Running head:THE INFLUENCE OF TECHNOLOGY ON LANGUAGE LEARNING

Student Name: Razan Bali

ID: 0132079
Subject: Final Essay (The Influence of Technology on Language
Learning)

Course Name: CALL (Computer-Assisted Language Learning)

Course Instructor: Emily Clymer

Email Address: razanbali1995@gmail.com

Date: Dec 22th, 2016
Semester: Fall 2016
What is CALL? Does it make the language learning process much easier and interesting?
CALL is a term which stands for Computer-assisted Language Learning. It is clearly referred

THE INFLUENCE OF TECHNOLOGY ON LANGUAGE LEARNING

to the use of the areas and tools of the computer in language teaching and learning (Levy, 1997,
p.1). The main aim of call is to find ways for using computers for the purpose of teaching and
learning the language. More specifically, CALL is the use of computer technologies that promote
educational learning, including word processing, presentation packages, guided drill and
practice, tutor, simulation, problem solving, games, multimedia CD-ROM, and internet
applications such as e-mail, chat and the World Wide Web (WWW) for language learning
purposes (Hoven, 1999). Nowadays, technology has become a part of our life, especially in
language learning for us as students. Of course, technology played a vital role in improving
different skills of language. For instance, taking part in video conferences helped students in
boosting their speaking skills, building their confidence; therefore, they will no longer make
hesitations and interruptions while speaking the second language with its native speakers
(Motteram, 2013). When it comes to writing, there are various programs that contributed in
progressing students writing skills and even grammar such as Microsoft Word and Microsoft
PowerPoint, which correct their grammatical, spelling mistakes, wrong punctuation, sentence
and word structure, and other problems they might face (Bronowicki, 2014, P.5). Not only that,
but also using tech tools, such as Gmail, Facebook Chat, Messenger, my.Englishclub.com,
etc, can help learners excelling their writing skills if they use them in a productive and effective
way. For example, if they train themselves to use only the second language, and to chat only with
foreigners or people from the country they are learning its language -as technology is not only
limited to English learners, but for all languages worldwide- they will gradually develop this
skill, and share ideas with each other. In addition to this, technology took part in fostering
listening skills as there are some user-friendly tech tools in which they display various videos
with many topics, and your task as a L2 learner is only to focus on enhancing your listening

THE INFLUENCE OF TECHNOLOGY ON LANGUAGE LEARNING

skills. Moreover, you can simultaneously practice your pronunciation whilst you are listening to
a video by listening to the accurate pronunciation. Technology has also had a big influence on
learning vocabulary as there are countless applications and games that are highly recommended
to use if you are interested in adding new terms to your linguistic repertoire such as Crossword
puzzles, picture-word matches, word scrambles and many others in which you are able to
learn in a thoroughly interesting and attractive way (Grisham& Dalton, n.d). In this essay, I am
going to talk in depth about how technology affects language learning, and particularly, how
CALL helps in improving language learning skills by giving some authentic examples of
applications and tech tools. Therefore, after reading this essay, you will be able to know a little
bit about what CALL is, and how you can use it in learning a L2.
In fact, there are many tech tools that influence language learning process. One of the
most productive ones is Skype. Skype is an application in which you can communicate with
others via Internet protocol (VoIP) technology which converts voice signals into data streams
that are sent over the Internet and converted back to audio by the recipients computers
(Educause, 2007, p.2). Skype is a platform in which people can contact each other without taking
into account the limitations of time and place. In fact, this what makes Skype a distinctive and
unique tool. People can either have an individual-individual or individual-group communication.
Of course, users can be from different countries around the world; therefore, they can share their
cultural differences, norms, traditions, and most importantly, their different languages, and all
this can be done freely. It is not only limited to speaking, you can also text people, share pictures
or screen shots (Elia, 2006, p.271). In addition to that, Skype can be accessed by downloading it
on several devices such as smart phones, laptops, tablets, personal computers, and smart TVs.

THE INFLUENCE OF TECHNOLOGY ON LANGUAGE LEARNING

It is also worth mentioning that if you have an account on Skype, you can also access
Skype in the classroom by installing the free Skype software on your computer. Skype in the
classroom is a medium where students assume that they are in a hypothetical classroom, and they
are expected to discussing educational issues with their instructors. Here are some creative ways
of utilizing it in the classroom: Firstly and most importantly, teachers can assign their students a
task of speaking with native speakers, for example, 3 times a week. Thus, students can listen to
the real use of the L2 they are learning in terms of correct pronunciation, the terms that are
frequently used, their accents and many others. Secondly, teachers can host guest speakers who
are specialized in a certain field to the classroom, and give students the opportunity to pose
questions related to this area. Therefore, they will be furnished with sufficient and accurate
information (Sanders, 2015). Thirdly, you can play the role of being a teacher and ask an
experienced teacher to evaluate you and give you instant feedback. By this, you will develop
your speaking skills and sharpen your personality. Fourthly, according to Phthisic in his article,
students might be assigned a task of doing a project during the entire semester and then, they can
share their projects with other classes through Skype. So that, each class can provide feedback to
the other one. Typically, this can be done by making online video conferences, video calls, or
texting messages. Fifthly and most interestingly, teachers can take their students virtual trips
around the world without leaving the country and staying at the same place. For example, the
teacher will explain a topic about a historical place. In order to let students live the experience,
the teacher can visit Skypes Cultural Exchange, and ask someone who is ready to help them in
showing the place and explaining more about it. Therefore, students will live an authentic
atmosphere by visiting that place and knowing more about its culture. They can also have a full
image about the lesson (Sanders, 2015). According to this article (Methods-How Does Work By

THE INFLUENCE OF TECHNOLOGY ON LANGUAGE LEARNING

Skype), Skype is also used to develop language learning skills starting with listening; in each
lesson, you can watch and listen to a video clip or song, then you are going to be asked to do an
exercise which is fill in the blanks of words which are included in the video or the song. By
this, you will foster this skill. Writing is included in this process as well. Teachers can simply
organize writing contests in different themes such as short stories, poems, essays, etc, and
students can read and share their pieces live with their teacher and classmates by a video call.
Furthermore, students are forced to text messages using the L2 they are learning through Skype.
Thus, sometimes, students are forced to practice writing with native speakers, which is one of the
most effective ways in enhancing this skill, and other times, they are highly encouraged to
improve their creative sense in writing. In addition to this, teachers can ask their students after
the lesson to do homework, which includes what they got from the class, and this homework
should be written and then sent via Skype to the teacher. The role of the teacher now is to send
feedback to his/her students about the major mistakes they made. Besides, the skill that has the
main focus to be developed through Skype is speaking. Students can build their confidence and
practice English, Spanish, French or whatsoever by taking part in classroom discussions, debates
(controversial topics) -in which they are forced to support their points of view towards the party
taking its side- discussing a book and expressing their feelings towards the topics that have
written about. They can suggest playing conversational games that require speaking such as 21
Questions, where people ask each other 21 personal questions taking turns, and these questions
are asked and distributed into 21 rounds. True or False is also a game in which participants
tell facts about themselves and others should guess whether it is true or false with discussing the
answers (Beeski, 2016). Eventually, students can share various sources for reading books and

THE INFLUENCE OF TECHNOLOGY ON LANGUAGE LEARNING

articles; therefore, they will be familiar with new vocabulary. Meanwhile, developing their
reading skills will take part in this process.
Last but not least, using Skype saves time and money as there is no need to travel to far
places. On the other hand, you should be aware of the technical issues in terms of high-speed
internet connection, and you should bring all tools needed such as a headset with a microphone,
laptop or any smart device, and this could lead to high costs.
The second effective tech tool that is highly recommended to use is TED Talks. It is a
non-profit platform, which stands for (Technology, Entertainment and Design) where we can
find inspirational videos about several topics by outstanding speakers in more than 100
languages. The vast majority of videos are 18 minutes and less in order to avoid boredom for the
listener. Although some videos do not exceed 5 minutes, they are among the most powerful and
inspirational videos. Of course, TED Talk as any other tool contributes in influencing language
skills. Here is an authentic example of how students can use TED Talks inside the classroom and
enhance their language skills. Firstly, the teacher might ask students to watch a video on TED
Talks without the subtitle, but before doing that, the teacher asks students some questions related
to the video they are going to watch. Then, students watch and listen to the video and see to what
extent the ideas they discussed are related to the video, thereby students can foster their listening
skill. After that, the teacher might ask students to write down any new term and ask them to
search for its meaning in a reliable dictionary, and in the next class, they can discuss together all
new words. In addition to that, whilst listening to videos, they can focus on what verb tenses are
used, and how they are used. This is how they can develop the grammar and vocabulary skills.
Finally, writing could also take part in this process. For instance, the teacher could ask students
to write a review about their opinions towards the talk (the video that they watched), what points

THE INFLUENCE OF TECHNOLOGY ON LANGUAGE LEARNING

they liked and what points they did not. Moreover, there is also a comment section below each
video where people can give their opinions of the talk, discuss things together, and provide
feedback (what weaknesses and strengths they found out in this talk) (Pell, 2015).
According to (TED Talks), what adds a distinctive feature to this tool is that if you are or
you know somebody who is an outstanding, talented with a super power to convince and inspire
people, you can immediately nominate him/her by providing the nominees and nominators
information. In addition to that, you can take part in attending talks, or even watching them live
without leaving your home. You can also search for the upcoming events in any spot in the
world.
In the conclusion, I started introducing what CALL is, and how it affects language
learning skills briefly. After that, I talked in detail of how CALL can be used in enhancing each
language skill by giving some authentic examples of very common helpful tech tools which are
highly recommended to use nowadays such as Skype and TED Talks. I also provided details
about how these tools are used to enhance the four skills of language (reading, writing, listening
and speaking). Furthermore, I mentioned some names of games that can be played in these tech
tools, and if you keep using such tools, you will gradually notice the difference and achieve
development in your linguistic level whatever the language is; because, of course, these tools are
not limited to English, but all languages can be improved using these applications.
Of course, my impression towards CALL has totally changed into a wider and different
image. What I had in my mind before taking the course cannot be compared to what I have now.
CALL indeed facilitates language learning process; generally, I can receive education whenever
and wherever I am. Furthermore, I will particularly achieve my goals in learning English since

THE INFLUENCE OF TECHNOLOGY ON LANGUAGE LEARNING

my B.A. is Applied English. I will also be encouraged to work cooperatively with people from
different countries and nationalities, especially native speakers of English whom I can learn
English from effectively and appropriately. CALL encouraged me to even learn various
languages, not only learning a second language, because lots of user-friendly applications that
stimulate people to learn languages are available all the time and for all categories. CALL
renewed the idea of considering the world as one village, but, with educational and beneficial
purposes. Thus, if somebody wants to learn a new language, all the means are available;
whenever you have an internet connection and some technological equipment, you have the
chance of starting your journey with learning and cooperating with others. CALL is a clear-cut
proof that the world has become smaller, life is becoming much easier and humans brains are
achieving more progress.

References

THE INFLUENCE OF TECHNOLOGY ON LANGUAGE LEARNING

Besski, L. (2016). 10 Conversation Games For Fun Skype Talks. Retrieved from
http://www.long-distance-lover.com/conversation-games/
Bronowicki, K. (2014). Technologys Adverse Effects on Students' Writing: An Emphasis
on Formal Writing is needed in an Academic Curriculum. Retrieved from
http://digitalcommons.brockport.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?
article=1399&context=ehd_theses
Dalton, B. & Grisham D. (n.d). 10 Ways to Use Technology to Build Vocabulary.
Retrieved from http://www.readingrockets.org/article/10-ways-use-technology-buildvocabulary
Lewis, B. (n.d). How To Use Skype To Learn Another Language. Retrieved from
http://www.fluentin3months.com/skype-language-exchange
Motteram, G. (2013).The benefits of new technology in language learning. Retrieved
from https://www.britishcouncil.org/voices-magazine/the-benefits-new-technologylanguage-learning
Pell, C. (n.d). 10 Ted Talks Every English Student Should Watch. Retrieved from
https://www.ieltsadvantage.com/2015/04/26/ted-talks-english-students/
Phthisic, C. (n.d).A window on the world: Using Skype in the classroom. Retrieved from
http://www.learnnc.org/lp/pages/6573

THE INFLUENCE OF TECHNOLOGY ON LANGUAGE LEARNING

Sanders, J. (2015). 5 Creative Ways To Use Skype In The Classroom. Retrieved from
https://elearningindustry.com/5-creative-ways-use-skype-in-the-classroom

Skype and Skype in the classroom: Options For Language Teaching and Learning.
(2013). Retrieved from http://www.tesl-ej.org/wordpress/issues/volume17/ej65/ej65m1/

Torat, B. (n.d). COMPUTER-ASSISTED LANGUAGE LERNING: AN OVERVIEW.

Retrieved from https://web.warwick.ac.uk/CELTE/tr/ovCALL/booklet1.htm

What is a TEDx Talk? (n.d). Retrieved from https://www.ted.com/participate/organize-alocal-tedx-event/tedx-organizer-guide/speakers-program/what-is-a-tedx-talk