Selecting and integrating CALL software programs into the EFL classroom

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Selecting and integrating CALL software programs
into the EFL classroom

• Paper presentation
• ITMELT 2001
• KC Lee
• National University of Singapore

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Overview of presentation

• Brief introduction
• Differences between selecting printed
• materials and software programs
• Selection criteria
• Conclusion
• Questions Comments

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(No Transcript)
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Differences between selecting printed materials
and software programs

• 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

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• 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, 1987227
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• 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

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Teacher readiness
Purpose
Finances
Selection Criteria
Content Methodology
After-sales service
Design
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Purpose

• Why buy?
• How to implement?

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Why buy? (For students)
Purpose

• be interested in learning
• work at their own pace and level
• self-access and self-study

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Why buy? (For teachers)
Purpose

• provide more individualized teaching
• record progress and performance

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Why buy? (EFL context)
Purpose

• Able to
• provide samples of meaningful and realistic
  communication
• assist understanding of cultures and norms of
  native speakers

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Purpose
Example
Denominations of currency (U.S.)
penny nickle
quarter
loony
dime
ELLIS Series
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Purpose

• Why buy?
• How to implement?

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Purpose
direction/ vision/ philosophy of institution
type/nature of course
implementation
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Teacher readiness
computer competency
dynamics of CALL classroom
commitment to the use software
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Computer competency
Teacher readiness

• Basic 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

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Dynamics of the CALL classroom
Teacher readiness
learner control
teacher role

• choice to control learning?
• learner-centred learning
• environment?

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Implications for software selection
Teacher readiness
1) flexibility level of proficiency
2)
computer time
teacher time
computer role
teacher role
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Commitment to the use of software
Teacher readiness

• departmental instead of individual
• all should be commitment to the use

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Financial concerns
Cost of hardware and software
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Financial concerns
Logistics
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Financial concerns
Administration
timetabling
CALL specialist/ lab assistants
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Content methodology

• Design
• is based on theories of language learning
• and teaching
• corresponds with teaching/learning approach
• and technology sophistication

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Content methodology
Phase Period
Behavioristic CALL 1960s 1970s
Communicative CALL Late 1970s 1980s
Integrative CALL 1990s
Interactive CALL Current
Warschauer, 1996
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Content methodology
general proficiency
report writing
Focus
pronunciation
grammar
business communication
vocabulary
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Content methodology
Multi-level, mixed ability

• Vektor Language Library Series
• tutor management system
• 500 exercises in nine levels
• learner work record

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Vektor Language Library Series
Content methodology
Teachers are able to Students are able to
plan individualized lessons self-pace learning
monitor progress monitor own performance
assign quizzes/tests
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Content methodology
Other considerations

• suitability
• motivating factor
• quality issues i.e. accuracy
• supplementary materials (printed form) i.e.
  instructors manual, workbook
• British vs American English

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Design

• User friendliness and flexibility
• Layout
• Feedback
• Record keeping features

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Design
User friendliness and flexibility
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Design
Layout - attractiveness and appeal
sound
colour
richness of background

• location of icons
• graphic images
• image size

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Design
Feedback
track performance
explanation
second chance
immediate
encouraging
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Design
Record keeping features
individual progress
time keeper
class progress
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After-sales service
Technical support Teacher training Warranty
period Software upgrades
Petronas Twin Towers, Kuala Lumpur
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Problems
After-sales service

• The companys 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 (200048)
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After-sales service
Technical support Teacher training Warranty
period Software upgrades
Petronas Twin Towers, Kuala Lumpur
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Sources of information potentially affecting
purchasing 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 Vendors 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 (200046)
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Selection criteria related to software still
used 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 Vendors presentation 61
9 Advertised features 61
10 Obtained a copy/demo and used a checklist 50
11 Software guides 45
Robb Susser (200047)
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Sources of information potentially affecting
purchasing 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 Vendors 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 (200046)
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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

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List of software programs

• Vektor Language Library Series by Vektor
  Multimedia (www.vektor.com)
• Clarity (www.clarity.com.hk)
• Tense Buster
• Report Writing
• CPi Series (email usecpi_at_aol.com)
• Active Learning Series
• Accelerated Learning Series

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Questions Comments