Selecting and integrating Selecting and integrating CALL software programs CALL software programs into the EFL classroominto the EFL classroom
Paper presentation
ITMELT 2001
KC Lee
National University of Singapore
Overview of presentationOverview of presentation Brief introduction
Differences between selecting printed materials and software programs
Selection criteria
Conclusion
Questions & Comments
1) teachers may be new to the computer and use of CALL in the classroom
2) difficult to skim or flip easily from front to back thus more difficult to have a comprehensive overview of the content
Differences between selecting Differences between selecting printed materials and software printed materials and software programsprograms
3) because of the many loops, branches, and paths that are built in the software program, it takes a lot of time to go through the possibilities and the materials that are available to the students
4) teachers now have to also evaluate the quality of the auditory and visual aspects
5) how the program interacts and provides feedback
Hubbarb, 1987:227
6) students should be familiarized with the new teaching/learning environment and the use of the software program(s)
7) because of the high cost involved, the selection process for software programs will have to be done more carefully
Selection Criteria
Content &Methodology
Purpose Teacherreadiness
Finances
DesignAfter-salesservice
PurposePurpose
Why buy?
How to implement?
Why buy? (For students)
be interested in learning
work at their own pace and level
self-access and self-study
Purpose
Why buy? (For teachers)
provide more individualized teaching
record progress and performance
Purpose
Why buy? (EFL context)
Able toprovide samples of meaningful and realistic
communication
assist understanding of cultures and norms of native speakers
Purpose
penny
nickle
dime
quarterloony
Denominations of currency (U.S.)
Example
ELLIS ™ Series
Purpose
PurposePurpose
Why buy?
How to implement?
PurposePurpose
direction/vision/philosophyof institution
type/nature of course
imp
lem
enta
tion
Teacher readinessTeacher readinesscomputer competency
dynamics of CALL classroom
commitment to the use software
Computer competencyComputer competencyBasic knowledge of how to operate a computer and what the
computer can do
familiarity with some computer terminology
some knowledge of dealing with commonly encountered problems
Teacher readiness
Dynamics of the CALL classroomDynamics of the CALL classroom
learner control teacher role
•choice to control learning?
•learner-centred learning environment?
Teacher readiness
Implications for software selectionImplications for software selection
1) flexibility + level of proficiency
2)teacher time computer time
teacher role computer role
Teacher readiness
Commitment to the use of softwareCommitment to the use of software
departmental instead of individual
all should be commitment to the use
Teacher readiness
Financial concernsFinancial concernsCost of hardware and software
Financial concernsFinancial concerns
Logistics
Financial concernsFinancial concerns
Administration
CALL specialist/lab assistants
timetabling
Content & methodologyContent & methodologyDesign
• is based on theories of language learning and teaching
• corresponds with teaching/learning approach and technology sophistication
Content & methodologyContent & methodology
Phase Period
Behavioristic CALL 1960s & 1970s
Communicative CALL Late 1970s & 1980s
Integrative CALL 1990s
Interactive CALL Current
Warschauer, 1996
Content & methodologyContent & methodology
Focus
general proficiency report writing
business communication
pronunciationgrammar
vocabulary
Content & methodologyContent & methodology
Multi-level, mixed ability
Vektor Language Library Series
• tutor management system
• 500 exercises in nine levels
• learner work record
Vektor Language Library SeriesVektor Language Library Series
Teachers are able to Students are able to
plan individualized lessons
self-pace learning
monitor progress monitor own performance
assign quizzes/tests
Content & methodologyContent & methodology
Content & methodologyContent & methodology
suitability
motivating factor
quality issues i.e. accuracysupplementary materials (printed form) i.e.
instructor’s manual, workbook
British vs American English
Other considerations
DesignDesign
User friendliness and flexibility
Layout
Feedback
Record keeping features
DesignDesign
User friendliness and flexibility
DesignDesign
Layout- attractiveness and appeal
sound colour
richness of background• location of icons• graphic images• image size
DesignDesign
Feedback
second chanceexplanation
encouragingimmediate
track performance
DesignDesign
Record keeping features
time keeper
individualprogress
class progress
After-sales serviceAfter-sales service
Petronas Twin Towers, Kuala Lumpur
Technical support
Teacher training
Warranty period
Software upgrades
ProblemsProblems
The company’s tech support has been spotty. The program itself is too big to fit on our hard
drives. PC version only and we are a MAC lab. It was supposed to be networkable, but has been
very buggy. Need for good typing skills and knowledge of
possible problems …. Install is painfully slow.
Robb & Susser (2000:48)
After-sales service
After-sales serviceAfter-sales service
Petronas Twin Towers, Kuala Lumpur
Technical support
Teacher training
Warranty period
Software upgrades
Sources of information potentially affecting Sources of information potentially affecting purchasing decisionspurchasing decisions
Rank Source %
1 Obtained a copy/demo and evaluated it (self or with colleagues) 81
2 Advertised features 66
3 Obtained a copy/demo and had some students try it 56
4 Obtained a copy/demo and used it under class conditions 52
5 Vendor’s presentation 37
6 Recommendations of colleagues 37
7 Favorable reviews on the literature 31
8 Obtained a copy/demo and used a checklist 25
9 Software guides 24
10 Recommendations at an academic meeting/presentation 21
11 Testimonials over the Internet 15
Robb & Susser (2000:46)
Selection criteria related to software “still used Selection criteria related to software “still used on a regular basis”on a regular basis”
Rank Source %
1 Recommendations of colleagues 78
2 Obtained a copy/demo and evaluated it (self or with colleagues) 71
3 Testimonials over the Internet 71
4 Obtained a copy/demo and had some students try it 70
5 Recommendations at an academic meeting/presentation 67
6 Obtained a copy/demo and used it under class conditions 67
7 Favorable reviews on the literature 67
8 Vendor’s presentation 61
9 Advertised features 61
10 Obtained a copy/demo and used a checklist 50
11 Software guides 45
Robb & Susser (2000:47)
Sources of information potentially affecting Sources of information potentially affecting purchasing decisionspurchasing decisions
Rank Source %
1 Obtained a copy/demo and evaluated it (self or with colleagues) 81
2 Advertised features 66
3 Obtained a copy/demo and had some students try it 56
4 Obtained a copy/demo and used it under class conditions 52
5 Vendor’s presentation 37
6 Recommendations of colleagues 37
7 Favorable reviews on the literature 31
8 Obtained a copy/demo and used a checklist 25
9 Software guides 24
10 Recommendations at an academic meeting/presentation 21
11 Testimonials over the Internet 15
Robb & Susser (2000:46)
List of software programs List of software programs
1) ELLIS Series by Cali Incorporated
(www.cali.com) ELLIS Intro ELLIS Middle Mastery ELLIS Senior Mastery ELLIS Master Pronunciation ELLIS Placement
List of software programsList of software programs3) Vektor Language Library Series by Vektor
Multimedia (www.vektor.com)
4) Clarity (www.clarity.com.hk) Tense Buster Report Writing
4) CPi Series (email: [email protected]) Active Learning Series Accelerated Learning Series
Questions & CommentsQuestions & Comments