CALL Project - Language Learning by Using Technology

Hi, All! What’s in your mind when you see our world at this time? Do you realize there is something change significantly? Yes, obviously the development of technology. By using the sophisticated technology, we can do anything, for example in learning language. The one and only that can be a connector in this universe may be English.

            English is one of International language. Those who previously did not learn English start learning it for various purposes. Nowadays, language learning must not have to be obtained formally in education institutions. We can also learn by using apps scattered in the digital platform. The question is what’s the best app or software to use?

A platform can be considered as ‘the best’ if it fulfills the user’s need. In my Computer Assisted Language Learning (CALL) subject, there was a survey about this. The participants were my classmates in as the representative of users. The survey focussed on the role of the computer or software, the purpose by using it, and obstacle in using it.

There are 3 roles of the computer in Communicative CALL:

1.    Computer as a TUTOR

It means that computer is considered as a teacher giving materials like grammar, listening, quizes, multiple choices, and so on.

2.    Computer as a STIMULUS

The aim is not to discover the right answer by the students, but to stimulate the students’ critical thinking. The simulation is a model or representation of an object, a phenomenon, or an event that the students are placed in situations where they can manipulate something and then receive feedback. This stimulus can increase the students’ problem-solving skill. Game is one of the example.  

3.    Computer as a TOOL

It means a tool for using and understanding language, such as authoring, spelling and grammar checker, word processors, and so forth.

Here are the results of the survey:

1.    Computer as a Tool is the most needed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

2.    Speaking is the most needed skill to practice.

 

 

 

 

 

 

3.    Paying much to register in an app is the problem most frequently faced by the users.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Based on the result of the survey above, there are two similar application which seem to fulfill the users’ need.

1.    Memrise

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Memrise is a platform to learn language, particularly more emphasizing to memorize the vocabulary by using flashcards for increasing the learning rate. In addition, there is a semi-play model called ‘pretend to be a spy’ in Memrise so that we won’t be bored in using it. Not only English, Memrise is also available in other languages such as French, Spanish, German, etc.

The Strength:

-          By using flashcards, it is easier to memorize vocabulary.

-          There is pronounciation guidance.

-          Progress and Reminders feature is available to return when you exit from the platform.

The weakness:

-          Website navigation is clunky.

-          If there is no data quota, our progress will return to the thick dictionary.

-          Getting paid if you wanna be a member.

2.    Mondly

 

 

 

Mondly is one of applications to learn foreign language. The language is not only English, but also available in other languages like Italian, Spanish, German, and so on. This app provides the example of daily conversation with the correct pronunciation of native speaker. The method is divided into several sessions according to our ability and speed of learning.

The Strength:

-          There is a speech recognition feature to train how accurate our intonation, word, and accent are pronounced in practicing foreign language.

-          Learning by speaking with native.

-          There is a leaderboard system to see our learning progress.

The Weakness:

-          Sometimes slow and less responsive.

-          No grammar checker when speaking.

-          The size is quite large (32 MB) for a smartphone.

        These two application emphasizes in speaking practice by providing daily conversation, chatting, and talking program with native speaker. Other matherials like quizes, vocabulary memorizing, and listening are also available. However, there is no grammar checker when practicing speaking. The focus is only on pronunciation and accent. Unluckily, these two apps require payment to become a member.

Until this section, what’s your opinion? Do you want to keep using these apps? Or creating the new app?

Aha, I have ideas!

-          I think it will be better if one app only focuses on one skill so that it will be more simple and won’t require large storage.

-          For speaking application, it will be better if grammar checker is provided I guess so that our speaking will be perfect.

-          Providing public speaking practices like speech, story telling, and broadcasting. It will be more fun and beneficial so that we won’t stuck at conversation.

What do you think, Guys? Any ideas?