Journal 2: Introduction to CALL / Computer Assistant Language Learning

Hi and hello everyone. It's been a week since my last post. I'm quite busy with my classes and now is the only time I have to update my blog. Tonight I wanted to share what I had learnt last week. Last week my friends and I learnt two new things which were CALL and Search Engine & Online Database.

I have heard about this CALL thing during my diploma time and I did used it in my class during that time. Its actually works as a tool for learning session. We use internet and technology for learning purpose. Even though, I used to use this thing frankly I am not the expert. I only knew how to used it but not the background or history of it. So, last week on Monday my lecturer Madam Azidatun taught all of us about CALL from A to Z. We narrowed it down to know more about it.

CALL or Computer Assistant Language Learning did help in studies especially for students like me. Before this I only knew a bit of it but after I learnt it I found so many new things in CALL. The history of CALL, CALL's programs, Progression of CALL and so on. From my lectures last week I could tell you that CALL's programs consists of CALL specific software, Generic software, Web-Based Learning software, and Computer Mediated Communication. I also learnt about what a computer can and cannot do and also the role of computer.

The CALL's program like CALL specific software actually a program that been designed in specifically for language learning. For instance, the exercises in web-based, ELT-software, Games. In other hand, Generic software is actually a program and applications for general purpose. Even it only for purpose it also for language teaching and learning. Microsoft Word, Power Point and so on are the applications that considered as Generic software. Besides that, Web-Based Learning software include online dictionary, online encyclopedias, magazines, newspaper, blogs and etc. The stuffs that found in the internet that could use as a tool for learning language called Web-Based Learning software. In addition, any websites that designed for online communication called Computer Mediated Communication. There are two types of communication; synchronous and asynchronous. Synchronous as the communication has no time delayed. It will responds right at the moment. For example like Instant Messaging and Online chat. But for asynchronous it has time delayed. The communication takes time to respond. Common examples are Email, Discussion forum and Message boards.

So, this are some knowledge that I have learnt last week. I know some of you already know about all this stuff but I felt so excited to share what I have learnt in my ICT class. I wanted to spread all the knowledge so that many people could get the benefits. I really hope in my next class I cloud learn more about computer and technology.