LANGUAGE IN INDIA

Computer: A Device for Learning English Language -
A Summary of Advantages and Disadvantages

A. Ramesh Babu, Ph.D.
A. Komuraiah, M.A., M. Phil.

Abstract

Does computer create learning atmosphere? Why are students forced to learn English through computers? CALL progammes provide the learners with a novelty. They teach in varying and more interesting learning conditions and present English through games and problem-solving techniques. They offer a valuable source of self-access and self assessment study adoptable to the student's level. As CALL is a technological aid for learning, it has a number of advanced facilities that can help a student to learn a language with proficiency to communicate. It provides a facility which allows the student to listen to model pronunciation, repeat and record the same, listen to their performance and compare with the model, and do self-assessment. It has become inevitable in today's context but, at the same time, it poses certain challenges.

Key words: CALL (Computer-Assisted Language Learning); roles of teacher and students; advantages and disadvantages

Introduction

Why should the English teachers use computers for their students? Does computer really create learning atmosphere? What is CALL and how it is useful to the English learners. Computer-Assisted Language Learning (CALL) is an approach to language teaching and learning in which computer technology is used as an aid to presentation, justification and assessment of material to be learned.

CALL is a form of computer-based learning which carries two important features: individualized learning and bidirectional learning. "It is a form of student-centered learning materials, which promote self-paced accelerated learning. CALL is an interactive method of instruction that helps learners achieve their goal of learning, at their own pace and ability" (Suresh Kumar and Sreehari 2007: 3). This paper gives a detailed picture of CALL and its uses, the role of teachers and students, advantages and disadvantages of CALL.

The old and traditional face-to-face teaching in a classroom continues to be used in these days. Many teachers want to teach English by using modern technology. It includes a lot of beneficial points. The learners also like computer-assisted language learning because of visualization. Reinhard (1995: 54) says that "80% of understanding comes from visualization and much less from hearing, although retention rate is higher for the latter."

Computers can motivate the students and fill them with confidence. Students easily get the concentration needed using computers and they acquire the technical knowledge also. R. Taylor (1980: 82) expressed that "computer assisted language learning programs can be wonderful stimuli for second language learning. Currently, computer technology can provide a lot of fun games and communicative activities, reduce the learning stresses and anxieties, and provide repeated lessons as often as necessary. Those abilities will promote second language learners' learning motivation. Through various communicative and interactive activities, computer technology can help second language learners strengthen their linguistic skills, affect their learning attitude, and build their self-instruction strategies and self-confidence."

The learners who learn English through computers have extraordinary knowledge of various things. Robertson (1987: 315) says that "the participants who joined computer-assisted language learning programs also had significantly higher self-esteem ratings than regular students. Today, with the high development of computer technology, computers can capture, analyze, and present data on second language students' performances during the learning process."

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