Defining a model of CALL

 The design of a Computer-Assisted Language Learning (CALL) program is a critical step in creating an effective and engaging language learning experience for students. It's important to take into consideration the following steps:
  1. Needs Assessment:

  • Identify the target audience: Determine the characteristics of the learners, including their age, language proficiency, goals, and preferred learning styles.
  • Assess learning objectives: Define clear, measurable learning objectives for the program, such as improving speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills.
  1. Curriculum Design:

  • Develop a structured curriculum or syllabus: Outline the content and language skills to be covered in the program. Ensure that it aligns with learners' needs and proficiency levels.
  • Consider a task-based approach: Design activities and tasks that mirror real-life language use and encourage practical communication.   
Technology Selection:
  • Choose appropriate technology: Select the right software, platforms, and tools that align with the curriculum and the learners' needs.
  • Consider multimedia resources: Utilize audio, video, and interactive content to engage learners and provide exposure to authentic language use.
Instructional Design:
    • Create engaging materials: Develop interactive lessons, exercises, and assessments that align with the curriculum and instructional objectives.
    • Incorporate interactivity: Make sure that the CALL program encourages active participation and provides immediate feedback to learners.
    • Ensure user-friendliness: Design a user-friendly interface that is intuitive for learners to navigate.
Adaptability and Personalization:
  • Consider adaptive learning: Implement adaptive technology that tailors the content and pace of learning to individual students' needs and progress.
  1. Assessment and Feedback:
  • Include formative assessment: Integrate quizzes, assignments, and other formative assessments to gauge learners' progress.
  • Provide timely feedback: Offer immediate feedback on exercises and activities to help learners correct mistakes and improve.
Multilingual Support:
  • If applicable, consider supporting multiple languages in the CALL program to cater to learners from diverse linguistic backgrounds.
  1. Collaboration and Communication:
  • Include opportunities for interaction: Create discussion forums, chat rooms, or collaborative projects to foster communication and collaboration among learners.
  1. Teacher/Facilitator Training:
  • Provide training for instructors or facilitators to effectively use the CALL program in the classroom.
  • Encourage effective integration: Instructors should be able to integrate the technology seamlessly into their teaching methodologies.


Activities used in call

  1. 1. Interactive Exercises:

    • Vocabulary quizzes
    • Grammar exercises
    • Fill-in-the-blank activities
    • Drag-and-drop matching exercises
  2. 2. Listening Comprehension:

    • Audio clips with comprehension questions
    • Dictation and transcription exercises
    • Interactive listening comprehension games
  3. 3. Reading Comprehension:

    • Reading passages with comprehension questions
    • Cloze tests (fill in the gaps)
    • Interactive e-books and reading apps
  4. 4. Speaking and Pronunciation:

    • Voice recognition software for pronunciation practice
    • Dialogues with speaking exercises
    • Video-based speaking tasks with recording and playback
  5. 5. Writing and Composition:

    • Writing prompts and essay assignments
    • Email or chat conversations for writing practice
    • Blog or journal writing exercises
  6. 6. Vocabulary and Flashcards:

    • Digital flashcards for vocabulary review
    • Interactive vocabulary games (e.g., matching words with images)
    • Spelling and word association activities
  7. 7. Role-Playing and Simulations:

    • Virtual scenarios for role-playing and simulated conversations
    • Business simulations for specific language and communication skills
    • Virtual reality language learning experiences
  8. 8. Games and Gamification:

    • Language learning games (e.g., crossword puzzles, word search, and language trivia)
    • Gamified language courses with point systems and rewards
    • Story-based or narrative games to learn in context
  9. 9. Collaborative Learning:

    • Online forums for discussion and collaboration
    • Peer review and editing of written work
    • Virtual group projects and language exchange platforms
  10. 10. Cultural Exploration:

    • Multimedia content on the culture, history, and traditions of target language speakers
    • Virtual tours or cultural immersion experiences
    • Video clips or documentaries in the target language


    • CALL and Culture

  • CALL integrates cultural aspects into language learning, enriching the educational experience by providing insights into the customs, traditions, and values of the speakers of the target language.
  • CALL programs often incorporate multimedia content, such as videos, music, and literature, to immerse learners in the cultural context of the language they are studying.
  • Cultural elements in CALL can include idiomatic expressions, gestures, and cultural norms that are essential for effective communication and cultural sensitivity.
  • CALL platforms offer opportunities for cultural engagement, allowing learners to participate in interactive activities like cooking, arts, and crafts, or discussions about cultural topics.


References

Developing call program. (2013). Slideshare.net. https://pt.slideshare.net/030283/developing-call-program-24885805


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