Cooperative Computer-Assisted Language Learning
Donna Mydlarski · IALLT Journal of Language Learning Technologies · 1987
Is It Living Up To Its Promise?To date, little work has been done on the cooperative use of computers by language learners.Yet, research in the fields of peer learning, second language acquisition, and computer-assisted learning suggests that cooperative computer-assisted language learning (CALL) can provide a potentially productive learning environment.A study involving first-year university students at the University of Calgary suggests that, while the computer appears to have a somewhat limiting effect on student interaction, it does encourage students to talk. Many language teachers support the view that the computer is a deaf and dumb machine and should, therefore, be left to do what it does well, namely, manipulate the written language through drill-and-practice, problem solving, text reconstruction, games, and simulations.This seems reasonable since, at the present time, interactive audio-devices are not practical for large-scale use, and even if they were, little or no courseware has been developed for them.