Abstract

This study aimed to investigate English as a Foreign Language (EFL) pre-service teachers’ perceptions towards the use of Computer Assisted Language Learning (CALL) in the English Language Classrooms concerning the teachers’ computer competence and their perceptions of CALL after creating and using their own CALL in language teaching. The participants were EFL pre-service teachers studying in the faculty of education, Mahasarakham University, Thailand. Questionnaires were used to collect the data after teaching with CALL. The findings revealed that the overall computer competence of the participants was a moderate to a high level, yet the participants were not competent in accessing the different types of information and CALL materials online. Furthermore, the participants reported that the use of a computer made language learning interesting and encouraging. However, they demonstrated that a computer training program was required due to the lack of competence in operating some computer programs as well as the inadequate knowledge of new technology for the language learning. It can be surmised that though the EFL pre-service teachers have learned about CALL, they still find the CALL knowledge gained from the teaching methodology courses insufficient for effective CALL integration and design. Therefore, the study suggests that in order to improve teacher preparation courses, the knowledge of CALL including what CALL is, various types of CALL, as well as CALL materials evaluation be provided. Additionally, the understanding of teaching approaches should also be improved along with the technological skills since the knowledge of CALL solely is inadequate to make effective teaching. The teachers need the capability of selecting the right CALL materials and teaching approaches which are appropriate to the lesson.

Keywords

Computer Assisted Language Learning, EFL, perceptions, pre-service teachers,

Metrics

Metrics Loading ...

References

  1. S. Bancheri, A Language Teacher’s Perspective on Effective Courseware. In R.P., Donaldson & M.A., Haggstorm (Eds.), Changing Language Education through CALL, (2006) 1-18. Oxon, Routledge.
  2. T. Başöz, F. Çubukçu, Pre-service EFL Teachers' Attitudes towards Computer Assisted Language Learning (CALL), Procedia – Social and Behavioral Sciences, Elsevier, 116 (2014) 531-535.
  3. K. Beatty, Teaching and Researching Computer-Assisted Language Learning, London, Pearson Education Limited, 2nd Edition, (2010).
  4. G. Kessler, Technology in Language Teaching and Learning, Handbook of Research in Second Language Teaching and Learning, (2016) 186-198,
  5. F. Kiliçkaya, G. Seferoğlu, The Impact of CALL Instruction on English Language Teachers’ Use of Technology in Language Teaching, Journal of Second and Multiple Language Acquisition – JSMULA, 1 (2013) 20-38.
  6. M. Levy, Computer-Assisted Language Learning: Context and Conceptualize, (1997), Clarendon Press, Oxford linguistics.
  7. M. Levy, Effective Use of CALL Technologies: Finding the Right Balance, Changing Language Education through CALL, Routledge, 1(2006) 1-18, Oxon, United Kingdom.
  8. P. Mishra, M.J. Koehler, Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge: A Framework for Teacher Knowledge, Teacher College Record, 108 (2006) 1017-1054.
  9. H. Oz, M. Demirezen, J. Pourfeiz, Digital Device Ownership, Computer Literacy, and Attitudes toward Foreign and Computer-Assisted Language Learning, Procedia – Social and Behavioral Sciences, 186 (2015) 359-366.
  10. S. J. Rafiee, S.A. Purfallah, Perceptions of Junior High School Teachers toward Computer Assisted Language Learning (CALL) within the Context of Azarbayjan Provinces, Procedia – Social and Behavioral Sciences, 98 (2014) 1445 – 1453.
  11. A.T. Dina, S. Ileana Ciornei, The Advantages and Disadvantages of Computer Assisted Language Learning and Teaching for Foreign Languages, Procedia – Social and Behavioral Sciences, 76 (2013) 248-252.
  12. S. Torsani, Linguistics,Procedure and Technique in CALL Teacher Education, jalt call Journal, 11 (2015) 155-164.
  13. M. Vandewaetere, P. Desmet, Introducing Psychometrical Validation of Questionnaires in CALL Research: The Case of Measuring Attitude towards CALL, Computer Assisted Language Learning, 22 (2009) 349-380.