A Hole in the Wall

This research has solve a lot of misconceptions on self learning using the computer. It amazed and surprised me as well that even children in the slums could learn to use the computer on their own, without any help by anyone. I mean, even I had to read the guide book on how to use my laptop when I first got it.

But that is beside the point. This research has proven that the computer is an easy tool to use in finding information. The children are not intimidated by it. The computer is not biased, it does not give negative remarks and most importantly, the children's affective filters are lowered making it easier for them to absorb knowledge.

The learning environment is flexible, open, comfortable and not evasive towards the children. It is noticed that the children help each other out rather than asking the adults from help. With all the problems that India have such as poverty, illiteracy, inadequate infrastructure, diversity of socio-cultural communities, of varied socio-economic status, spread over a large geographical region, the computer has proven that it can break down all sorts of barriers to make learning more accessible for everyone.

CALL Advantages

There are many advantages of using CALL which will be discussed in the entry today

1. It's not boring

CALL takes away from the monotonous classical classroom which can be very dreary at times. ALL programmers can provide student ways to learn English through computer games, animated graphics, and problem-solving techniques which can make drills more interesting (Ravichandran 2000).

2. Individual learning

CALL allows students to acquire knowledge at their own pace. They can decide on their own which skills to develop and which course to use.

3. A compatible learning style

Different students have different styles of learning. An incompatible style for students will cause serious conflicts to them. The computer can provide an exciting “fast” drill for one student and “slow” for another.

4. Optimal use of learning time

The flexible learning time will enable students to choose appropriate time for their learning. Learners are given a chance to study and review the materials as many times they want without limited time.

5. Error analysis

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. (Ravichandran, 2007)

So before casting some doubts on CALL, learn its advantages and see whether it can advantage you.

CALL of the Wild

Starting this semester we will begin learning and have a better understanding towards CALL (Computer Assisted Language Learning). Now, a lot of you might be apprehensive towards its fancy name. But I can assure you that it is all not that difficult to comprehend.

CALL always begins with the computer. Whether it acts as a tutor, computer as a teaching function, or as a tool that might involve a word processor, email program or a web search engine.

We are lucky in a sense that time is ever evolving now and that there are many uses of the computer that we can take advantage of.

There are many different types of CALL programs that you can take notice of which you can view in here.

Now, I notice that even when we have all of the materials available for us, just a click of the button away I might add, CALL do not always come to mind. It is important for us to first be open towards the idea of CALL and you will find that it is much easier working with it.

It is time to answer the CALL of the wild.