This document provides an introduction to ICT (Information and Communication Technology) and CALL (Computer-Assisted Language Learning). It defines the terms and discusses how CALL has evolved from mainly focusing on drills to more communicative and interactive approaches using newer technologies. It highlights how CALL has progressed from being text-based on mainframes to utilizing multimedia and the internet. The document concludes by listing some random tips for working with ICT/CALL, emphasizing the importance of problem-solving skills, pedagogical creativity, and keeping up with new technologies.

1. Introduction to
ICT/CALL
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2. ICT? CALL?
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ICT
(Information & Communication Technology)
CALL
(Computer-Assisted Language Learning)
These two acronyms are used often in fields dealing with languages and technology.
CALL specifically links computers and technology, whereas ICT includes the area
of communication, though not specifically in language learning. However, whenever
we use the acronym ICT, we are referring to ICT in language learning.

3. CALL?
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CALL is an approach to language teaching and learning in
which computer technology is used as an aid to the
presentation, reinforcement and assessment of material to be
learned, usually including interactive elements. (Wikipedia,
2005)
Any process in which a learner uses a computer and, as a
result, improves his/her
language (Beatty, 2003, p.7)
Any use of computer technology
in the domain of language
learning.

4. CALL?
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The philosophy of CALL puts a strong emphasis on student-centered
lessons. CALL centers on interactive learning and
individualized learning.
Sometimes called TELL (Technology-Enhanced Language
Learning.
Allows for Collaborative projects, peer editing for
compositions, and reinforcing
course content.
For more information:
The Computer Assisted Language
Instruction Consortium
CALL on the Web
ICT4LT

5. CALL programs
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Generic software: software designed for general use rather than
specifically for foreign language learning.
Specific programs: CD, DVD, Website (Web1.0).
Web-based references:
dictionary, encyclopedias.
Computer-mediated
communication:
email, chat, blog,
Facebook, twitter, etc.
(Web2.0)

6. CALL development
Stage 1970s-1980s:
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Structural
CALL
1980s-1990s:
Communicative CALL
21st Century:
Integrative
CALL
Technology Mainframe PCs Multimedia & Internet
English-teaching
paradigm
Grammar-translation &
audio-lingual
Communicative language
teaching
Content-based,
ESP/EAP
View of language Structural
(a formal structural
system)
Cognitive
(a mentally constructed
system)
Socio-cognitive
(developed in social
interaction)
Principal use of
computers
Drill & practice Communicative
exercises
Authentic discourse
Principal objective Accuracy … and fluency … and agency
Role of computers Tutor Tool Medium

7. Mainframe → PCs → Laptops → Tablets → …
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8. The Stone Age of ICT/CALL
Fill in the blank with the correct ending:
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1. yo habl___
A. a
B. o
C. e
CALL was originally very primitive because hardware was primitive. Computers could display only text, no
graphics. The first computers didn’t have a mouse, You entered your answer by typing in the letter of the correct
answer. Also, there were few software development tools. Development tools were complicated to use and
required an extensive technical background. The first implementations of CALL consisted mainly of grammar
drills, often called ‘Drill & Kill’.

9. Welcome to the 21st Century!
Second Life…
Nowadays, computers are much more advanced and, with the Internet & Web, it's even possible to explore
virtual worlds that recreate cities around the world and let you talk to people anywhere in the world in real time.
Click on the image above to see a video about language learning in a virtual world.
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10. Some Random Things You Should Know
About ICT/CALL
When it comes to technology, things are always
changing, and they always will.
For this reason, you need to always be working at keeping up to date. You will often have to relearn old skills
because of new tools or methods. Attend conferences and webinars. Google keywords to find Web sites that deal
with relevant topics. Join professional organizations (see our Moodle site for a list) and read professional
Journals (also listed on our Moodle site).
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11. Some Random Things You Should Know
About ICT/CALL
The most important skill in CALL is learning
how to figure things out on your own.
Autonomous learning!!!!!!!!!!!
You will eventually reach a level of expertise where there are few people who can help you solve problems. It’s
more likely that other people will turn to you for help. You have to develop trouble-shooting skills. For example,
use HELP features found in software. These often include tutorials. Use a search engine to find information or
tutorials. Check YouTube for tutorials.
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12. Some Random Things You Should Know
About ICT/CALL
Find out where to go or whom to ask to get the
info that you need.
You may have to go to many
places and ask many people
before you get the answer.
By networking with other professionals, you can find the ones who can help you in certain areas. Check out
online forums. You can find them using a search engine. Type in the word ‘forums’ and then enter the topic
(forums powerpoint)
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13. Some Random Things You Should Know
About ICT/CALL
- Check the HELP features!
- Use Google
- Use YouTube
- Search for Forums
Learn how to use Google and other search engines in a methodical way. If you're looking for a particular
phrase, use quotation marks. The two entries below will give you different results:
computer language vs "computer language"
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14. Some Random Things You Should Know
About ICT/CALL
ICT / CALL requires a high tolerance for
frustration! $#@&!!
Whenever you work with technology, you can’t assume that things will always work the way they’re supposed
to or the way you think they should. If you have a problem, try to break the problem down into small parts and
then work on each part. Sometimes you just have to shut down the computer or quit the software and start up
again. Sometimes the problem is the result of software bugs or viruses or hardware incompatibilities. Sometimes
the problem exists because of knowledge gaps. Sometimes you’re just too tired to see things clearly. In that case,
quit what you’re doing and get some sleep. The rest will make a difference.
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15. Some Random Things You Should Know
About ICT/CALL
Don't let this
happen to you!
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Working on ICT assignment...?
Click on the image to see what happened to this ICT student who couldn’t handle the
frustration…well…OK…maybe we wasn’t really an ICT student but the frustration was real!

16. Some Random Things You Should Know
About ICT/CALL
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GOOGLE & YouTube are your best friends.
(Well, maybe 2nd & 3rd best friends)
That’s the third time I’ve mentioned this so it must be important! In short, the answer is out there. It may take
time to find it but your Web mining skills may be the only resource you have for getting the information that
you’re looking for.

17. Some Random Things You Should Know
About ICT/CALL
“Technology will not
replace teachers.
However, teachers who
use technology will
replace teachers who
don't.” - Ray Clifford
Some teachers are fascinated by what the technology allows them to do in foreign language instruction. They
want to try out some of the new possibilities. Some teachers are used to doing things the way they’ve always
done them. Many feel overwhelmed by the technology or don’t trust their tech skills enough to implement ICT.
Many job ads for language teachers now ask for ICT skills. Some real examples are coming up…
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18. Some Random Things You Should Know
About ICT/CALL
“If you don't use PEDAGOGICAL CREATIVITY in CALL,
all the technology in the world isn't going to serve you
(or your students).” - Thom Thibeault
I
can’t overemphasize this. You can master the technology but your pedagogical creativity allows you to find
innovative ways of implementing it…ways that will enrich the learning experience of your students. Most
CALL technology is not generally ready to use out of the box. That’s why you have to think outside the box
when preparing CALL materials for your students.
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19. Some Random Things You Should Know
About ICT/CALL
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Don’t use new technology with old paradigms!

20. Different ways to implement ICT/CALL
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➢Use commercially produced materials.
➢Repurpose commercially produced
materials.
○ Create your own materials using assets created by
others.
○ Create your own materials from
scratch.
In this workshop, you’ll learn more about these different ways of implementing CALL. The first part of the
workshop will focus on creating and editing ‘assets’ (images, audio, video). Then we’ll focus on using
those assets in different learning environments (wikis, hypermedia, presentation software, etc.).

21. Creating & editing assets
Hyperlinks
Click on the video to watch it and on the word Sound to hear it. I consider hyperlinks an asset too so click on
Randall’s ESL Listening Lab.
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Images
Video
Sound
Randall’s ESL Listening Lab

22. Learning environments
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PowerPoint
Quia Web
FLAn Hypermedia

23. Online resources
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