Computer-assisted second language assessment: to the top of the pyramid

ReCALL ◽  
2002 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 167-181 ◽  
Author(s):  
MARIE J. MYERS
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Computer Technology ◽  
Evaluation Model ◽  
Language Testing ◽  
Isosceles Triangle ◽  
Language Assessment ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
Assessment Task ◽  
Learning And Teaching ◽  
New Findings

With innovative ways available to assess language performance through the use of computer technology, practitioners have to rethink their preferred strategies of language testing. It is necessary to take into account both the new developments in language learning and teaching research and also the latest features computers have to offer to help with language assessment. In addition to best practices developed over the years in the field, it is necessary for provision to be made for authentic assessments of intercultural communication abilities. After a review of the latest language-testing literature and a discussion of the current problems identified in it, this paper explores the latest developments in computer technology and proposes areas of language testing in the light of the new findings. A practical application follows. This is an adaptation, in a school board in Ontario, of the latest evaluation model. The model represents unit planning as an isosceles triangle with assessed assignments stacked in horizontal bands from the base to the vertex, i.e. the top. The suggestion is offered that this approach can be enriched, by changing the triangle into a pyramid with a different model on each side. Access to the four sides by rotation of the pyramid allows a broader range of activities culminating in one final assessment task at the summit.

Research in language assessment

2016 ◽  
Vol 50 (1) ◽  
pp. 138-142
Author(s):  
Ute Knoch
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Language Testing ◽  
Language Assessment ◽  
Research Centre ◽  
Measurement Instruments ◽  
Learning And Teaching ◽  
International Reputation ◽  
Assessment And Testing ◽  
The University ◽  
And Training

Since its inception in 1990, the Language Testing Research Centre (LTRC) at the University of Melbourne has earned an international reputation for its work in the areas of language assessment and testing as well as program evaluation. The mission of the centre is: (1) to carry out and promote research and development in language testing; (2) to develop tests and other appropriate proficiency measurement instruments for English and other languages; (3) to evaluate programmes of language learning and teaching; (4) to provide consultancy services in evaluation and testing; and (5) to provide education and training in the area of language assessment.

Resistance, reluctance and radicalism: A study of staff reaction to the adoption of CALL/C&IT in modern languages departments

ReCALL ◽  
2002 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 120-132 ◽  
Author(s):  
JOHN H. GILLESPIE ◽  
J. DAVID BARR
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Learning Environments ◽  
Computer Technology ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Learning Experience ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
Computer Assisted Language Learning ◽  
Learning And Teaching ◽  
Common Learning ◽  
The Uk

This paper examines staff reaction towards the use of Computer Assisted Language Learning (CALL) and Communications and Information Technology (C&IT) in language learning and teaching. It considers the attitudes of colleagues in three different universities, two in the UK and one in Canada. Our findings suggest that staff in these three locations are not resistant to the use of computer technology in learning and teaching but rather that any hesitations they have are due to a range of different factors of a practical kind, ranging from time pressures to course relevance. We found that staff in one institution are clearly more enthusiastic about using CALL and C&IT than colleagues in the other two, but that they were also widely welcomed in the latter. One of the main reasons for this has been the creation of common learning environments on the Web. In addition, findings show that staff already convinced of the benefits that CALL and C&IT bring to the teaching and learning experience (radicals) have a role in encouraging their less enthusiastic colleagues to begin using this form of technology. However, we found that the majority of colleagues are not radicals, but pragmatists, and are willing to make use of CALL and C&IT provided that the benefits are clearly guaranteed. There remains a small minority of conservatives. No suggestions are made as to how to deal with them.

scholarly journals CORPUS LINGUISTICS: POTENTIALS AND LIMITATIONS

2017 ◽  
Vol 1 ◽  
pp. 297
Author(s):  
Kamariah Yunus
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Computer Technology ◽  
Corpus Linguistics ◽  
English Language ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
Systematic Analysis ◽  
Authentic Texts ◽  
Learning And Teaching ◽  
Foreign Language Learners ◽  
Digital Era

In this digital era, the role of computer technology as a resource for instruction of foreign language learners is increasing as educators recognise the ability of computer technology to produce both independent and collaborative learning environments. Computer technologies, for example the Internet, multimedia, and hypermedia have been introduced in English Language Learning and Teaching (ELLT) to foster language learning process, all of which fall under the category of Computer-Assisted Language Learning (CALL). Corpus linguistics is a systematic analysis of the actual (real) production of language (either spoken or written), in which texts are assembled using computer technology (concordancer) to form a large collection of authentic texts, called a corpus (plural-corpora) that comes in various sizes.  Despite immense research on corpus linguistics in these recent decades, the potentials and limitations of Data-Driven Learning (DDL), the application of corpus linguistics in ELLT have not been widely discussed. Hence, this paper aims to review the potentials and limitations of DDL as a means of opening up opportunities for further studies. This insightful information is highlighted as a means of promoting DDL and producing independent learners in the 21st century classroom.

Using Computer-Assisted Language Learning (CALL) materials in English as Second Language (ESL) classrooms: perspectives of teachers and students in United Arab Emirates

2018 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ramia DIRAR SHEHADEH MUSMAR
Keyword(s):  
Second Language ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
United Arab Emirates ◽  
Language Proficiency ◽  
English Language ◽  
Learning Technologies ◽  
Student Diversity ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
Computer Assisted Language Learning ◽  
Learning And Teaching

Integrating scaffolding-learning technologies has been recognized for its potential to create intellectual and engaging classroom interactions. In the United Arab Emirates, having language teachers employ computers as a medium of new pedagogical instrument for teaching second languages generated the idea of Computer-Assisted Language Learning (CALL) as a medium of an innovative pedagogical instrument for facilitating and scaffolding language learning, with an aspiration that it will lead to improved English language attainment and better assessment results. This study aims at investigating the perspectives of students and teachers on the advantageous and disadvantageous impacts of CALL on learning and teaching English as a second language in one public school in the emirate of Abu Dhabi. The results show that CALL has a facilitating role in L2 classroom and that using CALL activities is advantageous in reducing English learning tension, boosting motivation, catering for student diversity, promoting self-directed language learning and scaffolding while learning English. The results additionally report that numerous aspects like time constraints, teachers’ unsatisfactory computer skills, insufficient computer facilities, and inflexible school courses undesirably affect the implementation of CALL in English classrooms. It is recommended that further studies should be undertaken to investigate the actual effect of CALL on students’ language proficiency. 

scholarly journals The Application of Computer Technology in Mongolian College English Teaching

2017 ◽  
Vol 12 (02) ◽  
pp. 52
Author(s):  
Xiaojun Zhao
Keyword(s):  
College Students ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Cultural Development ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
Multimedia Technology ◽  
English Learning ◽  
College English ◽  
Learning And Teaching ◽  
Bilingual Teaching ◽  
Assisted Instruction

Based on the demand of modern teaching, this paper researches the application of and problems faced by Mongolian information processing and computer multimedia technology in computer-assisted instruction. It also sets the teaching software content and learning goal and further designs the teaching software according to the English learning features and characteristics of choosing the medium of information of Mongolian college students. This software is suitable for use in learning and teaching bilingualism second language to Mongolian students, and teachers and can realize the independent code of bilingual characters, Mongolian input and output, Mongolian character handling and bilingual inter-translation functions. Manufacture and development of bilingual teaching software facilitates the enthusiasm of Mongolian college students to learn English, improve the language learning environment and plays a positive facilitation role in multilanguage integration and cultural development of the Mongolian area.

scholarly journals A Review of Computer-Assisted Language Learning (CALL): Development, Challenges, and Future Impact

2019 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 37
Author(s):  
Javed Iqbal Mirani ◽  
Shokat Ali Lohar ◽  
Abdul Razaque Lanjwani Jat ◽  
Muhammad Faheem
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Language Teaching ◽  
Cognitive Learning ◽  
Language Teachers ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
Computer Assisted Language Learning ◽  
Learning And Teaching ◽  
Audio Video ◽  
Language Teaching And Learning

The use of computer technology has become compulsory in education particularly in foreign language teaching and learning. It is known as Computer Assisted Language Learning (CALL). Language teachers and learners usually take more interest to utilize technology like mobile phone, computer, and internet in their teaching and learning. CALL has unlocked innovative dimensions in learning. Further, CALL offers advanced learning and teaching methods such as Audio–Video, Cognitive and Communicative approaches. Learning with help of CALL improves students’ cognitive and communicative abilities more as compare to traditional methods of teaching and learning. Cognitive learning makes learner responsible for his own learning and communicative approach improves learner communication skills in the language. It is necessary to consider major aspects of CALL. This paper discusses detail information about Computer Assisted Language Learning (CALL). The overview focus is especially on the development of CALL, Challenges and Future Impact on language teaching and learning.

scholarly journals Motivation and Attitude of Iranian Student Pilots towards Computer Assisted Language Learning (CALL)

2017 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Milad Shirzadi ◽  
Laya Heidari Darani
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Independent Learning ◽  
Placement Test ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
Computer Assisted Language Learning ◽  
Learning And Teaching ◽  
Student Pilots ◽  
Learning Anxiety ◽  
Islamic Republic Of Iran ◽  
Attitude And Motivation

<p><em>Today technology, especially computers, has revolutionized many aspects of our lives and computers play crucial roles in the process of language learning and teaching. Moreover, English is a vital and survival mean in aviation to teach related materials to pilots and those who are engaged in aviation. This study explored the attitude and motivation of Iranian student pilots toward computer-assisted language learning. To this end, 30 Iranian intermediate student pilots who were studying at Islamic Republic of Iran Army Aviation College in Isfahan participated in this study. The data were collected through the Oxford Placement Test, a questionnaire on attitude towards computer-assisted language learning and another questionnaire on motivation for language learning through computer. Then, data analysis was carried out via calculating the frequency and percentage of the responses to the questions as well as the statements of the questionnaires. The results obtained revealed that Iranian student pilots showed positive attitude towards computer-assisted language learning and they were motivated for learning English through the use of computers since through such learning, anxiety is reduced and they can learn English in an independent learning atmosphere. The results suggested that computer-assisted language learning curriculum can significantly motivate students and thus it should be improved in aviation educational settings.</em></p>

scholarly journals A Research on CALL-Based POA in English Writing Teaching

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (12) ◽  
pp. 156-161
Author(s):  
Peipei Zhou
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
Computer Assisted Language Learning ◽  
English Learning ◽  
Teaching Mode ◽  
Learning And Teaching ◽  
English Writing ◽  
Modern Computer ◽  
Hybrid Teaching ◽  
Modern Computer Technology

The combination of production-oriented approach (POA) and modern computer technology makes English learning and teaching more convenient and efficient. This research combines the computer-assisted language learning (CALL) mode with POA to form the online and offline hybrid teaching mode, aiming to provide a reference for English teachers.

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