The University of Jordan

The Advantages and Disadvantages of CALL

Name: Bana Isam Alassaf
No. 0145382
E-mail: Bana.sweetprincess@gmail.com
Ms. Tasneem Alnaimi
Dec 22nd 2016

A brief look into the definition of CALL tells us that its main purpose is to aid
people in learning new or multiple languages. Mainly, the programs use interactive
components which eases the process of this education. CALL is an abbreviation for
Computer Assisted Language Learning which defines the learning process of languages
using modern technology for example, Edmodo. CALL originated in the late 1960s
where the main spark of this massive educational move was initiated by the PLATO
project in the University of Illinois. Furthermore, it was known as CALI which is
Computer Assisted Language Instruction commonly used in the US because it was
mainly programmed instructions. Advancement in technology and many creative
innovations has led to the positively improvement of CALL.
Technology is a term defined as the branch of knowledge that deals with the
creation and use of technical means and their interrelation with life, society, and the
environment, drawing upon such subjects as industrial arts, engineering, applied
science, and pure science. It was used as a term to describe the rapid development in
the past centuries. Technology developed in all industries and fields for its service to
human beings. It started with the discovery of electricity which was a major
breakthrough in the world. It continued this path until screens and monitors where
created which is found in everyday technology. Although it is hard to talk about the
disadvantages of technology due to the many awesome services they provided
throughout the centuries, nothing will ever be perfect. People are relying on computers
to teach us although we created them. CALL uses programs created by humans whom
may have mistaken and by transition to their students. On the other hand, technology is

a wonderful creation that will extend ti infinity without any prediction of when it will
end.
The level of modern technology has helped programmers able to design their
programs in a way that utilizes all senses of the learners. This helps in reaching their
target with the maximum knowledge of the users. For example, bright and beautiful
videos and vibrant sounds can help in explaining their idea. These technological effects
have massively affected students at school or universities and has brought more interest
in this education. Moreover, efficiency has increased with more motivation to learn and
a better infrastructure for students at schools who can use simultaneous senses and
processes in learning like observing and hearing, and thinking. According to inflib.ac.net,
the use of technology increased participation of students as well as the shy ones in the
classroom.
Although people view CALL as a huge advantage to learners, it has many barriers
that prevent it from perfection. Some of its barriers is the financial cost of the hardware
to implement these programs, and also for the maintenance if needed. These
interactive programs require students to have previous knowledge of the software, like
the computers, to be able to interact with programs using the idea of CALL. Also, some
people might refuse to change from printed books into technological computers which
is a disability for innovating classrooms. The increase in technology in the modern world
might soon replace the work force of teachers in that field. Computers only consume
electricity and do not require wages or rights. Isolation is a major problem concerning
CALL since students do not interact with each other orally. This might decrease the

effectiveness of CALL using technology. With the decrease of teachers and the increase
of isolation, students might be grammatically well educated, but their speech might not
be as good.
Not all the disadvantages are awful since some people can prosper from them.
For example, school owners can decrease the cost of hiring teachers to educate
students and uses new technology to cut the cost. In addition, teachers might
understand the students different problems in their new language and find solutions to
them which computers are incapable of achieving. Another advantage of technology
over teachers is that computers can be easily updated to adapt to the students
requirements. Updates can easily change and develop programs to accommodate with
the latest information. An article about CALL and its inability to withstand sudden
changes written by Efi Dyah Indrawati stated, The learning situation that a secondlanguage learner faces are various and ever changing. Computers merely have artificial
intelligence, and it cannot deal with learners unexpected learning problem or response
to learners questions immediately as teachers do. Blin (1994) in Lai (2006) stated that
computer technology with that degree do not exist, and are not expected to exist quite
a long time. In other words, todays computer technology and its language learning
programs are not yet intelligent enough to be truly interactive. Technology is
sometimes cunning to use especially if knowledge about them is minimal. Before the
introduction of technology and CALL to classrooms, it should be tested by using exams
to be able to visualize its effect on students. As stated by Efi, technology is never the

same but it tends change constantly and people must be prepared for it. Some
examples of programs that use CALL are Edmodo, Prezi, and Quizlet.
To conclude, CALL is definitely a helpful way to improve or learn new languages
regardless of its disadvantages. Technology is an ongoing developing process where
many programs that use CALL are constantly keeping up with the flow. Everything in
nature has its negative side with disadvantages. Some of CALLs disadvantages are the
financial costs that incur from engulfing such systems from hardware and software of
the used technology.

References
1) Davies, G. (2001). LLAS centre for languages, linguistics and area studies.
Retrieved December 22, 2016, from http://llas.ac.uk/resources/gpg/61
2) Dictionary (2000). In. Dictionary.com. Retrieved from
http://www.dictionary.com/browse/technology
3) DinaAuroraTatiana, & Ciornei, S.-I. (2013). The advantages and disadvantages of
computer assisted language learning and teaching for foreign languages . Procedia Social and Behavioral Sciences, 76, 248252. doi:10.1016/j.sbspro.2013.04.107

4) Efidrew. (2008, August 1). Advantages and disadvantages of CALL (computer

assisted language learning). Retrieved December 22, 2016, from
https://efidrew.wordpress.com/2008/08/01/assignment-4-article-on-call/
5) Lee - English teachers barriers to the use of computer-assisted language
learning (I-TESL-J). Retrieved December 22, 2016, from
http://202.194.48.102/englishonline/jxyj/iteslj/Lee-CALLbarriers.html