Well, I do feel like I passed the Critical Period with using blogs, chats, etc. ...
I was glad to discover that CALL is not and should not be omnipotent. Many things I've heard or read so far support the idea that computer-assisted L2 learning or teaching can or should solve any problems related to learning or teaching a foreign language. This idea sounds a little over the age. However, it does make sense that CALL while contributes greatly to acquiring language skills and cultural competence, is not the only part of FL learning/teaching. What's your take on this?
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I agree, K, I think it's the medium, not the message--nobody talks of 'paper-enhanced language learning' or 'film-assisted language learning', as we have become so accustomed to those technologies, they are just another way we mediate language use
ReplyDeleteIt's true that technologies are more qualified to be message carriers than message. However, it does affect the way we use language and sometimes even how we process information. For example, you would not write your paper in the way you compose a text message. The awareness of technologies retroaction on language might help teachers better apply them to create a more inspring language class.
ReplyDeleteI think CALL can really be a useful tool if we know about the possibilities it offers. I guess that's why we are taking this class.However, Ss will need some direction anyway. The teacher still has to make sure the task aims to a clear objective. I think the key is to find a balance and find about our Ss needs. When/Where will they be using the language? What skills do they need to develop? If they are older, are they willing to use CALL tools?
ReplyDeleteYes, I agree with Mig that CALL is a tool for SLA. It is "assists" the user/learner, especially those who enjoy media, but of course, everyone is different, and some students prefer to interact more with the teacher in person than others.
ReplyDeleteI have some ESL students who have internet-based businesses, but they don't want to even email me! They are very friendly Mexican women, and they love to chat, gossip and cook, and they prefer to interact with me as a group and have their English corrected when they make a mistake or watch Depesperate Housewives with closed-captioning.