An Invitation to CALL

Computer-assisted language learning divides computer use according to the functional roles of tutor and tool according to Levy(1997). A vocabulary flashcard program or set of online grammar exercises are the examples of tutor uses. And a language learning activity involving a word processor, email program, or web search engine like Google would represent tool uses.

CALL began in the 1960s with mainframe-based drill and practice materials, especially those based on the University of Illinois' PLATO system. Then in the late 1980s and early 90s, the Apple Macintosh replaced the Apple II in many educational settings in the US and became an immediate favorite among teacher-developers because of the support of HyperCard, a powerful but easy-to-use authoring program. Two major changes came starting in the mid-1990s. One was the dramatic increase in commercial multimedia for language learning as CD-ROMs became standard in home computers. The other was the development of the world wide web. Since the web and increased access to the Internet in general, the past has seen a major shift toward tool uses, and many newcomers to CALL define the field almost entirely in those terms. Increasingly, CALL is being integrated into language learning activities both in and out of class.