This document discusses the history and definitions of computer-assisted language learning (CALL). It notes that CALL dates back to the 1960s and was first introduced on university mainframe computers. It has evolved through three phases - behavioristic CALL in the 1950s-1970s, communicative CALL in the 1970s-1980s, and integrative CALL embracing multimedia and the internet in the 1990s. CALL encompasses issues of material design, technologies, and pedagogical theories. Materials can include purpose-made language learning programs as well as adaptations of existing computer-based resources.
2. The area of technology and second language teaching
and learning despite the fact that revisions for the
term are suggested regularly (Chapelle, 2001, p.3)
The search for and study of applications of the computer
in language teaching and learning ( Levy, 1997, p.1)
Definitions of Call
3. CALL has come to encompass issues of material
design, technologies, pedagogical theories and
modes of instruction. Materials from CALL can
include those which are purpose-made for language
learning and those which adapt existing computer-
based materials, video and other materials (
Beatty, 2003, p, 7-8)
Any process in which a learner uses a computer and, as
aresult, improves his or her language (
Beatty, 2003, p.7)
4. CALL dates back to the 1960s, when it was first
introduced on university mainframe computers
The PLATO project, initiated at the University of
Illinois in 1960, is an important landmark in the
early development of CALL
The advent of the microcomputer in the late 1970s
brought computing within the range of a wider
audience, resulting in a boom in the development of
CALL programs
The first publications of books on CALL in the
early 1980s.
History of Call
5. Three historical phases of CALL according to
Warschauer (1996)[21] and Warschauer &
Healey (1998
• Behavioristic CALL: conceived in the 1950s and
implemented in the 1960s and 1970s.
• Communicative CALL: 1970s to 1980s.
• Integrative CALL: embracing Multimedia and
the Internet: 1990s.
Development of Call
6. 1. CALL-specific software: applications designed to
develop and facilitate language learning, such as
CD-ROMs, web-based interactive language
learning exercises/quizzes (see CD-ROM examples
for language learning)
2. Generic software: applications designed for
general purposes, such as word-processors
(Word), presentation software (PowerPoint, see
an e-book made by students "Many Moons"), and
spreadsheet (Excel), that can be used to support
language learning (see examples of using Excel for
language learning & teaching) *Also see Microsoft
Office Online Templates)
Types of CALL programs
8. • multiple-choice &
true/false quizzes
• gap-filling
exercise/cloze
• matching
• re-
ordering/sequencing
• crossword puzzles
• games
• simulations
• writing & word-
processing
• concordancing
• web
quests/searching
• web publishing
• online
communication(synch
ronous and
asynchronous)
Types of CALL activities
9. • The term CALI (Computer-assisted
language instruction) was in use before
CALL in 1960s-1970s
• CALL began to replace CALI in the early
1980s
• An alternative term, Technology-enhanced
language learning (TELL), also emerged
around the early 1990s
Term of CALL