Kamis, 23 Desember 2010

drama class

The Story of an hour

Characters:

1. Mr. Brently Mallar
2. Mrs. Mallard (Louis)
3. Doctor
4. Rachel
5. Josephine

Prolog:
Mr mallard and his wife are a good couple. They had married for many years. They live happy with their own business. Mr. Mallard is an entrepreneur and his wife is a house wife. Mr. They live with their baby and Mrs. Mallard’s sister Josephine. Mr. Mallard goes to work everyday and will come back to his house at noon. To make his work easier and efficiently, Mr. Mallard goes to work by train everyday. Mr. Mallard loves his wife very much. But, this story will tell us how it suddenly change.

One day in dinning room….

Mr. Mallard: Good morning sweetie, how are you today???( he talked to his baby)
Morning girl, how are you? Long time not have a breakfast with u. It seems that your are fine today, right?( he say it to Josephine)

Josephine: Yeah I’m fine. It is better than before. I can get up earlier, so I can have a breakfast with all of you.

Louis: Oh yeah my lovely sister, would you mind if I leave my baby with you today? I have many things to do, I have to go market, do the laundry, cooking, and others…but I will happy to do all of them.
I think it will spend my time much, so I don’t want if my baby stay alone because he will cry every time he want something.

Josephine: (look surprised and look at the baby)
Are you sure to give me this chance Louis?
I will get crazy soon to play with baby. Oh my goodness.
But okay.

Mr. Mallard: It’s time for working…I’ll come back as soon as possible girl, and I will help you later…

Josephine: I hope so.

Mr. mallard kiss Louis and his baby before going to work.

Mr. mallard: see you at noon, darling and I will wait for you next delicious cook.
See you dear, I will back with a new toys for you…okay?
Bye….( it was a freaking door can be heard come after Mr. Mallard had gone)


At noon, Mr. mallard came back

Mr. Mallard: Hi all, was it a happy day today?
Louis: It’s a tired day
Mr mallard: You seem not well darling
Are you sick?
Louis: Yeah, maybe I got a little tired because of activities today. But it does not mind.

Suddenly Mrs. Mallard is standing up, and falling down to the floor.
Mr. mallard: Oh no, what’s going on?
Josephine, what happened today, why….?????
(he seems panic and suddenly ask Josephine to call the doctor)

Mr. mallard: Josephine, please call the doctor soon)!!!!!

For several minute the doctor came

Josephine: doctor, came on and please check my sister.

The doctor is checking Louis for a minute.

Doctor; Mr. mallard, I am sorry before. But I have to say this, after I had medical check up on your wife, I can conclude that your wife has a genetic trouble with her heart. It will be worse if she is too tired and stress. So, please keep her on happiness, joyful, and don’t let her to do many things. She also has to drink the medicine every day in the right time.

Mr mallard: ehmm….this news it’s really hurt me. It is all my mistake, I am too busy with my job and never pay to much attention to my wife condition.

Josephine; I can not believe it, How she will be, if she knows that she can not do everything like usual?

Mr mallard: Okay, I want you help Louis to do everything in this house till I find the house keeper and nanny for my baby…could you?

Josephine: It’s fine.

Louis woke up from her faint

Mr Mallard: Oh darling, please stay on your bed, you are too weak to get up.

Louis: I am well, I want to cook and I have many jobs to do, I think, sleep for 3 hours just now, it has given back my power. Okay??please let me do it like usual.

Mr. Mallard: No. no darling. You have not known yet,

Louis: what???? What have I not known yet?

Mr Mallard; doctor said that you have a genetic heart problem and it will be worse if you force yourself to do your activities like usual, she asked me to let you have a rest and never do too much job and activities, Now, I want you to let your body in rest and please, This is all for you and our family. Don’t you love me and our baby?

Louis: How about cooking, washing, feeding our son, and even cleaning the house, who will do all of those? No one can do those things, so I have to do it by my self

Mr. Mallard: No.no.no darling. Louis!!!!!!!!!!listen to me, Now, I will not let you do a hard work even for a minute. Not at all… I have ask Josephine to help you to do your job till I find someone can keep our house cleane, do the laundry, ironing and even a nanny for our baby.


Louis: yeah….but I am not promise you.


Day by day, Louis only stays on her bed and can not do anything, even to take a glass of water for drink. Her husbands pay someone to help her do everything even get up from the bed to the bathroom. Everyone in that room pay too much care to her. And it makes her bored. She did not think that her husband care as a love again. She thinks that her husband is crazy and day by day Louis starts to hate his husband. She feels like living behind the jail.

One year later, in the morning, Mr. Mallard goes to work like usual.

Mr mallard: darling, I have to ask Josephine to bring you a breakfast, a sandwich and you have to eat it after that drink your vitamin regularly. And at noon, You will have a fruit salad with juice, and don’t forget to drink the vitamin again, and also in the evening. Ok my sweetie wife?

Louis: nodding her head with a cruel eyes and unfriendly face

Mr mallard: oh yeah I will come back late tonight because I have to go 2 different places to take my tender. bye. I love you.

On the way he goes to work, he got a train accident….and all the tv station show the news. And even the newspaper had published the news.

Josephine looked on the television and very surprised to see that Mr. Brently Mallard was the one who killed. She goes to her sister room and tried to say about the news. But, Rachel, who came just now to tell the news, ask Josephine not to talk to Louis.


Rachel : Josephine, I think, you have to tell the news till we get the certainty about that news. We can not tell it without a fact. We have to wait till police sent mallard back to home.

Josephine: No, don’t you see that the name of brently mallard is written on the list of the victims?huh???? so let me tell it to her.


At that time Louis walk from his bedroom and find Richard and joshepine in their talk.

Louis: what happened?
Ah Richard long times no see. How are you? What does make you come here?

Rachel: emmm……
Josephine: I want you to see this Louis….( she gave the newspaper to her sister)

Louis: (hug her sister and cry on her sister shoulder without say anything)
Louis: surprised…..with a straight face and tremble hand…she turned down her body and went back to her bed room without say anything…

Louis lock the door and stay alone at her room. Outside, Josephine and Richard still argued about the news.

Rachel: I have told you, don’t say anything before we know the truth from the police. You see? Huh?

Josephine: It’s better to tell her now or never.

Rachel: Don’t you think about her condition? About what doctor have said to you. I will not take any responsibility if something bad happened.

Josephine: (look confused about what she has to do)

Rachel: I’ll call the police station and ask about the accident. I will bring the truth.

That day is a bad day for their family. Richard is still calling many places to look for the truth. While Josephine try to persuade Louis to open the door.

Josephine: Louis open the door! I beg, open the door. You will make your self ill. What are you doing, Louise? For heaven’s sake open the door.

Louis: Go away. I’m not my self ill.

Josephine: If you don’t want to open the door. I’ll call doctor and force to open the door. I know you are sad to hear this news. But, try to be stronger. Remember that you still have your son.

Louis: (She put her hands on her ears, she don’t want to hear anything)

Because this situation, Josephine suddenly call the doctor. In the same time. Louis seems very not usual. She heard this news not like other woman who get the same news.

Louis: I’m free, free, free body and soul, I’ll come back to my older life, I can work happily without anyone will lead me.

Josephine: Hallo, Is it Doctor Smith? Please you come to Brently Mallard House right now, I’m afraid something bad will happen because she heard about her husband death.

Several minutes has gone, when doctor on the way to Mallard house, she met Mr. Mallard and have a nice talk.

Mr. Mallard: hi doctor, how are you? Why you come her? Owh something bad happened with my wife?

Doctor: Yeah, Josephine just called and asked me to come. I think, she got shock because she heard that you are one of the victims of the train accident.

Mr. Mallard: yeah, but god still love me. I am late to come to the station, even I have check in, in to the train, but something left in the station toilet and I back to get after I come back to get it, unfortunately, the train had gone. I think, this news will make her better. Let’s we come in.

(at that time, mallard knock the door. Josephine open it)

Josephine: it must be doctor. I’ll open the door.
Richard: emmm…

(Josephine open the door and shock because there are Mr. Mallard come with the doctor)

Mr. Mallard: darling, this is me, your husband. I am not die, so please you open the door.

Louis: (Shock and stand from her sit and walk to the door with unbelievable face)

Mr. Mallard: come on honey. Don’t you feel happy with the news?

Louis (open the door and look Mallard in front of the door)

Mr. Mallard: Doctor, please check my wife!!

Doctor: I’m sorry, she had passed away.

Senin, 20 Desember 2010

Computer-Assisted Language Learning Method in Teaching Writing for Junior High School Students

Computer-Assisted Language Learning Method in Teaching Writing for Junior High School Students

Introduction                                                                                                              
        Language has the central role in the development of the students’ intelegency, social, and emotion. It is also as the successful aid in learning all subjects. The language learning is hoped to help the students to know themselves, their culture and other people’s culture. In addition to, the language learning also helps the students to propose the idea and feeling, to take  part in the society, and even to find and use their analitic and imaginative ability in their ownselves.
        English as a means  of communication  both in spoken and writen. Communication  is understanding and  expressing   information, thinking, feeling  and develop the science,  technology  and culture. The communication  skill  in complete meaning is discourse competence, that is the ability  in understanding and/or producing spoken or written text in four language skills, namely listening, speaking, reading and writing. Those four skills are used to respon and create a discourse in the living society. Therefore, English teaching and learning is pointed at improving those skills in order to make the graduated students are able to communicate and create discourse in the certain literacy level.
        The literacy level covers the performative, functional, imformational, and epistemic. In the perfomative level, the people are able to read, write, listen and speak using the certain symbols. In the  functional level, the people are able to use the language to meet their daily life, such as reading newspaper, manual or instruction. In the informative level, the people are able to acces the knowledge with their language skills, and in the epistemic level, the people are able to express their knowledge to get the target language.
        The goal of English teaching and learning at Junior high school are the students have the capability in improving the communication competence both in spoken and written to get   functional level, the students have awareness of the essence and importance of English to enhance the national competition power in the global society and improving the students in understanding the connection between the                      language and culture.
        Based on the Competence Based Curriculum, the Basic  Standard Competence of teaching writing in grade 9 of Junior high school is the students are able to express the meaning in functional written text and simple short essay in the form of procedure and report to make interaction in the daily life context. Meanwhile, the Basic Competence are the students are able express the meaning of written short functional text by using the varieted language accurately, smoothly and meaningfully to interact in the daily life context, and the students are able to express the meaning and retorical step  in the form of a simple short essay accurately, smoothly and meaningfully in the daily context in the form of procedure and report.
        The teacher’s duty is to meet the Basic Competence of the curriculum but in the teaching and learningf process, the teacher faced the problem of the  condition of the class which are still conventionally and tradionally both in the number of students in one class and the teaching methodology. In addition to, the students have different backgrounds in intellegency, motivation, interest, attitude, language aptitude and previous knowledge of English that make the teacher and the students difficult to get mastery learning. In  order to solve the problems, the teacher use different methods in teaching writing, namely Computer-Assisted Language Learning method in teaching writing.
The Purpose of the Study
        The purpose of  the study is to find the answer that teaching writing by using Computer -Assisted Language Learning Method make the students more interested in learning writing and meet  the students need of  which having individual differences in mastery learning.
Review of Related Literature
       Most students begin writing a foreign language by doing exercises to develop form, structure, and vocabulary. These mechanics of writing respon well to computerized lessons because answers can be proccessed in some detail and compared to a single correct form, as described earlier. Beyond that, when writing involves free expression, particularly beyond the sentence level, there is very little the computer can do the correct errors. There are still a number of uses for the computer as an aid in the teaching of writing, however. As soon as the computer can no longer take part in correction, the teacher simply takes over the function. As long as forms are processed for correction, exercises remain primarily gramatical. Students can become inhibited in their writing if their mayor concern is forming correct sentences rather than expressing themselves. The  most important activity in learning how to write well is writing itself. Having errors corrected is probably not nearly as crucial as having and keeping the motivation to write. With well-planed, imaginative uses of a text editor, computer allow and can  even encourage the production of significant amount of writing, both guided or free.
       Sentences the students types line by line, transforming a model, can later be assembled by  the program into a paragraph and presented either on the screen or on paper. If the tranformations are  simple and involve single correct responses, the correct version can be shown next to the student’s version. Students can then  make their corrections. letting the students perform the task of answer processing themselves can be important step in developing the skill of copyreading. At least we know that an inteligence higher than the computer’s is guiding the work.
Analysis
       By  writing out responses to series of prompts,  suggestions, directions, or queries, students can be guided to construct whole paragraphs on any number of topics. Without depending on answer processing, the range of questions is infinite. Thios type of exercise could just as easily be done on paper by the students. The computer, however, produces a neat, uniform text from every students for the teacher to grade, mark, or just read. Students  can easily enter teacher’s corrections into their texts to improve their writing. Some teachers prefer not to make  explicit corrections but to respond to student writing with questions whose aim is ti encourage the students develop  their own text further: “Is that the way you always  spend your holiday?” “Tell me where lake Toba is.” “Who are Tommy and Lisa?”  “When did this happen?” With student paragraps on the computer, the teachwer should be able to enter comments quickly and easily, helping all students expand and clarify their own writing and thinking. Useful programs to  manage these activitiea can be expected in the near future.
        What students produce need not remain on the screen, of course. When a printer is available, the teacher can read typed texts of high quality. Neat pages with an attractive format may add to students’s pride in their work. Copy  produced in this way should make  it easier for students to read each  other’s  writing. Students  should  find their  peers’ texts easy and interesting to read  since  the structure and topic  of each paragrap could be identical to texts they have produced themselves. Dialogues between the teacher and the writers can supplemented by dialog among writers. By concentrating on what people write rather than on how they write, the class can begin  to explore real communicative functions in writing.
      Beside responding in writing to direct promting, students can also be asked to write using a more complex stimulus. The computer can present a telegram, love letter, or other  message to be anwered. It can display visual  material- static or moving- on part of the screen. these may be simple pictures or the more  elaborate representations of data characteristic  of some simulation. one typical simulation represents events associated with French.trappers in the North Woods. Players choose the furs to collect  and  the trading fort where they want to sell them. Each variable is associated  with  risk  and  profit  potential: one fort is hard to reach and the player may lose everything to a raging river, but furs bring more money there. A multiple- choice format allow students to make  decisions; chance plays some part in the outcome.
       As  student s follow  the  course of the simulation, they can be asked to write out in French the sorth narrative that simulation develops. At each stage process, they answer questions to indicate what is happening. The students’ writingf will not influence the events; it simply recounts them.
      With other simulations, students can analyze data  from the graph or discuss the situation of their leaking  boat, weighing the decisions necessary to save it. In this way, some ofthe interesting features of computer are used to suply basic information that the students develops further inwriting. The business letter, for example, can become more  meaningful if it is written to account for  events that are being simulated in a dynamic model of profit and loss.
       Beyond the sentence level, whenthe students are writing texts that  are  not  closely  related to specific cues, it may be easier to have them compose on paper and transfer theircompositions, by means of a text editor, to the computer. The text editors are powerful tools and  very easy to use, but they may not  always lend  themselves to free  composition. One   advantage   of using  them for teaching  composition is  that the students can be encourage to   compose a “final” version. From this they can print good, corectable copy that can be easily distributed, altered, and expanded, as discussed above.
 Summary
       In  term of  writing, Computer-Assisted Language Learning will help the students in doing correction of grammatical mistake and give some suggestion for certain expression. In  stimulating students to write, Computer-Assisted Language Learning can present them a telegram, love letter, or message to be answered. It can  display  visual  material-static or motion-on part of screen including the simulation. The students can develop a simple essay through simulations provided by computer.
Recommendation
       Teaching  writing using    Coputer-Assisted language Learning  method is more interesting than the convention way and  meet the students need of which having the individual differences to get the mastery learning.
References
Departemen Pendidikan Nasional.(2006). Kurikulum Tingkat Satuan Pendidikan: Jakarta
Geoffrey R. Hope, Heimy F. Taylor and James P. Pusack. (1994). Using Computers in Teaching Foreign Language. New Jersey: Prentice-Hall, Inc.
Hartoyo, M.A, Ph. D. (2006). Individual differences in Computer-Assisted Language Learning. Semarang:  Universitas Negeri Semarang Press.

The Effect of Computer Assisted Language Learning in Teaching English Grammar on the Achievement of Secondary Students in Jordan

Abdallah Abu Naba'h1, Jebreen Hussain1, Aieman Al-Omari2, and Sadeq Shdeifat1
1
Department of Curricula and Instruction, The Hashemite University, Jordan
2
Department of Educational Foundations and Administration, The Hashemite University, Jordan

Abstract: This study aimed at investigating the effect of using an instructional software program of English language on the
achievement of secondary students in Jordan. The sample of the study consisted of (212) students distributed randomly on four
experimental groups and four control groups. The instruments of the study were an instructional software program for
teaching the passive voice and an achievement test. An Analysis of covariance was used to find out the effect of the
instructional program on the students’ achievement in the passive voice. The findings of the study revealed that: 1. there were
statistically significant differences (α < 0.05) between the students' achievement mean scores in grammar attributed to the
instructional method of teaching. This difference is in favor of the students in the experimental group 2. there were statistically
significant differences (α < 0.05) between the students' achievement mean scores in grammar attributed to gender. This
difference is in favor of male students. 3. there were statistically significant differences (α < 0.05) between the students'
achievement mean scores in grammar attributed to stream of study. This difference is in favor of the scientific stream students.
In light of the findings of the study, it was recommended that TEFL teachers use CAI lessons in their instruction.

Keywords: Computer assisted language learning, achievement, use of instructional program.

Received November 21, 2007; accepted May 25, 2008

1. Introduction

Jordan has realized the fundamental role of
information and communication technology in the
global econo0my where knowledge is becoming the
primary engine of growth and development [25]. They
are so widespread that one feels outdating if not using
them [20]. The influence of these over powerful
technological tools has pervaded all aspects of the
educational, business, and economic sectors of our
world [28]. There is no doubt that just as the computer
has established itself firmly in the world of business
and communication technology, it has also succeeded
in acquiring a fundamental role in the educational
process. This role is becoming more powerful as
computers become cheaper, smaller in size, more
adaptable and easier to handle. Computers are
becoming more appealing to teachers because of their
huge capabilities and extensive effectiveness [10].
The idea of using computers for teaching purposes
in subjects like modern languages arouses mixed
feelings and meets with a variety of reactions [17]. The
fact that computers are used in the teaching of other
subjects and are put to a great many applications in
society makes one suspect that no field lies completely
outside their scope and that they might indeed be of
some use [8]. To many, the prospect of using

computers is not without appeal; it is the kind of
challenge which one feels drawn to respond to. At the
same time the technology frightens us; we are afraid
that it may come to dominate us, we have qualms
about dehumanization in a subject which is concerned
above all with human communication, and we may
even be afraid of losing our jobs. It is also known that
language teaching does not escape the waves of
fashion; we remember the errors of the past, the
theories and inventions which failed to come up to
expectations [16]. Is the use of computers in language
teaching, as some critics say, “the language laboratory
all over again”? [18].
Such anxieties can be dispelled only by a proper
acquaintance with the facts. To begin with, a computer
is nothing more than a tool, an aid to be used or not, as
the teacher thinks fit [11]. The computer, like any
other electrical or mechanical gadget, provides a
means of amplifying, or extending the effectiveness of,
our natural talents and capabilities. And like other such
machines, without the human input and control they
are useless. Used properly, however, they can be very
effective indeed, enabling the individual to carry out
tasks inconceivable by other means [16]. Finally,
computers are technologically different from language
laboratories [4]. Not only do they involve primarily the
written language, they are much more versatile; their

The International Arab Journal of Information Technology, Vol. 6, No. 4, October 2009

impact on language teaching and language learning
therefore likely to be very different [9]. There is no
reason to believe that history will necessarily repeat
itself; everyone is aware of the mistakes which were
made, and those engaged in computer assisted
language teaching are the first to stress that computers
are not a universal panacea [18].
Few teachers nowadays, at least in the Western
world, rely solely on chalk and blackboard [17]. Over
the years, more and more technical inventions have
taken their place among the educational aids with
which teachers surround themselves, so as to make
their teaching more effective. What distinguishes the
computers from other pieces of equipment, such as
tape recorders and film projectors, and what forms in
fact the basis of its being an educational aid is its
interactive capability:
“The unique property of the computer as a medium
for education is its ability to interact with the student.
Books and tape recordings can tell a student what the
rules are and what the right solutions are, but they
cannot analyze the specific mistake the student has
made and react in a manner which leads him not only
to correct his mistake, but also to understand the
principles behind the correct solution” [22].
The computer gives individual attention to the
learner at the console and replies to him. Traditionally,
it acts as a tutor assessing the learner's reply, recording
it, pointing out mistakes and giving explanations. It
guides the learner towards the correct answer, and
generally adapts the material to his or her performance
[9]. This flexibility, which can include allowing the
learner to choose between several modes of
presentation, is something impossible to achieve with
written handouts and worksheets; it would require
huge "scrambled books" with pages and pages of
mostly unnecessary explanations, together with an
extremely complicated system of cross-references. Nor
would the learner get the instant feedback so beneficial
to the learning process which the computer provides.
The computer thus promotes the acquisition of
knowledge, develops the learner's critical faculties,
demands active participation and encourages vigilance
[14]. Gonglewiski [12] maintained that computer-
mediated instruction can provide a very valuable
language learning experience.
Computer Assisted Language Learning (CALL) is
the acronym for computer assisted language learning
and it is related to the use of computers for language
teaching and learning. Significant use of CALL began
in the 1960s. Since then, the development of CALL
software has followed the changes in teaching
methodologies [14]. As teaching methods changed to
audio - lingual and communicative approaches, CALL
software included simulations and more interactive
programs. Research has shown that learning strategies
employed in CALL can affect the quality of learning

the language. However, it still lacks methods and a
clear theoretical foundation [7].

2. Statement of the Problem

In the light of the information revolution and the
scientific challenges of the 21st century, there is a
sweeping trend to use computers in al aspects of life
and education is no exception. On the other hand, the
world is heading towards knowledge economy and a
lot of money will be invested in computer assisted
language learning instructional software programs.
Therefore, it is worth investigating the effectiveness of
such CALL programs on the performance of learners.

2.1. Aims of the Study

The general aims of this study are the following:

• Developing an instructional program for teaching a
grammatical item of English language which is the
passive voice, and
• Investigating its effect on developing students'
achievement in English grammar.

All in all, the study attempts to answer the following
questions:

• Are there any statistically significant differences (α
< 0.05) between the students' achievement mean
scores in grammar attributed to the instructional
method of teaching (traditional& computerized)?
• Are statistically significant differences (α< 0.05)
between the students' achievement mean scores in
grammar attributed to the stream of study (scientific
& literary)?
• Are there any there any statistically significant
differences (α< 0.05) between the students'
achievement mean scores in grammar attributed to
gender (male & female)?

2.2. The Importance of Study

The domain of CALL in Jordan is in need of more
research. To the researchers' best knowledge, studies
about computer-based instruction in Jordan are not so
many. A few studies about the use of CALL in
teaching grammar to Jordanian EFL learners have been
conducted. It is anticipated that this study will shed
light on the benefits of using computers in language
learning in general, and in learning English grammar
in particular. This study also attempts to bridge the gap
between the theoretical and practical sides of using
CALL in teaching grammar.
Thereupon, the findings of this study may be
functional for different categories of people; it may
help EFL curricula designers and EFL methodologists
develop teaching materials which suit various ways of
teaching and match students’ level of achievement in
English language in general and in grammatical

The Effect of Computer Assisted Language Learning in Teaching English Grammar on the…

structures in particular. Moreover, this study may help
teachers by facilitating their role as well as students by
helping them absorb the structures and rules of English
quite easily and smoothly. Finally, this study may
encourage other researchers to conduct further studies
on the same topic, which will enrich both the local and
international literature.

3. Limitations of the Study

This study has the following primary limitations:

• This study is confined to the first secondary
students in the academic year 2005/2006. In Al-
Zarqa Directorate of Education.
• The results of this study may be confined to the first
secondary stage students only.
• The study is restricted to one aspect of language
which is the passive voice.

4. Review of Related Literature

Many researchers are interested in using computers as
a medium for teaching / learning. Therefore, many
studies were conducted on using CALL for teaching
English. To the researchers' best knowledge, a few
studies were conducted on using CALL in teaching
English grammar in Jordan. However, this section
contains studies conducted on teaching other
components of the language via computer. Pattern and
Cadienno [24] compared the relative effectiveness of
traditional instruction and processing instruction, both
for interpreting and producing Spanish object
pronouns in OVS and OV order .The traditional
instruction involved grammatical explanation and
output practice, while the processing instruction
involved grammatical explanation and comprehension
practice.
The
processing
group
performed
significantly better than the traditional group.
[7] Investigated the achievement of fifth grade
students who used computer in different subjects with
their colleagues who only followed traditional
methods. The students were distributed into three
groups; group 1 use computers for 60 minutes every
week, group 2 use the computer in less duration and
fewer tasks, and group 3, the control group, use
traditional instructions. The results show significant
differences in the achievement of students in favor of
the groups who use computers.
[19] Investigated the use of computer-based L2
grammar instruction. The results of these studies seem
to indicate that computer-based grammar instruction
can be as effective as or more effective than
traditional instruction (e.g., workbooks and lectures).
[21] Conducted a study concerning the relative
effectiveness of computer-assisted production (output)
practice and comprehension (input) practice in second
language acquisition. The results of the study indicate

that the output-focused group developed more
grammatical skills than the input-focused group,
suggesting that the production practice required more
syntactic processing on the part of the learner than the
comprehension practice. [26] Replicated Van Pattern
and Cadierno's study. He found no significant
difference between the input processing group and the
output-processing group. [3] Investigated the effect of
using computers in the teaching of L2 composition on
the writing performance of learners. The findings
revealed that there are considerable differences for
using computers as an effective writing tool. [23]
Conducted a study comparing the computer-based
grammar instruction and the teacher-directed grammar
instruction .The results showed that for all levels of
English proficiency, the computer - based students
scored significantly higher on open-ended tests
covering the structures in question rather than the
teacher-directed instruction. The results indicate that
computer-based instruction can be an effective method
of teaching L2 grammar. [1] Conducted a study to
explore the effect of a CALL program on students'
writing ability in English by teaching the program
cooperatively and collectively. The findings of the
study revealed that there were statistically significant
differences between the experimental group, who
studied via computer, and the control group, who
studied in the traditional method. The difference was
in favor of the experimental group who studied via
computer.
Al-Qumoul [2] conducted a study to investigate the
effect of an instructional software program of English
language functions on tenth graders' achievement. .
The results reveal that the students who studied the
English language functions through CAI lessons
performed better than those who learnt by the
traditional method. [27] Examined the overall effect of
using e-mails on the writing performance of Taiwanese
students in English. The major findings demonstrated
that students made improvements on syntactic
complexity and grammatical accuracy. The results also
revealed that the e-mail writing was a positive strategy
that helped improve their foreign language learning
and attitudes towards English.
In conclusion, having reviewed the above studies,
we find that many researchers assert the importance of
computer-assisted language learning. It is clear from
the studies that using CALL is more beneficial and
helpful than using the traditional methods, e.g., [17],
Pattern and Cadienno, [24], [7], [21], [3], [23], [1], [2].
However, only few of them report that there are no
significant differences between the CAI lessons and
the traditional methods of instruction, e.g., [19].
This study is different from the previously
mentioned studies. It deals with a component, which
was neglected by many researchers, English grammar.
To the researchers' best knowledge; a few studies were
conducted on teaching grammar through computer in

The International Arab Journal of Information Technology, Vol. 6, No. 4, October 2009

Jordan. For this purpose, the researchers developed an
instructional program for teaching the passive voice.

5. Methodology and Procedures

5.1. Sample of the Study

Four public schools were purposefully chosen from the
Educational Directorate in Zarqa for convenience. In
addition, the schools were equipped with computer
labs .Consequently, students are supposed to have
previous experience in using software.
The sample of the study consists of (212) first
secondary students assigned randomly to eight
sections. Four sections were randomly assigned to the
experimental group (scientific, literary males and
scientific, literary females); each section consists of
(20) students selected and assigned randomly, and four
assigned to the control group (scientific males (20
students), literary males (27 students), scientific
females (45 students) and literary females (40
students)). The experimental groups were taught the
passive voice via computer while the control groups
were taught the same grammatical item by the
traditional method. The sample students were chosen
from Al-Zarqa Directorate of Education.

5.2. Research Instruments

To implement this study successfully, the researchers
have developed two types of instruments: an
achievement test, and a software program.

5.2.1. The Achievement Test

The test was designed by the researchers. It was used
as both a pre-test and a post-test to find out the impact
of the software program on students’ achievement.
The test comprises (30) multiple-choice items of
four alternatives. At the beginning of the test paper, the
instructions of the test were introduced. The subjects
were asked to choose the correct answer. The time
allocated for the test was (50) minutes. Concerning the
marking scheme, there is one mark for each item, so
the total score is out of (30).
The students’ previous knowledge was assessed by
the pre-test administered to both groups (control and
experimental) before the study started. The objective
of the pre-test was to assess the students’ background
knowledge of the passive voice.
The same pre-test was used at the end of the study
as a post-test to assess the students’ achievement on
the topic, the passive voice. The objective of the post-
test was to assess the effect of both instructional
methods (contemporary and computerized) on
students’ achievement.

5.3. Test Validity

The test content was validated by a team of English
language specialists. The team was asked to validate
the content of the test with regard to test instructions,
the relevance of questions to content, its suitability to
the research goals and objectives, the number and
arrangement of questions, and the suitability of the
time allocated to the test. The remarks of the validating
team, their notes and suggestions were taken into
consideration, and the researchers made the necessary
modifications before applying the test.

5.4. Test Reliability

The test reliability was obtained through a test-retest
method, which was applied on a pilot group of (25)
students who were randomly chosen from the
population of the study and excluded from the sample.
The test was repeated on the same group to check its
reliability two weeks later. The reliability correlation
coefficient of the test-retest was calculated using
Pearson correlation formula. It was found to be (0.81),
which is considered to be suitable from a statistical
point of view for the purpose of this study.

5.5. The Software Program

For the purpose of this study, the researchers
developed an instructional program to teach the
passive voice and find out its effect on the
achievement of students in the first secondary stage.
The program was based on Macro- Media Flash
Professional Version 6. The program is organized in
the following way:

Introduction
Construction
Use
Agent
Present Verbs in the Passive
Past Verbs in the Passive
Modal Auxiliaries in the Passive
Problematic Issues Regarding the Passive Voice
Explanation and Examples
Exercises
Drills and Practice
Test yourself














The program also provides model answers for the
items presented in the exercises. Moreover, the student
receives feedback for his achievement simply because
the program contains a system for correction. The
student can easily get his/her scores when he/she
finishes any exercise.

5.5.1. The Design of the Software Program

When developing the software instructional program,
the researchers took into consideration the following:

The Effect of Computer Assisted Language Learning in Teaching English Grammar on the…

Windows/buttons/colors/font type.
The interface to be user-friendly.
The sequence of the screen to be logic.
Allow users browse without getting lost and users
always know where they are.
• The program easy use.
• The use of the items to be correct.

5.5.2. Validity of the Software Program

The content of the program was validated by TEFL
and curricula designing specialists. The validating
committee consisted of two PhD holders in curricula
and instruction, one of them is specialized in
educational technology, four highly qualified teachers
of English, and four supervisors in the Ministry of
Education in Jordan.

5.5.3. Findings Related to the First Question

The first question asks about the existence of
statistically significant differences (α < 0.05) between
the students' achievement mean scores in grammar
attributed to the instructional method of teaching
(contemporary & computerized). Analysis of
COVAriance (ANCOVA) was performed to test the
significance of the differences between the
experimental groups who were taught the passive
voice via computer and the control groups who studied
the same grammatical item using the contemporary
method. Table 1 presents the means and standard
deviations of the experimental and control groups for
students' achievement in the post-test.

Table 1. Means and standard deviations in the post-test according
to the method applied.

Computerized

Contemporary

Difference

As indicated in Table 1, there are statistically
significant differences between the mean scores in the
achievement test of both the experimental group who
used the computer and the control group who were
taught by the contemporary method. The mean scores
of the experimental group is (26.21) while it is (23.95)
for the control group. The difference between the two
groups' mean scores is (2.26).
To find out the statistical significance of this
difference, the researchers employed the 3-Way
ANCOVA to the results of the post-test according to
the variables of the study (method, gender, stream of
study) The variance among the dependent variable
groups (achievement in the post- test) is the same,
since the calculated significance level (0.122) was

Std.
Deviations

Means

26.21

23.95

2.26

Number

2.26

2.06

0.2

80

80

-

greater than the postulated significance level (α <
0.05). The results of the analysis of covariance are as
shown in Table 2.

Table 2. 3-Way analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) for students’
achievement in the post-test.

Source
of
Variance

Method

Gender

Stream

Pretest

Table 2 shows that there are statistically significant
differences (α < 0.05) between the mean scores of the
students who were taught the passive voice via computer
(the experimental group) and those who were taught the
same grammatical item using the traditional method (the
control group).
The computed (F) value was (75.47) which is
statistically significant at (α < 0.05). This shows that
there is a significant effect of the use of a
computerized software program on the achievement of
students. This effect is in favor of the experimental
group who were taught via computer.

5.5.4. Findings Related to the Second Question

The second question asks about the existence of
statistically significant differences (α< 0.05) between
the students' achievement mean scores in grammar
attributed to gender (male & female). To test this
question, the researchers calculated the students’ mean
scores and standard deviations in the post-test for both
groups of study (male and female students). The
findings are as shown in Table 3.

Table 3. Means and standard deviations in the post-test for male
and female students.

Gender

Male

Female

Difference

Table 3 indicates that there is a difference between
the mean scores of both male groups and female
groups in the post-test. This difference was (1.24) in
favor of the males. The mean scores of the males was
(25.7) while it was (24.46) for the females. To reveal
the statistical significance of these differences, the
researchers employed the 3-Way ANCOVA to the
results of the post-test according the variables of the
study (method, gender, and stream).
Table 2 shows that there are statistically significant
differences (α < 0.05) between the mean scores of both

Sum of
Squares

Df

148.737

1

30.196

1

31.405

1

314.972

1

Mean
Squares

148.737

30.196

31.405

314.972

Means

25.7

24.46

1.24

Std. Deviations

2.39

2.34

0.05

The International Arab Journal of Information Technology, Vol. 6, No. 4, October 2009

male and female students. The calculated (F) value
was (15.353) which is statistically significant at (α <
0.05).
This proves that there is an effect on students’
achievement attributed to gender. This effect is in
favor of male students.

5.5.5. Findings Related to the Third Question

The third question asks about the existence of
statistically significant differences (α< 0.05) between
the students' achievement mean scores in grammar
attributed to the stream of study (scientific & literary).
To test this question, the researchers calculated the
students’ mean scores and standard deviations in the
post-test for both groups of the study (scientific, and
literary). The results are as shown in Table 4.

Table 4. Means and standard deviations in the post-test for
scientific and literary students.

Means

Std. Deviations

25.56

24.6

0.96

Number

2.54

2.24

0.3

80

80

-

Table 4 shows that there is a significant difference
between the mean scores of both scientific group and
literary group in the post-test. This difference was
(0.96) in favor of the scientific stream students. The
mean scores of the scientific students was (25.56)
while it was (24.6) for the literary stream students. To
find out the statistical significance of these
differences, the researchers employed the 3-Way
Analysis of Covariance to the results of the post-test
in terms of the variables of the study (method, gender,
and stream of study).
Table 2 shows that there are statistically significant
differences (α < 0.05) between the mean scores of both
scientific students and literary students in the post-test.
The calculated (F) value was (15.968) which is a
statistically significant value at the significance level
(α < 0.05). This indicates that there is an effect on
students’ achievement attributed to the stream of study
(scientific, literary). This effect is in favor of the
scientific stream students.

6. Discussion and Recommendations

6.1. Discussion of the Findings Related to the
First Question

ANCOVA results showed that there are statistically
significant differences in the achievement mean scores
of the subjects of the experimental group who studied
the passive voice via computer and the control group
who studied the same grammatical item using the
contemporary method. This difference was in favor of
the experimental group. A quick look at the students'

scores on the pre-test, shows that there were no
statistically significant differences between the mean
scores of the experimental group and the control
group. The scores were (22.09) and (21.66)
respectively.
This result indicates that the subjects had the same
background concerning their knowledge of the passive
voice before implementing the experiment. This also
indicates that both groups were equivalent in this
regard. The figures also postulate that any gain in the
academic achievement in the field of the passive voice
could be attributed to the method employed.
The total mean scores of the experimental groups in
the post-test was (26.21), while it was (23.95) for the
control groups, This means that the achievement in the
post-test for both the experimental and control groups
is attributed to the treatment. It can be easily noticed
that the extra gain in the experimental group's mean
scores is higher than the extra gain in the control
group's mean scores. This improvement is attributed to
the method employed This means that the use of the
software program has noticeably enhanced the abilities
of the students of the experimental group regarding the
passive voice.
One possible explanation for the effect of using
computers for teaching English grammar is that
computers enable each individual to work according to
his own pace. The user may move freely from one
component to another as he wishes and according to
his needs. This characteristic makes CALL programs
cater for individual differences.
Another possible explanation for the considerable
differences in the above findings is that CALL method
makes it possible for the learner to use the program
whenever he wants at any place.
The computer method, unlike the contemporary
method, enables the learner to get feedback easily,
which develops self-reliance skills. Using the
computer gives the student the chance to use many
senses during the learning process. The use of the
computer screen which is accompanied by animation,
pictures, colors, music and sounds attracts students’
attention and empowers faculties of retention to them.
The researchers believe that students can learn more
efficiently and effectively on their own with additional
resources which technology makes available. Using
software programs applies “Learning by Doing”
method, since learners use the keyboard and the mouse
to click or to print their answers. Computer
instructional programs are interactive. Learners can
easily go forward or backward according to their needs
and requirements.
When comparing the results of this study with the
results of the previous related literature, we find that
this study is consistent with many practical studies
which were conducted before. It is consistent with [23]
who proved experimentally that computer-based
instruction can be an effective method of teaching the

The Effect of Computer Assisted Language Learning in Teaching English Grammar on the…

grammar of a second language. It is also consistent
with McEnry, Baker& Wilson [19], [1], [21], and
Pattern and Cadienno[24] who say that the processing
group performed significantly better than the
traditional group. The study is also consistent with [2],
[17], [5], and [7] who emphasize that the computerized
method is more beneficial for students than the
traditional method. However, the results of the present
study in this regard are different from the results
reported by [26] who found no significant differences
between the computerized group and the traditional
one. Also, this study is inconsistent with McEnry,
Baker & Wilson [19] who found that the computer-
based grammar instruction could be as effective as or
more effective than traditional instruction. Perhaps the
difference in these results is due to the differences in
culture.

6.2. Discussion of the Findings Related to the
Second Question

The findings of the ANCOVA for the scores of the
subjects in the achievement test revealed that there are
statistically significant differences attributed to the
gender variable in favor of the males over the females.
The mean scores of the female students in the post-test
was (24.46) while it was (25.7) for the males in the
same test. This means that male students have higher
scores than female students in the post-test regardless
of the way of teaching used.
Possible explanation for this finding is the fact that
male students are more serious in their learning
process. They do their best to seize every possible
opportunity to increase their knowledge.
Another explanation for this finding is that male
students are incredibly interested in computers and
multi-media programs. They got bored of the
traditional method that is why they showed a high
level of interest and curiosity when they were being
taught via computer. [29] is in line with the above
view. He found no statistically significant differences
between students' mean scores attributed to gender in
their comparative studies. However, the above view is
inconsistent with [2], [1], [21] and [24] who believe
that female students were superior to male students in
their academic achievement.

6.3. Discussion of the Findings Related
to the Third Question

The findings of the ANCOVA for the scores of the
subjects in the achievement post-test revealed that
there are statistically significant differences attributed
to the stream of study variable. This difference was in
favor of scientific students over literary students.
A look at the findings of the analysis of covariance
for the students' scores in the post-test proves this
viewpoint. The mean scores of the scientific students

in the post-test were (25.56) while the mean scores of
the literary students in the post-test were (24.6). This
means that scientific students have higher marks than
literary students regardless of the gender or method of
teaching.
One possible explanation for the above point of
view is that the scientific stream students, generally
speaking, have relatively higher mental abilities than
literary stream students, this is shown by the fact that
they were accepted in the scientific stream which
demands higher grades. Another possible explanation
is that the scientific stream students are much more
interested in studying and learning in general and
better in learning languages in particular. The finding
of this study in this regard is consistent with [3] who
statistically proved that scientific stream students were
superior to literary stream students in their academic
achievement.

7. Recommendations

Based on the findings discussed a
suggest the following recommendations:

• Researchers should conduct other studies on the
effect of computerized programs on the students'
achievement in English language grammar,
focusing on other grammatical items in other
regions in Jordan in order to generate a more
comprehensive idea about the effect of CAI method
on teaching English grammar in Jordan.
• The use of software programs in language teaching
should be investigated further. Researchers should
conduct further studies on the effectiveness of CAI
method on teaching language skills and other
components of the language.
• Teachers are advised to vary their methods,
techniques and ways of teaching, according to their
students' needs and interests. They are also advised
to use the computerized method more intensively
and more frequently.

References

[1]

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the Teaching of L2 Composition on the Writing
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The International Arab Journal of Information Technology, Vol. 6, No. 4, October 2009

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[19] McEnery T., Barker A., and Wilson A., “A
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[27] Shang H., “An Exploratory Study of E-Mail
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The Effect of Computer Assisted Language Learning in Teaching English Grammar on the…

Abdallah Abu Naba'h is assistant
professor at the Department of
Curricula & Instruction. Graduated
from the University of Baghdad in
1972, obtained his MA in English
from North Texas State University
in USA, and got his PhD from the
University of Wales in (TEFL) in 1988. Taught
English for different levels in different Arab countries.

Jebreen Hussain is associate
professor at the Department of
Curricula & Instruction, Faculty of
Educational
Sciences at the
Hashemite University in Jordan. His
research
interests
include
educational technology and its
applications in teaching and learning.

Aieman Al-Omari is assistant
professor and chairperson of the
Department
of
Educational
Foundations and Administration, the
Hashemite University, Jordan. He
earned his PhD from Washington
State University, USA, in 2005. His
research interests include higher education
administration, student's affairs administration,
educational leadership, and strategic planning.

Sadeq Shdeifat ia assistant professor
at the Department of Curricula &
Instruction, dean's assistant for
practice teaching at the Hashemite
University, Jordan. He obtained his
PhD from the University of
Huddersfield, UK in 2005. His
research interests include Islamic education, teachers'
training, and curriculum design.

Tips for Teaching with CALL: Practical Approaches to Computer-Assisted Language Learning [with CD].

http://www.entrepreneur.com/tradejournals/article/201712217_1.html

Tips for Teaching with CALL: Practical Approaches to Computer-Assisted Language Learning [with CD] is one of the latest additions to Pearson-Longman's professional development series. Since the mid-1980s, a number of publications have tried to introduce, teach, support, and provide ideas to foreign language instructors on the use of computers in the classroom (Hardisty & Windeatt, 1989). Some of these volumes are intended to encourage language teachers to use computers (Axtell, 2007; Gooden, 1996; Szendeffy, 2005) while others suggest specific ways of implementing Internet-based language teaching (e.g., Clarke, 2000; Griffin, 2006; Lee, Jor, & Lai, 2005; Sperling, 1998; Windeatt, Hardisty, & Eastment, 2000). In contrast to these titles, Tips for Teaching with CALL largely deals with Web sites that could be valuable for ESL/EFL teachers who are either beginning to implement CALL in their classes or who want to improve their teaching skills through computer based practice. In this sense, the book bears a certain resemblance to Sperling's (1998) volume on Internet-based CALL, but, in contrast, Chapelle and Jamieson's book also includes screenshots of the Web sites mentioned by the authors, and the authors relate the use of these Web sites to current language acquisition theory. Overall, the book will mostly benefit general practitioners, teachers who may be familiar with computers but are just beginning to use CALL in their classes, and expert teachers who may be looking for new materials.
For Chapelle and Jamieson, teachers play a decisive role in providing opportunities for learning and balancing online, in-class, and out-of-class activities. The authors also believe in the value of Internet-based resources, such as dictionaries, tutorials, and online libraries (Loucky, 2005). In their opinion, Web sites and technology "perform functions similar to what many teachers do in class and through textbooks" (p. 6) in serving as teaching tools and providing opportunities for language learning, and multimedia software is an excellent source of input at each student's proficiency level.
Chapelle and Jamieson place special emphasis on the following ideas: (1) language learners should proceed steadily by learning structures and vocabulary that is just a little above their current knowledge (cf. Krashen, 1982); (2) language needs to be noticed in order to be learned (Hegelheimer & Chapelle, 2000); (3) interaction with peers is essential to developing learners' communicative competence; and (4) learning strategies are necessary for language learning (Vinther, 2005). Besides, according to the authors, "teachers can guide students to be more autonomous" (p. 207).
Tips for Teaching with CALL consists of a book and an interactive CD-ROM. While the book presents the content, "tips and their rationale and examples" (p. 9), the CD provides examples of what is presented in the book. The book is divided into eight chapters with corresponding units on the CD, plus a preface, an introduction titled "What is CALL?" and a conclusion called "After Class." The topics addressed in the chapters focus on the following language skills and content areas: vocabulary, grammar, reading, writing, listening, speaking, communication skills, and Content-Based Language. Each chapter follows exactly the same structure: an introduction, between five and six teaching tips to develop the activities suggested in each section of the chapter, a description of the intended outcomes of the chapter called "What It Means," a research review that links practical cases to research literature called "What the Literature Says," and suggestions for the utilization of the content in the classroom "What Teachers Can Do." The chapters are illustrated with color screenshots of existing CALL software programs, along with descriptions, the minimum proficiency level of the students for whom each activity is designed, and notes for implementing the activity, with a total of more than 100 examples of Web sites and software programs across the eight chapters. The authors also mention how students will need to interact with the computer and other students in each activity, how teachers should proceed with the ELT/ESL pedagogical assessment and feedback provision, and finally, how they can teach and reinforce both language learning and strategic computer competence.
The CD-ROM uses images and video clips to illustrate the contents of the book through demonstrations of learners using CALL software and simulations that guide them through authentic CALL materials. According to the authors, the demonstration "is a real-time video that shows how a learner might perform an activity" (p. 9), while the simulation "guides teachers through an activity as if they were students" (p. 9). Both demonstrations and simulations are divided into the same units (or chapters) as presented in the book (Figure 1).
[FIGURE 1 OMITTED]
The CD can be motivating and helpful for teachers who may want to see applications of what has been presented in the book. Each activity on the CD is connected with the tips presented in the book (either through a demonstration or simulation) and has three main parts: goals and instructions for an activity, the activity itself, and a summary and description of the purpose of the activity.
The book begins with a nine-page introduction that provides a definition of CALL, a basic notion of language learning theory emphasizing the importance of the communicative approach in CALL, and the role of computers in ELT/ESL pedagogy. In addition, the authors introduce three basic principles of language that guide their selection of activities in the book:
a) Learners need guidance in learning English.
b) There are many styles of English used for many different purposes.
c) Teachers should provide guidance by selecting appropriate language and structuring learning activities. (p. 3)
A fourth principle, although not explicitly mentioned is that computers trigger communication between teachers and students and among students by providing appropriate input, especially in listening, reading, and vocabulary, and by facilitating oral communication.
Chapter one focuses on vocabulary, which, in the authors' words, "is the most important aspect of language for students to learn" (p. 11), and that it is worth "spend[ing] time and effort studying vocabulary" (p. 11). According to Chapelle and Jamieson, the Internet gives "sufficient exposure to words in English that [students] hear or read" (p. 11). In the section "Tips for teaching vocabulary with CALL," Chapelle and Jamieson stress that vocabulary is best taught when words have the appropriate level of difficulty, which can be identified by examining a word's frequency, but missing for the reader are other criteria to support this condition. The authors remind readers of "including vocabulary illustration, explanation and practice ... in [a] meaningful context" (p. 17), "looking at sentences from a corpus that contains key words" (p. 24), and using Web sites that can promote autonomous learning. Additionally, the CD ROM demonstrates how to foster communication among learners while building vocabulary skills. For instance, in the demonstration, two learners help each other to solve a puzzle. The CD reproduces the conversation between two students and shows how they solve the vocabulary task. The simulation section shows how the learners implement Tip Number Six ("Help students to develop strategies for explicit online vocabulary learning through the use of online dictionaries and concordancers" by using Compleat Lexical Tutor (http://www.lextutor.ca/). This chapter offers some motivating activities to approach vocabulary learning. While some of these interesting activities (such as crosswords or image identification) rarely take place in the classroom, students may do them individually through the Web sites presented in this chapter. This chapter clearly supports the importance of lexis in language learning. The authors even mention that "vocabulary is the most important aspect of language for students to learn" (p. 11) but they do not clearly establish whether computer based vocabulary learning is an explicit or implicit process or just even why they consider such importance. Readers will see that although Chapelle and Jamieson believe that "most students believe that they need to study vocabulary" (p. 11), little support is given to demonstrate this idea or even the implications of learning vocabulary through CALL. Nevertheless, this chapter is potentially key for understanding the rest of the book because the authors go on to emphasize the importance of vocabulary teaching in the following chapters.
Chapter two deals with grammar and follows the same structure as Chapter One. Although many teachers and students consider grammar important, the authors recommend "not to plan a syllabus around grammatical points" (p. 39). When presenting their tips, Chapelle and Jamieson assert that grammar activities presented on many Web sites are numerous, but many "are rather limited, as context is often at sentence level and practice is often in the form of recognition [instead of meaningful production]" (p. 41). They recommend CALL software with discourse-level activities, such as listening "to a part of a dialogue and then producing the target form orally" (p. 43). Chapter Two also includes suggestions for using cartoons or movies for grammar learning which are available online. For example, a very attractive exercise suggested in the CD Rom is completing sentences with Understanding and Using Grammar-Interactive (http://www.pearsonlongman.com/ae/multimedia/programs/uuegi.htm), but the program offers a larger variety of grammar exercises. Additionally, the authors give examples of Web-based activities that provide "grammar assessment and feedback about correctness both before and after instruction" (p. 53), as well as ideas for developing students' learning strategies. The CD-Rom demonstrates Tip Four, "Include evaluation of students' regular responses and regular summaries of their responses," by using Understanding and Using English Grammar--Interactive software (http://www.pearsonlongman.com/ae/multimedia/programs/uuegi.htm). In this demonstration, a learner completes a grammar test, looks at the scores, and accesses a tutorial with grammar explanations. In the simulation of Tip Five, "Help learners to develop strategies for learning grammar from texts on the Web through explicit grammar and inductive learning," students can learn how to search for a structure in an online corpus, compare its distribution across genres, and see example sentences in the View Web site (http://view.byu.edu/).

Computer Assisted Language Learning (CALL) for TEYL

http://www.teyl.org/article1.html 

By Phillip L. Smith

Computer Assisted Language Learning (CALL) for Teaching English to Young Learners (TEYL). The computer is a child's wonderland. The use of CALL software such as Windows Messenger, E-mail, the Internet, and other specific and non specific software can be integrated using effective pedagogy to create a powerful language learning programme. Computer Technology offers a certain degree of independent and structured learning. It easily assists and even stimulates young second language learners in all four skills of listening, speaking, writing, reading and also critical thinking (Cobb & Stevens, 1996). Two case studies presented show that computer technology has enhanced programmes in literacy and language learning.
Technology Enhanced Language Learning (TELL). Hanson-Smith (2004) suggests that computer technology can provide the student with the means to control his or her own learning, to construct meaning and to evaluate and monitor their own performance. Bruce (1993) states that the computer will change the nature of learning by placing the power of learning more in the hands of the learner. However, focus will need to be adjusted in developing an effective pedagogy for using computers in the classroom. Students will need to adapt to the technology. A student's personality, language proficiency and experience could influence the progress in adapting to TELL. Risk-takers are likely to master software easily and students who possess a higher language competence are likely to benefit from electronic medium. The more skilled and experienced users will focus on content whereas the less skilled may focus on mechanics. (Phinney, 1996). So it is important for teachers to identify, states Bickel & Truscello (1996) which strategies they should use. Structure is essential to making the computer lab an effective teaching environment (Trickel & Liljegren, 1998).
Cobb & Stevens (1996) make several recommendations in designing a computer based language programme. Designers should pay attention to pedagogy used in the process. Software should entail repetitive language drills and practices that provide immediate feedback and allow students to proceed at their own pace. It could be used to teach grammar creating an environment in which students could use the target language naturally on the screen. Computer use would stimulate student discussion, writing, critical thinking in a role that would empower the learner to use and understand language in using, for example, a word processing, spelling and grammar checkers; MS Messenger and the use of the Internet as a multimedia tool. This allows a variety of media including text, graphics, sound, animation and video which relates to a more authentic learning environment. (Underwood, 1984). Students can be paired up across the Internet or even in class and hold authentic realistic conversations. The hypertext medium of the World-Wide Web or Internet enhances reading and writing skills (Warschaver, 1995) and suits students with different levels of language ability. Students can compile messages using e-mail (Warschaver, 1996) to negotiate different languages experiences, collaborate on projects, ask the teach for help, indulge in real-time conversations, send letters, have pen-pals and go to libraries, all using the computer and the Internet (Hoffman, 1996). In tests outcomes, it shows that students wrote more effectively while having positive attitudes toward learning (Chapell, Jamerison & Park, 1996).
Using e-mail, students can receive effective feedback. The teacher can comment on writings using this facility. The teacher is able to respond to requests from students and examine their work in progress. E-mail feedback makes it possible for a teacher to develop ideas, both collectively and individually and ask better questions and at the same time providing examples and offering remarks.
Hypermedia (a retrieval system that provide access to texts, audio, graphics and video related to a particular subject), according to Ashworth (1996), provides a rich collection of resources. This can be used to support reading and listening in a foreign language and facilitate pronunciation training. Reading over the Web is a receptive skill that requires no oral skills to complete. Proof that the student has understood a reading can be accomplished through writing. The linking of media supports reading which by way of digitized voice can be pronounced. Contextual meaning can be illustrated through pop up graphics, animated sequences and video clips.
Even though not strictly an ESOL class, we see how computers enhance the learning process with a group of 15 year old students in the following case study.
Case Study # 1. This case study is based on an ethnographic research tradition using grounded theory to derive theory from classroom processes. It looks at the teaching methodology and classroom environment by way of specific observations of a literacy, language and numeracy class of fifteen year old first and second language speakers.
A Computer Learning Assistance Programme (CALP) was implemented in 2000 to deal with a group of school leavers who had no interest in normal school study. Computers were an important aspect in CALP, used to enhance literacy, learning, language and numeracy. New Zealand Qualification Authority units standards were used to provide the basis of a National Certificate in Employment Skills (NCES). The computers were used for word processing, specialized software for learning numeracy, English and research of topics.
The 17 students came with an array of problems: attitudes such as lack of self-confidence, rebellion, drugs, homeless, alcohol, depression and lack of English. The students indicated the main reason for leaving school was the fact they couldn't learn in a normal school environment.
During the 24 week full time course, there were six observations. The scope of the findings surrounded different modes of delivery and methodology. These included a teacher-central classroom and one-on-one self paced study plus group work. During the observations, learning was observed to take place only when students worked individually on their computers with the self paced units. Students did not respond well to typical teacher delivered classroom instructions. It was also observed that students always kept themselves busy using the computer and only requested help when they needed it. Hanson-Smith (2004) mentions this by saying that computers are patient, they speak clearly, and they don't (in their best incarnations) give off subtexts implying that the user is dumb; however, the current success of multimedia software may be that the student is kept busy and feels safe. The results revealed that, with the exception of five students who dropped out of the programme, twelve completed the course and received their NCES.
Brown (2000) said that there are visual and auditory styles of learning along with process, storage and retrieval. This has to do with how students productively express meaning. Brown also says that learning can be thought of as cognitive, affective and physiological traits. These are the basic processes used in learning. They are relatively stable indicators of how learners perceive, interact with and respond to their learning environment.
In regards to styles of learning, a field independent style enables a student to distinguish parts from a whole whereas field dependence is dependent on the total field so that the parts are not easily perceived. The students under study were generally field dependent in that they couldn't perceive the need for group work or teacher centred classroom instruction.
Case Study # 2. This study was also done by way of an ethnographic research tradition using grounded theory in 2004. Different from Case Study # 1 it centred around one student who was field independent studying a National Certificate in Education Achievement course from the New Zealand Correspondence School in Mandarin Chinese. The course consists of 12 lessons with one set of language files for each lesson. Each lesson included two or more sets of text with drills and grammar points. The course also included a list of vocabulary words in both pinyin and characters with English meanings covered by the 12 lessons. The course was enhanced through the use of MS Word® & MS Windows XP® Chinese Language Feature. The student created his own dictionary using an MS Word® Table with seven columns, the first with pinyin, then the Chinese characters, the English meanings, the word used in a sentence in Chinese characters, a reference number to the lesson and a grammar point for the word in the way it was used in the sentence. Vocabulary was added at the start of each lesson. He then created a set of macros to sort the table on any of the columns. This provided a way of showing information in different ways. This 'dictionary table' was left at the start of the document. The document was then divided up into 12 sections each covering information and notes typed from each of the lessons. Text was typed out both in pinyin and Chinese characters. It was found that after typing the sentence out in Chinese characters several times, a person easily remembered what each character stood for. Each Chinese character text was linked to language voice file. By clicking on the icon, the student heard the voice file of the text using MS Windows Media Player®. The file could be changed in any way from repeating a sentence to repeating a word. A search from anywhere in the dictionary table using either the Chinese pinyin column, the Chinese character column, or English meaning column immediately to the information needed. The use of the computer and computer software in this fashion created an interactive language programme that enhanced learning.
CALL Software. Squire & McDougall (1994) point out that teachers should be responsible for the selection of suitable educational software packages plus devise various kinds of relevant activities based on the content of the software. Teachers can modify a software package to support a variety of activities in the classroom to help fulfill their teaching goals. Software of this nature can be divided up into content free (software that is not necessarily designed for ESOL) and subject specific. Content free can include word processors, spreadsheets and databases. Content free software includes much of the afore mentioned use of the computer technology and the Internet for language learning whereas subject specific packages are designed to be used in specific teaching and controlled learning environments. This type of software can be further divided up into instructional, revelatory and conjectural. Some of this software is specifically designed to support an existing curriculum. This is known as explicit software, developed and used for an educational purpose.
Two packages examined here, by no means is exhaustive of what is available today but is at the very least only representative. 'Learn to Speak English' (Romusier, Bruno & Rice, 1995) and 'English Works 1 & 2' (O'neill, 1993) uses programmed instruction, second language acquisition and, to a degree, an artificial intelligence in their makeup.
'Learn to Speak English' (Romusier, Bruno & Rice, 1995) comes with two CD disks, plus tests and workbook. The software is topic-based using situations with people and places which shows the influence of CALL's historical development. The guide encourages students to take a linear approach to all work. The package is for elementary to lower intermediate students. With 'English Works 1 & 2' (O'neill, 1993), the first CD contains 16 topic based units. It's a little more advanced both in presentation and operation than 'English With Us'. After each dialogue language is developed further with grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation points are dealt with.
For a more comprehensive list of software tailored for TEYL see Appendix I.

Conclusion

Language Learning can be integrated with computer technology, the World Wide Web, and the use of general and specific language software. It can enhance language programmes already in use. Computer Assisted Language Learning includes many different aspects from communicating by e-mail, speaking using messenger software or researching a project in English over the Internet. Language specific software is available for more controlled exercises and language learning.
1. This was funded by the New Zealand Government for a specific Private Training Establishment (PTE) in Hamilton, New Zealand. Fifteen year olds required Ministry of Education approval to be in the class.



References

Ashworth, D. (1996). Hypermedia and CALL. In M. Pennington (Ed.), The Power of CALL (pp. 79-96). Houston: Athelstan Publications.
Bickel, B. & Trucello, D. (1996). New opportunities for learning: Styles and strategies with computers. TESOL Journal, 6(1), 15-19.
Brown, H.D. (2000). Styles and Strategies. In Principles of Language Learning and Teaching: Fourth Edition. Longman: New York.
Bruce, B. (1993). Innovation and social change. In B. Bruce, J.K. Peyton & T. Batson (Eds.), Network-based classrooms: Promises and Realities (pp. 9-32). Cambridge University Press: Cambridge.
Chapelle, C., Jamieson, J., & park, Y. (1996). Second language classroom research traditions: How Does CALL Fit? In M. Pennington (Ed.) The Power of Call (p. 35). Houston: Athelstan Publications.
Cobb, T. & Stevens, V. (1996). Computer assisted development of spoken language skills. In M. Pennington (Ed.), The Power of CALL. Houston: Athelstan Publications.
Hanson-Smith, E. (1997). Technology in the classroom: Practice and promise in the 21st century. TESOL Professional Papers (Online). Retrieved Nov 13th, 2004 from, http://www.tesol.org/s_tesol/sec_document.asp
Hoffman, R. (1996). Computer networks: Webs of communication for language teaching. In M. Pennington (Ed.), The Power of CALL (pp. 55-78). Houston: Athelstan publications.
O'neill, R. (1993). English Works 1 & 2. London: Longman Group.
Phinney, M. (1996). Exploring the virtual world: Computers in the second language writing classroom. In M. Pennington (Ed.), The Power of Call (pp. 137-152).
Romusier, J., Bruno, C. and Rice, M. (1995). Learn to Speak English; The Complete Interactive course, Text and Workbook. Distributed by Softkey International Ltd. The Learning Company, London: England.
Squires, D. & McDoual, A. (1994). Choosing and Using Education Software: A Teachers' Guide. London: Falmer Press.
Trickel, K. & Liljegren, K. (1998). Using Multimedia Computers Effectively in the ESL Classroom. TESOL Professional Papers (Online). Retrieved Nov 13th, 2004 from, http://grove.ufl.edu/~klilj/setesol/
Underwood, J. (1984). Linguistics, Computers, and The Language Teacher: A communicative Approach. Rowley, MA: Newbury House.
Warschauer, M. (1995). Appendix B: Basic internet tools for foreign language educators. In M. Warschauer (Ed.). Virtual Connections (pp. 393-412). Honolulu: University of Hawaii at Manoa.
Warschauer, M. (1996). Computer-Assisted Language Learning: An Introduction. In S. Fots (Ed.), Retrieved Aug 1, 1999 from, http://www.logsintl.com/LogosCompassSeries.html.



Appendix I

Comprehensive List of TEYL software. For more information search for key words on the Internet such as ESOL software, CALL software, Education software or any of the specific names shown below.
Academy of Reading (Windows)
Software for the class. It's self directed learning for reading and literacy.
Brother Bear
A fun, quest-style game based on the 2003 movie of the same title. Best suited as a rainy days activity.
Classroom Newspaper Workshop
For children, teens or adults in a group setting. The teacher set tasks.
Clifford the Big Red Dog: Phonics
Promotes letter and sound recognition, associating objects with words, word families, and rhyming.
I Spy Fantasy
Includes 54 riddles that players must solve by finding objects hidden in a scene. Best for children with longer attention spans.
Just Grandma and Me and other Living Books
Created by Broderbund for children with reading and listening in mind. The teacher sets tasks for the children to do.
Learn to Play Chess with Fritz and Chesster
A fascinatingly addictive and effective program that hooked our reviewers, young and old. Best for beginners and early learners.
Let's Go Interactive
Created by DynEd. A comprehensive software for younger children. Self directed learning.
Lilo & Stitch 2: Hamsterviel Havoc
An adventure style video game that will be attractive to young fans of the TV and movies with these animated characters.
Making More Music
Experiment with different instruments, then put together the components of a musical score. Best for kids with music backround and interest.
Math Missions: The Amazing Arcade Adventure Grades 3-5
More than a dozen math activities covering a range of grade-appropriate skills, in real-world settings. Best-suited for students working at the indicated grade levels.
Math Missions: The Race to Spectacle City Arcade Grade K-2
Key math concepts for early learners. Best for children who already have familiarity with basic math concepts, and with using a computer mouse and keyboard.
McGee Series
Created by Lawrence Productions for group work in reading and literacy.
Mia's Language Adventure: The Kidnap Caper
A unique introduction to either or both Spanish and French. While solving a mystery, users play a series of games progressing from distinguishing sounds of letters and spelling words to deciphering simple dialogue. Best for kids with strong concentration skills.
Mission Possible World Geography
A geography quiz, cloaked in the guise of an adventure game. Best suited as a practice and review tool for junior high students.
Moop & Dreadly in the Treasure on Bing Bong Island
A wonderfully animated task in observation and problem solving, from the founders of Humongous Entertainment. Best suited to home use by young users (5-6) with persistence.
Mozart's Magic Flute The Music Game
A fun and educationally valuable musical jigsaw puzzle that teaches not only music listening skills, but also provides dollops of contextually relevant (and interesting) history.
Music Ace Deluxe
Sequenced series of lessons in hearing, reading and composing beginning piano music. Best for 4-12 year olds who want to practice beginning piano music.
Nancy Drew: Danger on Deception Island
Encourages girls to be independent problem solvers. Girls take on the role of the famous teen sleuth: exploring new places, questioning motives, collecting evidence and analyzing clues.
Oxford Picture Dictionary Interactive
Created by Oxford University Press for children, teens and adults to learn vocabulary.
Playhouse Disney The Wiggles: Wiggle Bay
A collection of eight games and activities, hosted by well-known Australian children's entertainers, the Wiggles.
Playhouse Disney's Stanley: Wild for Sharks!
An interactive, animated extension of Andrew Griff's popular series of children's books. Best-suited for lover's of the character and/or the topic, AND those children who have the patience for a quest-type activity.

Stationery Studio
Allows teachers and students to create and print themed writing papers and templates for reports, letters, shape books and creative writing projects.
Storybook Weaver
Created by the Learning Company for group work for children. Use in controlled writing tasks.