Education Reform Journal - Volume 4 - Number 2 - A General View on Utilization of Computational Technologies in Computer Assisted Language Learning (CALL)

Oct 15, 2026

Since the 1960s and 1970s, Computer-Assisted Language Learning (CALL) has advanced Foreign Language Learning through greater interactivity with learning materials and opportunities for application development. Current CALL environments include diverse software and hardware offering innovative, creative approaches that can engage learners more effectively. This literature-based study examines the use of technological means in CALL, outlining the history, typology, and program types, and assessing the effects of technologies applied to CALL.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages19

Reading Time48 min

AccessFree to download

Introduction

Overview on History and Typology of CALL

Education Reform Journal Volume 4 Number 2 , 2019 e-ISSN: 2602-3997 [http://dx.doi.org/10.22596/erj2019.04.02.35.53](http://dx.doi.org/10.22596/erj2019.04.02.35.53) A General View on Utilization of Computational Technologies in Computer Assisted Language Learning (CALL) Nihat Yigitcan Badem 1 & Fatma Demiray Akbulut2 Submitted: June 1, 2019; Accepted: November 10, 2019; Published Online: December 31, 2019 Abstract Since the 1960s-1970s, the implementation of Computer-Assisted Language Learning concept has contributed to the progress made on Foreign Language Learning (FLL) in numerous ways. It has enabled the teachers and language learners to enrich the language learning process with improved interactivity with certain learning materials and gave rise to several opportunities for the development of applications in further implementation of the concept. At the present time, it is possible to witness a wide range of software and hardware developed for CALL that are able to present innovative and creative means for CALL which are, to some extent, proven successful in engaging foreign language learners with greater effectiveness. This research has been prepared in efforts of gaining a proper insight on utilization of the technological means and opportunities in CALL, and with aims to comprise an idea regarding the effects of the mentioned technologies which are and were used on CALL. In other words, this research presentsan overview regarding history and typology of CALL and also types of programs in CALL. Keywords: Computer-Assisted Language Learning, Foreign language learning, language teaching, English as a foreign language Introduction The concept of Computer-Assisted Language Learning (CALL), can be simply defined as “the search for and study of applications of the computer in language teaching and learning”(Levy, 1997, p. 1) . The first instances of publications that coin the term ‘Computer-Assisted Language Learning’ are dated back around 1980’s, with paper of Davies G. & Steel D. (1981) as the first possible publication that coined the term. A typical instance of computer-assisted whole-class teaching would usually involve a teacher bringing one microcomputer (e.g. Personal Computer) which would be connected to a large TV screen for visual output; then a student or the teacher itself would operate the computer using its keyboard, thus the process of language training would start when the teacher would ask for responses from students regarding the words or shapes that would appear on the screen. ([Davies G. et](Davies G. et) al., 2012), This approach seemed to work very well with a range of text manipulation programs, simulations and other programs such as Quelle Tête, in which the aim was to build up the face of a person on-screen by 1 Abant Izzet Baysal University, [ORCID 0000-0001-6943-9941], [yigitcanbadem@gmail.com](yigitcanbadem@gmail.com)[ ](yigitcanbadem@gmail.com)2 Abant Izzet Baysal University, [ORCID 0000-0003-0689-8483], [demiray_f@ibu.edu.tr](demiray_f@ibu.edu.tr) typing the descriptions regarding that person’s facial features such as the nose, eyes, hair, etc. (Davies G. et al., 2012) . However, in the present, technological advancements have made it possible for a computer to contain more computing power while, at the same time, have a greater freedom of design in hardware, thus paving the way for devices with extended peripheral functions and increased interactivity, such as the Interactive Whiteboards (IWBs) . In contrast to the older computers possessing the potential that is only limited with text manipulation and basic sound & graphics syntheses, IWBs have brought along the power of a modern Personal Computer capable of running many types of multimedia ranging from CDROMs to Internet applications, and from interactive slideshows to full-fledged, specialized IWB software, with the addition of touch screens for physical interaction between the user and learning material (Davies G. et

FAQs

How does CALL contribute to foreign language learning, according to the abstract?

CALL has contributed since the 1960s–1970s by improving interactivity with learning materials and enabling new opportunities for developing applications that support foreign language learning.

What does the study focus on regarding technology in CALL?

The study focuses on understanding the utilization of technological means and opportunities in CALL, including the effects of technologies used in CALL implementations.

Which elements does the research overview in CALL?

It provides an overview of CALL’s history and typology and also summarizes types of programs used in CALL.

Oct 15, 2026

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