Computer Assisted Language Learning (CALL) in the Teaching and Learning Process

1. Introduction

Computer-Assisted Language Learning (CALL) refers to the use of computers and digital technology as a tool to facilitate and enhance the learning and teaching of English. CALL integrates multimedia, interactive software, the Internet, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) into language classrooms, making the process dynamic and learner-centred.

2. Importance of CALL in English Teaching and Learning

Aspect	Details & Examples
Interactive Learning	CALL provides interactive exercises such as grammar games, listening activities, and pronunciation drills. E.g., Students use Duolingo to practise English vocabulary with instant feedback.
Individualised Pace	Students learn at their own speed. A slow learner can replay listening activities as often as needed, while advanced learners can tackle higher-level modules.
Multisensory Input	CALL uses audio, video, images, and text, catering to varied learning styles. Watching a YouTube video of a native English speaker improves listening and comprehension skills.
Immediate Feedback	Automated quizzes and online exercises give instant results, helping learners correct mistakes early. Platforms like Quizizz or Kahoot provide instant answers and explanations.
Access to Global Resources	Learners can access dictionaries, encyclopaedias, podcasts, online libraries, and international classrooms. A student from Surat can attend a virtual English lesson conducted in London.
Motivation and Engagement	Gamification, badges, and rewards in apps encourage continued learning. Earning points and badges on British Council’s LearnEnglish app motivates students to keep learning.
Preparation for the Digital Age	Students develop essential digital literacy skills along with language. Using Google Docs to write essays enhances both writing and IT skills.

3. Implementing CALL in Today's Classrooms

A. Infrastructure and Preparation

• Ensure Access: Set up a computer lab or arrange for mobile devices with Internet access.
• Select Suitable Software: Choose user-friendly CALL resources (e.g., Rosetta Stone, Duolingo, BBC Learning English).
• Teacher Training: Teachers should undergo training to use technology efficiently and integrate it meaningfully.

B. Methods and Activities

Activity	How to Use CALL	Example
Listening Skills	Use podcasts and interactive listening modules	Students listen to BBC podcasts and answer comprehension questions online
Speaking Skills	Use AI speech recognition for pronunciation practice	Students use Google’s “Read Along” app for pronunciation and intonation practice
Reading Skills	Digital storybooks, online articles, and reading comprehension exercises	Students read short stories on StoryWeaver and complete quizzes on Google Forms
Writing Skills	Word processors for essay writing, blogs, and peer review platforms	Assignments written on Microsoft Word with spelling and grammar checks; students publish book reviews on class blogs
Grammar & Vocabulary	Interactive grammar games and flashcards	Students play English grammar games on Quizizz or Memrise
Assessment	Online quizzes, assignments, and progress tracking	Teachers use Google Classroom for submitting assignments and receiving automated feedback

C. Flipped and Blended Learning

• Flipped Classroom: Students watch video lectures at home (e.g., a grammar lesson on YouTube), and classroom time is used for discussions and activities.
• Blended Learning: Combine traditional teaching with CALL tools, ensuring technology complements and does not replace teacher interaction.

4. Challenges in Implementing CALL

Challenge	Explanation	Example
Limited Resources	Not all schools have sufficient computers or Internet access	Rural schools may lack reliable connectivity or enough devices
Teacher Readiness	Teachers may be unfamiliar with technology or resistant to change	An English teacher feels nervous using an interactive whiteboard
Student Distraction	Technology can be misused for games or social media	Students may open Facebook during a language lab session
Quality of Content	Not all online material is suitable or accurate	Unfiltered YouTube videos may expose students to incorrect usage or inappropriate content
Language Barriers	Some CALL resources are not localised for Indian English or regional backgrounds	A grammar exercise uses British cultural references unfamiliar to Indian students
Maintenance and Technical Issues	Computers and software may malfunction, causing disruptions	A virus or outdated software may crash during a lesson

5. Overcoming the Challenges

Solution	Details & Example
Resource Management	Use low-cost or free apps; rotate computer usage in groups
Professional Development	Organise regular teacher training workshops and peer sharing
Monitoring and Digital Citizenship	Supervise students, teach netiquette and safe use
Curate Content	Teachers should select and adapt CALL resources for the local context
Blended Approach	Combine traditional methods with CALL to ensure balance
Maintenance Support	Allocate budget and assign a tech-support teacher or student volunteers

6. Conclusion

CALL has the potential to revolutionise the English teaching-learning process by making it interactive, accessible, and learner-centred. Future English teachers must embrace technology, prepare themselves with the necessary digital skills, and adapt CALL methods according to the needs and realities of their classrooms.

Remember: Technology is a tool, not a replacement for the teacher. The best results occur when CALL is blended thoughtfully with human guidance, creativity, and empathy.

Quick Summary Table

What is CALL?	Using computers and digital tools to teach and learn English
Why use CALL?	Interactive, engaging, self-paced, immediate feedback, access to global content, digital skills
How to implement?	Choose suitable tools, train teachers, blend with classroom teaching, use for all four skills (listening, speaking, reading, writing), regular assessment
Challenges?	Limited resources, teacher readiness, student distraction, content quality, and technical issues
How to overcome?	Use free/low-cost resources, regular training, monitoring, curated content, blended learning, and technical support

Sample Lesson Plan Using CALL

• Topic: Vocabulary Building (Fruits and Vegetables)
• Tools: Projector, Internet, Kahoot Quiz, StoryWeaver Story
• Steps:
1. Introduce the topic with a short, animated video (YouTube).
2. Class discussion on favourite fruits/vegetables.
3. Group reading from a digital storybook (StoryWeaver).
4. Interactive vocabulary quiz on Kahoot.
5. Homework: Students use Duolingo for 15 minutes and submit a screenshot of their progress.

Further Reading & References

1. Beatty, K. (2013). Teaching & Researching: Computer-Assisted Language Learning (2nd ed.). Routledge.
2. Egbert, J., & Petrie, G. (Eds.). (2022). CALL Research Perspectives. Routledge.
3. British Council. (n.d.). LearnEnglish
4. Warschauer, M., & Healey, D. (1998). Computers and language learning: An overview. Language Teaching, 31(2), 57-71.
5. Levy, M. (1997). Computer-Assisted Language Learning: Context and Conceptualization. Oxford University Press.
6. Chapelle, C. A. (2001). Computer Applications in Second Language Acquisition. Cambridge University Press.