CALL

Communication and technology have been part of our live, especially in the area of education. In all educational system, the use commnication and technology has certain place; therefore computers play significant role in the learning process. Teaching English for a second language learner can take benefit from using a computer. Indeed, a computer is a tool  and medium that facilitates people in learning a language, although the effectiveness of learning depends totally on the users. (Hartoyo 2006, 11 ) CALL is a program derived from computer – assisted learning which is implemented to language, but the use of computer here is mainly aimed at providing a language learning tutorial program. In addition, Egbert ( 2005, 4 ) says that CALL means students learn language in any context with, thorough and around computer technologies. From both definitions, the main focus of CALL is on the application of computers in language learning. Beside the advantages of CALL, there are some disadvantages of using computer technology to students and teachers. It is indoubt that CALL creates competitive atmosphere and  the aim of this essay is to discuss the benefits and barriers of CALL.

Nowadays, CALL is gaining more popularity in foreign language learning, it mainly enjoys yhe following benefits for second language learners. Many educators indicate that the current computer technology has many advantages for second language learning. For example; Jacguelyn A.Cassidy (1996, pp.57 ) asserts that :

         “From a curricular point of view, the computer can be used to design tutorials and online lessons in grammar. More importantly for the ESL learner, computer – assisted instruction can provide a natural means of meaningful communication. It allows students to move from other ( teacher / partner ) regulation to self – regulation by learning to look at and assess their work and the work of others. Combined with peer editing and feedback, computer – mediated instruction will help the students become more aware of the application of grammatical constructions and the choices available to them in revision.”

According to Evandro Ricardo Siebert ( 2003 ) ; CALL is an effective model for the language learners. He says that computers give immediate feedback. Students receive maximum benefit from feedback only if it is given immediately. A delayed positive feedback will reduce the encouragement and reinforcement. Computer can give instant feedback and help the students ward off his misconception at the very first stage.

As we know, there are important differences between teachers and students. Zinnia ( 2009 ) indicates that one big difference is that computers will never get tired and can repeat the same thing again and again without complaning. Whatever it is programmed to do, it can do over and over as often as necessary. Furthermore, computers can keep teaching resources for a longer time. The teaching resources can then be shared by other teachers and students. Thanks to CALL; students can stud more independently. 

Beside above advantages, there are other advantages such as individualizm, optimal use of learning time, error analysis, interest and motivation. We can briefly explain these advantages. Firstly; computers are helpful to motivate students in class. Students may find it easy to get bored. With computers, teachers can present pictures, videos and written texts. Students feel things are more real and more understandable. Thus, students don’t get bored easily and they may become more active. At the same time, students can share their findings and information with teachers and classmates. Secondly; computer database can be used by teacher to classify and differentiate the type of general error and error on account of the influence of the first language. A computer can analyze the specific mistakes that students made and can react in different way from the usual teacher, which make students able to make self-correction and understand the principle behind the correct solution.

Although there are many benefits of computer, the application of current computer technology still has its limitations and disadvantages. There are a lot of barriers to the use of CALL in language learning in many different aspects related to CALL.

The first disadvantage of CALL is lack of trained teachers and students. According to Jayachandran ( 2007 ), it is necessary that both teachers and learners should have basic technology knowledge. No student can utilize computer if he or she lacks training in the uses of computer technology. Unfortunately most teachers today don’t have sufficient technological training to guide their students. Therefore; the benefits of computer technology for those students who aren’t familiar with computer are inexistent.

Wirhayati ( 2007 ) indicates that the second disadvantage of computer and its attached language learning programs is that they will increase educational costs and harm the equity of education. It will cause unfair educational conditions for those poor schools and students. On the other hand, expensive hardware ad software also becomes the big obligations for schools and parents.

The last disadvantage is inability to handle unexpected situations. Second language learners’ learning situations are various and ever changing. Computers merely have artificial intelligence, and it cannot deal with learner’s unexpected learning problems. It cannot give an immediate response to students as teachers do. In other words, today’s computer technology is not intelligent enough to be truly interactive.

In conclusion, CALL has certain advantages and disadvantages. Teachers should know the strengths and weaknesses in applying CALL in ESL classrooms. It is agreeable that technological advancement and development has enabled the application of CALL programs in language learning and instruction, and it has become a new trend recently. It is obvious that we have entered a new information age. Even so, computer technology still has its limitation and weaknesses. Therefore, we must first realize the advantages and disadvantages of current CALL programs before applying them to improve our teaching or to help student learning. In the end, we can avoid the mistake in employing CALL program and get the maximum benefit for our ESL teaching and learning.

REFERENCES

J. Jayachandran, 2007, Computer Assisted Lerning as a Method to Develop Study Skills in Students.

Evandro Ricardo Siebert, 2003, Advantages and Disadvantages of CALL, Retrieved from http://www.albany.edu/~cs4596/research/#advantages.

 Ricardo Siebert, 2003, Advantages and Disadvantages of CALL, Retrieved from http://www.mtroyal.ab.ca/programs/academserv/ADC/teachingonline/faculty_overview.htm#what2

Zinnia Afriediza, 2009, The Advantages of Usng Computer Assisted Language Learning

Hartoyo, M.A.,Ph.D. (2005). Individual Dofferences in Computer – Assisted Language Learning. Semarang: Pelita insani

Wirhayati, August 29, 2007, Advantages and Disadvantages of CALL

Jacquelyn A.Cassidy, The English Journal, Vol. 85, No. 8, (Dec,1996), pp. 55-57 Published by: National Council of Teachers of English.