Monday, April 26, 2010

Reflection on CALL Experience

“We live in a world in which technological innovation is occurring at a high speed and digital technologies are becoming an integral part of our daily life” (Graham, 2003). As a result, foreign language instructors become more and more interested in incorporating technology into the learning process, and creating more effective learning environments by increasing access and flexibility.


The CALL class was especially beneficial for me because its primary attempt was to answer the question: How to blend face-to face and computer mediated instruction effectively? First of all, as instructors, we have to take advantage of the strengths of each environment and avoid the weaknesses. Moreover, technology should be used to make the lesson more effective and attractive. Thus, the lesson should not seem like separate activities forced together, but it must be a carefully planned learning unit. I firmly believe that if we incorporate technology in any lesson, students achievements would be higher than if we are relying on face-to-face instruction only.

4 comments:

  1. Hi, I really liked what you said about using the advantages of our environment and avoiding the weaknesses. I think this is definitely the trick with CALL. Many times, using the computer can limit the students from engaging in their environment and miss out on face to face interactions. Other times, CALL tools can offer something the students wouldn't have otherwise, like feedback at home and/or computer practice.

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  2. Miglena,

    I agree that CALL tools should be used to aid in and enhance language learning, and not be used just to use technology. As technology is such a big part of everyday life for many people, it seems wise to introduce it, model it, and allow our students to use it to practice language.

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  3. I agree that it is important to include the CALL activities in a carefully planned lesson. I think that there is a potential for instructors to throw in a CALL tool for the sake of using computers, instead of making sure that the tool makes sense within a broader lesson.

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