Importance of Teaching Aids
The abbreviation of CALL stands for Computer-Assisted Language Learning. It is a term used to describe the use of computer as a vehicle for delivering
instruction. As stated by Fotos Browne
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, CALL is not a method but a tool for learning using computer. Further, Young
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added that CALL is an aid for teacher to present, reinforce and assess materials to be learned using computer and usually
includes substantial interactive elements. In brief, CALL is a term which is used to describe the use of computers as a part of language course.
The term of CALL has many acronyms such as computer-assisted language instruction CAI, intelligent computer-assisted language learning ICALL,
computer enhanced language learning CELL, technology enhanced language learning TELL, and web enhanced language learning WELL. The main
difference between the acronyms is the focus given to the computer as a part of the language learning process. For instance, CAI refers to the use of the computer
for instruction, regardless of what is being taught. ICALL refers to the integration of techniques from the fields of Artificial Intelligence and Computational
Linguistics to enhance CALL applications. CELL effectively means the same thing as CALL. TELL is an acronym that is mainly used in North America that
covers the same domain as CALL. WELL refers specifically to the use of the web or Internet in the language learning process. Then, CALL in this study is used as
a general term to cover all of the acronyms.
CALL has two concepts i.e. CALL as a tutor versus CALL as a tool
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. CALL as tutor refers to the use of computer as a substitute for teacher in presenting and
evaluating students‘ work. It may replace the function of teacher or textbook in the language teaching. The concern of this instructional strategy is the students
learn in isolation, with less rapport and less personal teaching from the teacher.
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S. Fotos and C. Browne, ―New Perspectives on CALL for second language classrooms,‖ in Toni Yuliyanto Ed,
Developing Students’ grammar through Computer-Assissted Language Learning CALL a research published in UNJ University, 2010, p. 16.
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B. Young, ―Exergaming Definitions‖, in Dalia Omar Abu Shagga Ed., The Effectiveness of Using Computerized Educational Games on Developing Aspects of English Grammar for Deaf
Ninth Graders in Gaza Governorates a thesis Published in Al-Azhar University Gaza, 2012, p. 19.
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M. Levy, ―Computer-assisted language learning: Context and conceptualization‖, in Sue E. K. Otto and James P. Pusack Eds., Computer-Assisted Language Learning Authoring Issues The
Modern Language Journal, Vol. 93, p. 784.
The computer has the information to be learnt and controls the learning environment. It is different with the perspective of CALL as a tool which refers to
the use of computer as a means for teachers and students to enrich their work. It enhances the teaching process, usually by focusing on one particular learning task
and aiming to improve it. In this view, computer does not replace the function of teacher and textbook rather than supplement them. It is used in normal classrooms
with the teacher as the instructional leader in the language teaching. Further, the idea of CALL as a tutor versus tool becomes blurring. As suggested by Hubbard
and Bradin
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, viewing tutor and tool-oriented CALL as mutually exclusive categories does not accurately reflect the reality of todays uses of CALL.
Nowadays CALL can be used both as tutor and tool because it often uses particular software that embodies the characteristics and quality of both tutor and
tool. So, in this study, tutor and tool are considered as parallel rather than opposing concepts of CALL.
In short, to understand CALL, someone may see its abbreviation, acronyms, and concepts. From such things, CALL can be defined as a term to describe the
use of computer as a tool and tutor for presenting language teaching and learning material as well as evaluating
and improving students‘ work.