Knowing the Computer-Assisted Language Learning

As more people are encouraged to learn other tongues, more proprietors are likewise enticed to put up businesses that offer language classes and tutorials. One such firm is the Elite Language Institute, which provides different types of language courses through its network of more than 150 teachers and trainers. As with many other language schools, the Elite Language Institute is tapping the aid of computers and the Internet for quality learning. In fact, the institution's suite of online courses for distance learning is underway.

Today, it is quite common to use computer, multimedia and other educational facilities for teaching and learning language. Speaking of which, computer-assisted language learning (CALL) is a type of computer-based learning that carries two important elements: bidirectional learning and individualised learning. It originates from computer-accelerated instruction (CAI).

CALL is not a method, but a tool that focuses on learning, not teaching. The related materials are applied in teaching to facilitate the learning process. CALL materials are student-centred, promoting self-paced accelerated learning. Thus, learners gain knowledge on their own through the use of structured or unstructured interactive lessons. CALL dates back to the 1960s when the symbiotic relationship between technology and pedagogy (style and strategy of instruction) was developed.

Although CALL and computational linguistics are separate fields of study, they are also interdependent in some way. The latter is intended to command computers to generate and comprehend grammatically acceptable sentences. Computers are then used to perform error analysis and other pedagogical tasks to aid human language teachers.

All in all, computers are so widespread in schools, offices and homes for being a powerful entertainment and educational tool. CALL is definitely just one offshoot of CAI that caters to the need of learners and teachers.