Computer Assisted Language Learning

Teaching Aids and CALL

Computers can combine the advantages of different teaching aids like pictures and charts as well as audio-visual aids. Multimedia presentations can be very effective to teach grammar, vocabulary and the four skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing. Computers can be used even if multimedia is not available. There are three levels of using computers.

Computers without multimedia 
Computers with multimedia
Computers with internet connection
Computers without Multimedia
 

Programmes like Microsoft Office can be used even if multimedia facilities are not available. Microsoft Office has programmes like Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and Excel. Microsoft Word can be used to correct spelling errors and grammatical errors. As the sentences are typed, the programme underlines all the spelling mistakes in red and all the grammatical errors in green. To correct the errors you can check the whole document and correct all the errors at a single go. Or by clicking on the word with the right mouse button, it is possible to correct individual words. By selecting  a word and pressing SHIFT + F7, a number of alternative words for the selected word can be obtained. Thus the inbuilt dictionary and thesaurus in Microsoft Word is helpful for correcting spelling errors and learning new words.

It is also possible to learn grammar using this programme. The office assistant, which is part of the programme, offers explanations about grammatical items and suggests how they should be corrected. Interactive self learning exercises can also be prepared using software like ‘Hot Potatoes’ and used in a computer without multimedia.

Computers with Multimedia

If multimedia facilities are available, computer can be used as an aid which combines the advantages of teaching aids like pictures and charts as well as cassette and video players. A multimedia presentation using programmes like Microsoft PowerPoint can be very effective to create a deep impression in the minds of learners.  There are a number of CDs available for learning English. In most of these CDs, there is a story line and the players are asked to play games or answer questions related to the story. They can choose to read the story, listen to the audio or watch the video clippings.  They can practise grammar, improve vocabulary, develop listening, speaking, reading and writing skills and learn to think, interact and use language in simulated real life contexts.

Computers with Internet Connection

Computers with internet connection can be used to bring the whole world inside the classrooms and provide such a vast exposure to the students that they can learn on their own. There are innumerable websites related to the teaching and learning of English at all levels. It is also possible for teachers to prepare their own websites and upload materials suitable for their students and provide links to other websites which have similar information.