The Effect of Using Computer-Assisted Language Learning - Assignment Example

The effect of using Computer-Assisted Language Learning (CALL) to Assess Listening Skill for ESL Learners INTRODUCTION Computer Assisted Language Learning (CALL) refers to the use of computer in the process of language learning. The objective of CALL is to explain about the process of language learning through the help of computer. It assists in creating an autonomous learner. In this regard, it can be stated that the significance of computers with regard to CALL has changed from being an “Input – control- feedback” to management of communication. In other words, CALL methodology in the initial years was based on the behavioral approach so that the inputs of the students could be checked and than a feedback was to be provided. However, there are several characteristics of CALL program, which include the instruction of language, the writing method of language and the level of taught language among others. Hence, this program is useful for developing the skills of language learning (Dublin City University, “Chapter 3 Computer Assisted Language Learning”). Another aspect with respect to CALL programs is the ESL learners. ESL learners are those who represent diversity with a strong cultural background as well as language skill. However, the common object of all the ESL learners is their “e need for friendship” because it takes time to create a good relationship and build belief within each other. It is easy to distinguish the ESL learners among others, as they are not the native speakers and require help for communication (Writing@CSU, “The Writing Studio”). THESIS STATEMENT This paper intends to elaborate about the concept of Computer Assisted Language Learning program as well as ESL learners. The objective is to understand the importance of CALL program o assess or evaluate the listening skills of the ESL learners. CALL (COMPUTER ASSISTED LANGUAGE LEARNING) CALL is a computer- based language learning method. It helps in developing the language skills of the learners who are majorly not native speakers of English. This program is used as medium for teaching language through the help of the computers. However, this program is very difficult and it can change quickly. One aspect stated by the teachers of language is that they think CALL program to technology driven and therefore by incorporating the many features the pedagogical aspects are sometimes ignored to a considerable extent. CALL is a new program that is used for the learning process and it is in practices in order to promote curriculum renewable. Learning language is a cognitive process and with the help of CALL, program learners are able to learn their languages in a more meaningful manner. The CALL program uses many acronyms such as CAI (Computer Assisted Instruction), CELL (Computer Enhanced Language Learning), TELL (Technology Enhanced Language Learning), ICALL (Intelligent Computer Assisted Language Learning), and WELL (Web Enhanced Language Learning). The major difference amid these is regarding the focus that is given to the computers as a method of learning. CAI involves in the use of computer for the instruction. TELL can be used in North America. WELL means the using of internet in the process of learning languages. All these aspects make the CALL program more interesting as well as exciting for the language learning process (Dublin City University, “Chapter 3 Computer Assisted Language Learning”). BENEFITS OF CALL CALL program is effective based on two factors such as internal and external factors. . The internal factors involves in teachers’ attitudinal factors, their confidence level and belief. On the other side external factors involves the use of computer as well as software, lacking of time for planning and insufficient support of technology as well as administrative. These two factors encourage the use of computer education. Computer plays a vital role in the learning process or method. CALL program has number of benefits in the learning process for enhancing the skills. Computer assisted learning technology is an important tool for language learning. Second language learner as well as ESL learners use computer for learning as it has improves and enhances the cognitive process. This program helps to build up the confidence among the learners by providing them immediate feedback and motivation. Another benefit of this program is learner get the valued information regarding the use of computer and improves their foreign language learning. The internal and external factors help the learner to find out the accurate solution of the problem. The flexibility of the CALL program acts as a benefit for the learners in an effective manner. It helps in increasing the communication level of the learner by providing proper guide and interaction with the help of technology. Hence, CALL can be considered as an easy learning method for the effectiveness of the learners regarding language learning (Bani Hani 1609-1615). THE EFFECT OF USING COMPUTER-ASSISTED LANGUAGE LEARNING TO ASSESS LISTENING SKILL FOR ESL LEARNERS) CALL is a method to learn foreign language through the help of computer. Due to the advanced technologies, the demand for computer as a tool of teaching has increased to a considerable extent. CALL has a positive impact as it influences the cognitive of the ESL learners and helps them in improving their listening as well as language skill. The computer is a medium through which learners can improve their listening skill as through this program regular feedback and motivation is provided to the learners on a regular basis. It also helps the ESL learners by providing instruction and instant feedback as a response to the learners so that the communication skills are improved. It also helps to improve the pronunciation of the learners through proper monitoring with the help of computers. This program also helps to increase the speaking power skills of ESL learners as it affects the cognitive of the learners. The new comers in the country are considered as ESL learners and this type of learners has variety in language skills and therefore requires a proper training. CALL program plays a vital role in improving the communication skills. The instructions provided are of benefit for the ESL learners because it provides the learners with the skills of speaking. Through CALL program, ESL learner gain knowledge and proper understanding about the entire features (Tanner; Landon 51-65). This program also helps the learners to improve their awareness and increase their level of confident. ESL learners are the second language learners. CALL program is essential for the ESL learners to improve their listening power, which is a good influence of CALL program to assess the listening skill of the learners. The ESL learners are shy and might be silent in the classroom to adjust in the new environment. The ESL learners are worried about the verbal as well as non-verbal communication and about the socio cultural environment of the institution. There are some factors, which affect the second language learners as well as ESL learners. For example, there are students who have the ability to learn English language quickly but others need time to improve their language speaking skills. The factors, which affect the ESL learners, include the characteristic of learning, issues of environment and development of previous language. The characteristics of learning refer to the style of learning or process as well as plan to ensure the ability of learners to acquire English language (Al-Mansour & Al-Shorman 51-56).This program has a good influence on the learners to improve their quality of the English language skills. Using of internet is most important for every learner because it gives adequate information related to the subject. CALL program is an essential as it helps the learners to get the knowledge about web and internet as well as technology based language. Due to these features, the demand of computer has increased. CALL program has positive influences on ability of language learning. This program also improves the language, grammar, analysis as well as writing skills. The fast development of computer technology has increased the use of computer as a leaning method (Yusof 43-53).The skill of listening is developing among the learners as well as lecturers. It also motivates the ESL learners to take English as a second language. The performance of learners has increased day by day in an effective way. It is good to use CALL to evaluate the listening skills of ESL learners. CALL is an important tool to evaluate the learning skills of the ESL learners. The benefit of CALL program inspires the learners to accept English language and become a fluent speaker with correct grammar and pronunciation. CALL program helps the ESL learners to gain the knowledge about advance technology, use of computer as a learning process as well as uses of internet (Meihami, Meihami & Varmaghani 57-65). CONCLUSIONS From the above discussion, it can be comprehended that CALL is an important tool for every learner interesting in learning the foreign language. It helps the learners to learn the foreign language through computer and develop a strong cognitive. The uses of this program have increased rapidly due to the advances technology and its various advantages and easy learning aspects. From the above discussion, it can also observe that new comers are considered as ESL learners who belong from various cultural backgrounds and have problems regarding English language. Therefore, it can be stated that CALL program has a positive influence on the learning skills of ESL learners because of the various advantages. It can also conclude that the demand of computer and internet as well as web has increased because of uses of advanced technology for learning language. Moreover, this program helps in improving the learning skills, listening skills and analysis skills among others. It also motivates the learners and builds confidence amid the learners with respect to proper language learning. Finally, CALL provides innovative as well as actual information to the learners and improves their learning capability to a considerable extent. Works Cited Al-Mansour, Nasser Saleh. and Al-Shorman Ra’ed Abdulgader. “The effect of computer-assisted instruction on Saudi University students’ learning of English.” Journal of King Saud University –Languages and Translation, 24 (2012): 51-56. Print. Bani Hani, Nedal A. “Benefits and Barriers of Computer Assisted Language Learning and Teaching in the Arab World: Jordan as a Model.” Theory and Practice in Language Studies, 4.8 (2014): 1609-1615. Print. Dublin City University. Chapter 3 Computer Assisted Language Learning. n. d. Web. 25 Nov. 2014. Meihami, Hussein., Meihami, Bahram. and Varmaghani, Zeinab. “The Effect of Computer-Assisted Language Learning on Iranian EFL Students Listening Comprehension.” International Letters of Social and Humanistic Sciences, 11 (2013): 57-65. Print. Tanner, Mark W. and Landon, Melissa M. “The Effects Of Computer-Assisted Pronunciation Readings On ESL Learners’ Use Of Pausing, Stress, Intonation, And Overall Comprehensibility.” Language Learning & Technology, 13.3 (2009): 51-65. Print. Writing@CSU. The Writing Studio. n. d. Web. 25 Nov. 2014. Yusof, Normah. “Effective Uses of Computer-Based Software in Teaching the Listening Skill in ESL.” Malaysian Journal of Educational Technology, 12.1 (2012): 43-53. Print. Read More