Computer Assisted Language Learning

	Computer Assisted Language Learning (CALL):
	State of the art


	Technological innovations both in stand-alone software programs and computer networks have revolutionized the way Computer Assisted Language Learning (CALL) is conceptualized and practiced.

	1. Stand-alone CALL software programs

	This type of software are no longer limited to grammar drills. They started to be contextualized and to incorporate graphics audio recording and playback, and video. Most of these software offer practice in a variety skills but without extensive management systems or perspective curricula.
	Pronunciation :
	Most pronunciation programs now incorporate some sort of voice recording and playback to let students compare their recording with a model. Many of the English pronunciation programs video clips and animations of the mouth making specific sounds. Some vocabulary programs use speech recognition technology to help students see how close they’ve come to the target pronunciation.

	Games :
	Games are not only for drills as they used to be. Some of them are based on simulation and role-play. So the are designed for collaborative work. The language that takes place in the pair or small group of students in front of the computer is sometimes more important than the language on the computer screen.

	The writing process :
	Most word-processors now come with spelling checkers, giving weak spellers some help in finding their errors and recognizing the correct spelling from a list of options. Digital dictionaries can accessed with a keystroke. They incorporate sound and video clips to help learners recognize a word when it is spoken and put into context.
	2. The Internet and Computer Mediated Communication (CMC)
	E-mail (asynchronous communication)
	There are many reasons that make using e-mail beneficial in the FL classroom. By using e-mail, students develop writing skills, reading comprehension, and thinking skills.They are engaged in real communication and it can also be very motivating.

	Real-time communication :
	Internet Relay Chat (IRC) is one format that allows sychronous communication. Since IRC offers ample opportunities for communication with native speakers all over the world, it can be very useful in the EFL classroom, espacially for more advanced students with good keyboard skills

	The World Wide Web :
	In language teaching, the www has become the most exciting Internet tool in use today thanks to its flexibility, power and ease of use. Through the web, one can access millions of Web sites that can contain multimedia, text, images, sounds, moving pictures, and offer the possibility to interact. In addition to that, the Web abounds with authentic material that can be used in various ways in the EFL classroom. Teachers can also use the Web to expand their students' knowledge about foreign culture. Furthermore, students will be able to develop general abilities such as skimming and scanning skills. They will also need to critically evaluate the material they are presented with, since there is also much poor quality information available. Finally, the potential for on-line publishing can motivate students, because they are no longer writing for an audience of one, but for the entire world. Of course, the World Wide Web also has its limitations. For instance, the Web is not interactive itself and it does not promote a high level of interactivity between students. Another problem is the slow connections to pages and links when Internet traffic is high. This can be a problem if the time allocated to the activity limited.

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	The Tunisian Network of English Language Teaching
	Summer School 2001