THE IMPORTANCE OF CALL PROGRAM IN LEARNING ENGLISH AS A FOREIGN LANGUAGE WITH ITS SKILL APPLICATION
The use of computer in language learning nowadays is popular. The computer system in language learning or we can say it as CALL (C omputer Assisted Language Learning). CALL is an approach to language teaching and learning in which computer technology is used as an aid tothe presentation, reinforcement, and assesment of material to be learned, usually including a substantial interactive element. It really gives the big advantages for the student in learning English as a foreign language. Leech, et al (quoted by Hartoyo, 2005, p.10) states all language skills can benefit from computer technology to some extent. Therefore, it is needed to know the importance of CALL program in learning English as a foreign language with its kill applicatiion.
The importance of CALL program in learning English as a foreign language with its skill application isd needed to know. The first is to know the grammar skill application. It is known that most computer programs in foreign language deal with grammar and vocabulary. Some program will say ‘correct’ and ‘incorrect’ or ‘yes’ and ‘no’ for answer which is given by the student in doing grammar exercise. CALL with the answer processing encouraged the student to say ‘never die’ when theymake some error answer. However, it can be lead to boredom. There are types of CALL grammar exercises. First, is multiple choice exercise where the students have to choose the correct form. Although some teachers do not like this kind of exerci9se, but it is believed that it can be enriched on the computer if precise and helpful comments are provided for each choices. However, it is unlikely to motivate the students because it is less effort and sometimes the students only like to guessing. The second type answer processing is Tracking and Diagnosis (Partial Answer Processing), which can anticipating the wrong answer by giving helpful messages describing the nature of the error and it can also check the student’s typing or spelling. The third is modules, as a supplement to regular classroom instruction. However, it only concentrates on difficult structures. The fourth is Authoring System, in which the students only write the questions and aswer without anticipating possible error and their explanation. The fifth is Generative Exercise, which can be useful in helping the students to create their own sentences. It can concatenate the words to form a sentence. Moreover, it can add specific articles or other noun markers, adjectives,etc. The sixth is Fill in the blank, which is useful for work with conjugation, declension, etc. It is much easier to handle since it requires one word answer. It also reduces error possibilities. And the seventh is Tutorial, which teaches the student about grammatical concept and drill on its application. It gears student’s individual responses because its one to basic. The tutoraial advices overcomes errors and reinforces grammatical pattern. It mostly used for remedial and review work.
The second is to know the writing skill application. CALL program can respond well to the student’s exercise in developing form and vocabulary. It can do to correct the errors of the student’s writing, because the computers never do wrong. However, the student can become inhibited in their free writing. The text editor is as an aid in learning writing. The student is encouraged to compose a final version. They can print good and correctable copy. Besides, the computer produces a neat and uniform text. The neat pages with an attractive format make the student to be easier to read other student’s writing. And the computer can display visual visual material. Static or moving, on apart of the simulations.
The third is to know skill application. The CALL program requires the ‘page turner’ in reading skill application. The students do not have to open the other page with the noisy. They just press to ‘return key’ to see the next paragraph by the computer and the exercise can be adjusted to match appropriately challenge the student’s ability level. Moreover, the learning teaching -learning using CALL program in reading skill application is more interactive and dynamic.
The fourth is to know speaking and listening skill application. The CALL program for speaking is manifest. The computer can immediately replay the text text segment if the student has difficultty on it. The computer generated speech, which is taken to digitized speech and synthetic speech. The using of synthetic speech is to direct the student’s attention to selected aspects of text or images on the screen. And the most promising area for improving listening skill is computer controlled video, random access video, via the video disc, and computer controlled video tape can offer the student a realistic visual for imparting knowledge of language and culture. And the computer controlled audio lets the students to record their simulateous conversation. However, its high quality cost and its difficulty of abtaining high quality and up to date video material made some people concern as a learning tool.
And the fifth is to know the culture skill application. Brown and Jones(quoted by Elizabeth,et al, 2000) states the language is not only part of how we define the culture, it also reflect the culture. It means that if we learn the language, we will learn the culture of people. Unfortunately, the culture has not been yet reflected in software. The simuloation can require the students to modify and interpret cultural information in any situation. The events, architecture, music, geography, etc can be transformed into the computer. And the brightest future for the computer based study of foreign cultures lies in the use of video tape and video disk to present authentic materials for intensive study. Moreover, the computer controlled video can go far in providing the students with realistic preparation for experience abroad.
In conclusion, CALL program is the most effective way for student in mastery learning English as a foreign language. It assests for English skill; reading, writing, listening, speaking, and also culture. However, it is needed high cost in applying it.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
- Hartoyo, M.A.,Ph.D, Individual Differences in Computer-Assisted Language Learniong (CALL), Universitas Negeri Semarang Press, 2006
- Hope, Geoffrey, et al, Using Computers in Teaching Foreign Language
- Www. google.com
