CALL in the Classroom

This week reading assignments included the following three articles and an accompanying PowerPoint about the use of advance technology in the CALL classroom.

• Peyton, J.K. (1999) Theory and Research: Interaction via Computers


• Anderson, T. (2003) Getting the Mix Right Again: An updated and theoretical rational for interaction


• Chen, C. (2007)Technology-enhanced Language and Cultural Learning: A Cross-cultural Global Education Project and Show Me The World PowerPoint (PPT)

My first thoughts of the E-pal project conducted Chen was that it was similar to my ideas and suggestions for infusing Web 2.0 into the classroom. It is funny how some many of instructional design methods and practices are being used in the field of CALL. When I read this paper and the associated PPT, I was engrossed in how this project was actually accomplished.

It was like reading my own thoughts. I personally would have developed a similar lesson plan to include two classes from different parts of the world to interact with one another on several different levels throughout out the school year. Chen had her class “telecollaborate” internationally and cross culturally with a class in the United States. The goal was similar to what my goals would be to have the students learn different cultures and languages from a direct perspective.

Due to the growing demand of multiliteracies, there is a need to prepare our children for the new world of communication technology, which includes global, digital, visual, information literacies. Chen’s project went beyond mere email. She introduces linguistics by includes visual and audio aspects of learning a new languages and cultures. Multiliteracies pedagogy is a completely new world. It is actually making countries that seemed oceans apart as close as one’s backyard.

The study of using Web 2.0 to further enhance CALL in the classroom included Peyton’s study of computer networking in the classroom. Both this article and Anderson’s Getting the Mix Right, went into various methods and technology available for student interaction. I was interested in the student-student, student-teacher, teacher-content, student-content, and teacher-teacher interactions. I never really thought about the latter, teacher-teacher interaction. However, in order to successfully interact with students in another class in a different part of the whole, teachers must be in close contact.

Overall, this week’s reading helped me to realize the advancements talking place in the CALL classroom. I am excited with article I read about CALL. Thanks for sharing Chien-Han.

References:

• Chen, Chien-Han (2007).Technology-enhanced Language and Cultural Learning: A Cross-cultural Global Education Project (Show Me The World PowerPoint)


• Peyton, J.K. (1999). Theory and Research: Interaction via Computers, In J. Egbert & E. Hanson-Smith (Eds.) CALL Environments: Research, Practice and Critical Issues (pp. 17-26). Alexandria, VA: Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages, Inc.


• Anderson, T (2003) International Review of Research in Open and Distance Learning, Volume 4, Number 2, ISSN: 1492-3831, Getting the Mix Right Again: An updated and theoretical rational for interaction, Athabasca University