Two papers briefly introduced the definition of CALL and how its background theories shifting. Which reminds me the course I ever took “computer-assisted instruction (CAI).” About ten years ago, CAI was a very popular topic in education and there were various kinds of CAI software products booming. CAI is a kind of tutorial software which helps students learning language, math, science, etc. The Educational Ministry allotted lots of money purchasing CAI software for every elementary school to infuse computer into teaching.
I think the idea of CAI is between structural and cognitive perspectives because it has many repetitive drillings and sometimes it asks students to complete particular task. I ever used several kinds of software in my class, and I discovered a weird but fun phenomenon. When the software asked students questions with three options, in the beginning, students usually answered correctly, but later, they kind of feeling bored at the same feedback of awesome, good job. So, students tried to choose wrong answers to see what would happen. The loud sound and animation of exploding bomb surprisingly attracted students’ attention and they purposely clicked on the wrong answer to laugh at it.
Will you say they are learning or not? :)
CAI is just for installing in one PC and it is withered through technology advanced. I do believe CALL and NBLT will enhance students’ motivation. However, just like everything has two sides, how to guide students correctly use technology correctly is the core.
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