Blended Learning: CALL and TALL
CALL is Computer Assisted Language Learning and TALL is Technology Assisted Language Learning (if I remember correctly).
We saw some samples of TALL in our class. I think having computer programs to help with the drill and practice of a language is invaluable. Because, like any learning, language learning simply takes practice. Naturally, a language is best taught through saturation in situ, but in the absence of a language-saturated environment, tools like computer assisted learning can really ease the load for a learner. Having the words recorded spoken by a native speaker and represented onscreen simultaneously, with the ability to record and to hear and compare your own sounds to the natively spoken sounds is great.
It's a cliche, but CALL or TALL are not a panacea, won't solve all language learning problems. But, the tools are fantastic -- especially by a motivated person who is willing to put in the time. I think it is better than other forms of self-guided learning. Economically speaking, they are a huge step up too compared to having to hire a native speaker to be your instructor or to have to spend a semester in a foreign country or something. But I wouldn't just get rid of those opportunities and replace them with CALL or TALL as the solution.
That's where the blend in blended environments comes from. Use some of every tool and benefit from the strengths of each and, by so doing, mitigate the weaknesses.
We saw some samples of TALL in our class. I think having computer programs to help with the drill and practice of a language is invaluable. Because, like any learning, language learning simply takes practice. Naturally, a language is best taught through saturation in situ, but in the absence of a language-saturated environment, tools like computer assisted learning can really ease the load for a learner. Having the words recorded spoken by a native speaker and represented onscreen simultaneously, with the ability to record and to hear and compare your own sounds to the natively spoken sounds is great.
It's a cliche, but CALL or TALL are not a panacea, won't solve all language learning problems. But, the tools are fantastic -- especially by a motivated person who is willing to put in the time. I think it is better than other forms of self-guided learning. Economically speaking, they are a huge step up too compared to having to hire a native speaker to be your instructor or to have to spend a semester in a foreign country or something. But I wouldn't just get rid of those opportunities and replace them with CALL or TALL as the solution.
That's where the blend in blended environments comes from. Use some of every tool and benefit from the strengths of each and, by so doing, mitigate the weaknesses.
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