Computer Assisted-Language Learning

Plug it in!

According to Chapelle (2001), one of the most important things to remember when using CALL is to use the technology in combination with sound second language acquisition principals. That being said, I learned so much in the CALL course at UTSA under the direction of my professor Dr. Sauro, that I now realize there are tons of exciting opportunities in terms of incorporating technology into the classroom and into my teaching.

Following is a list of different types of technology that can be used:

Slide shows
Wikis
Blogs
Hot Potatoes Exercises
Concordancers
Software Packages
Internet Sites
Pod Casts
Web Quests
Video
Computer Mediated Communication (e-mail, chat rooms, bulletin boards, instant messaging, MOOS, SMS, List Serves, conferencing, etc.)
Course Management Systems
RSS Feeds
Twitter
Ning
Skype, and much, much more!

If you are curious about these different technologies, you can read more at the CALL class Wiki and at our CALL blog.

You can also learn more about CALL on Dr. Sauro's exciting new pod cast series at The CALL Spot.

Resources:

Chapelle, C.A. (2001). Computer Applications in Second Language Acquisition. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

Levy, M., & Stockwell, G. (2006). CALL dimensions: Options and issues in computer-assisted language learning. Mahwah, NY: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, Inc.