Teaching language using computers is not new, teachers have been using

computers to assist learners since long time ago, but lately the number of
teachers using computers has increased due to the fact that the way in
which language classes are taught has been affected by technology.
CALL may be defined as an approach for teachers and learners in which they
use the computers to assist them . Levy defined it as the search for and
study of applications of the computer in language teaching and learning
CALL has been made possible by the invention and subsequent development
of the computer. (Levy, 1997)
Early call was about leaners who worked in simple tasks assigned by the
teacher individually or in small groups , and words such as collaborative
learning and chat held rather different meaning from what they came to
mean after the advent of the internet . (Levy & Stockwell 2006)
If we look back at the technologies that have appeared on the last 20 years,
you can notice how CALL has been affected. (Levy & Stockwell 2006) As
technology develop ,they bring with them a range of functionalities that can
applied to language learning ,development of new technology gives rise to
completely new ways of thinking and communicating and area of research
that could have existed without such technologies .(Levy, Stockwell 2006).
The development of the Internet changed teachers perspective, as the
teaching tools offered through the Internet were gradually becoming more
reliable. Nowadays, the Internet is gaining immense popularity in teaching

and learning foreign language and more educators and learners are
embracing it. (wu-lee, n.d)
Computer-mediated communication (CMC) is an example on CALL. Which is
any human communication throw electronic devices such as chat rooms
(video chat also), online forums, social network services, emails, texts. CMC
has the most impact on language teaching because it provides opportunities
for learners to practice the language they want, which means learners can
communicate in the target language anytime anywhere.
CALL seeks both to integrate the various skills of language learning
(listening, speaking, writing, and reading) and to integrate technology more
fully into language teaching. (Warschauer & Healey, 1998).But we have to
understand and keep in mind that technology cant support all language
skills, you can find technology strong in some areas and weak in another. For
example computers are known since forever in teaching grammar ,
vocabulary ,reading and writing , but less in listing and speaking .(Healey ,
1999 ; Ng& Olivier 1987 ) .
However technology nowadays are advanced, which have led to much more
flexibility that give us the chance to achieve these language skills. You can
find a huge number of listening materials on the internet. For example there
is a study made by (Jones, 2003) emphasizing the role of technology on
learners understanding when visual and audio clues are available. The study
showed that student with more choices such as view pictures, listen to

keywords / voices for animals or things, scored a lot better than those with
fewer options, and the students with no choices at all scored the lowest.
Furthermore several researchers have reported an improvement in student
writing skills through the use of networked computers (Beauvois, 1998;
Cononelos & Oliva, 1993; Warschauer, 1996). According to Beauvois,
students in the networked writing project displayed more fluidity of
conversation, more use of complex sentences, and more self-disclosure.
Lunde (1990) also reported that students of Japanese enrolled in a computer
mediated communication project showed improvement in reading
comprehension.(Stepp-Greany, 2002) .In addition to that, in follow-up
interviews in the Beauvois study (1994), many students expressed how their
confidence increased in speaking. The researcher speculates that the
increased language use promoted by the LAN environment promoted this
self-confidence. (Stepp-Greany, 2002).
Technological innovations have changed language learning radically from
the old-fashioned image of pupils learning lists of verbs out of
textbooks(Williams,2014) NEW- CALL contains and support wide range of
language learning activities and it has a lot of advantages .
Educators (Jonassen, 1996; Salaberry, 1999; Rost, 2002) believe that the
current computer technology has positive effects for second language
learning. Computer and its attached language learning programs could
provide second language learners more independence from classrooms and

it gives them space and chance to work on their learning material at any
time of the day. As well, it can be expected that the cost for computer
technology is lower than for face-to-face classroom teaching. While students
are studying independently , teachers are left with more time to concentrate
on those parts of second language teaching that are still hard or impossible
by the computer, such as pronunciation, work on spoken dialogue, training
for essay writing and presentation .( Cheng Chieh & William Allan 2006)
Using Computers in learning can offer students more learning motivation,
enhance student achievement, increase authentic materials for study,
emphasize the individual needs, regard independence from a single source of
information, and enlarge global understanding. Moreover, using computers
in learning reduce learning stresses and anxieties, and provide repeated
lessons as often as necessary. Through different communicative and
interactive activities, computer technology can help second language
learners strengthen their linguistic skills, affect their learning attitude, and
build their self-instruction strategies and self-confidence. (Cheng Chieh &
William Allan 2006).
Busuu is an example on CALLs application, it provides the student a full
language course, and it makes language learning fun and easy. Busuu gives
bite sized lessons perfect for everyday life, it also let the student learn with
the help of over 60 million international native speakers, who improve skills
by practicing alongside with the student. (As their website mentioned)

Busuu was rated by Apple as one of the best applications , it offers the
student effective lessons to practice all language skills (reading , listening
,writing grammar and vocabulary ..etc. ) , in addition to many features such
as , offline mode , personalized lesson to fit each student skills , test
students learning with fun quizzes and games .
Communicate with native speakers which is one of Busuus features
emphasizes the study of language in a cultural context. Many language
instructors believe that language and culture are inextricable and
interdependent; Understanding the culture of the target language enhances
understanding of the language. (Singhal , n.d )
Quizlet is also an example on CALLs applications; its an interactive tool
which can be used inside the classroom or out. Quizlet helps student to get
ready for big exams like SAT or usual test by images and audio ,flashcards
,games such as a game of match that make the student race against the
clock .Student can learn foreign languages with different study modes that
let learners to memorize new vocabulary , learn pronunciation and test their
selfies . Offline-mode is available which gives the student the flexibility to
use it anytime anywhere.
Computer technology has become a new trend but still has its limitations and
weakness. As everything in the world has its advantages and disadvantages,
CALL has its own but knowing them is going to help us so we can get the
maximum effectiveness of technology to enhance second language

learning.(Chen Chieh & William Allan 2006) Technology revolutions have

remarkable implications on learning and teaching. Teachers and students
must become familiar with using the Internet and its various functions..
While it must be recognized that the Internet cannot replace the language
classroom or the interaction between the language teacher and student
because farcical expressions and gestures dont convey successfully throw
technology. (Singhal , n.d )