive learning environment in sustaining meaningful learning.
The biggest differences among the three theories are in their views on the roles of the teacher and the learner. The teacher is the facilitator of learning in constructivism, the reference point for clues and advice in cognitivism and the dictator of learning in behaviorism. The learner, in comparison, is the active and interactive participant in constructivism, autonomous in cognitivism and functions according to tabula rasa in behaviorism.
So according to the integrated theory of these three theories that the learning process should be meaningful by involving the learner in this process.

In my country Libya the process of teaching and learning was done
in conventional ways by using the blackboard and chalk to teach the students. I must admit that the environment of learning in my country was dull. From my experience, learning in that way is very boring. These clearly show that CALL is more effective to be applied in
teaching and learning rather than the tradition method which is less interesting. As far as we came to Malaysia and starting our master program in UKM, we realized the importance of technology like computer and software. This is because all our study here demands knowing how to use computer and how to deal with the power point.

At the first time I have got a shock and I asked myself how to deal with such modern technology. Actually after that I felt how interesting and effective way in delivering the lessons. Also using software in writing essay help me to write much better rather than the conventional way using pen and paper, as there are grammar checker, and spelling checker which was helpful.

To sum up, CALL will bring benefit to the students and the
teachers. In fact I have decided to take this course to understand how to apply computer in our education system when I go back to my country to be up to date with the latest technology in language teaching and learning.
Mufida Ali Ghwela. P48346