Chapter 13: Tools, Language Technology and Communication in Computer Assisted Language Learning
Petter Karlström, Teresa Cerratto Pargman, Robert Ramberg · 2006
This chapter discusses the use of Language Technology (LT) (e.g. spelling and grammar checkers) in tools for Computer Assisted Language Learning (CALL). It provides brief introductions to Computer Aided Language Learning and LT, and provides a framework for designing "tool"-based systems, and argues that these tools should be used in a communicative setting while simultaneously training linguistic forms. There is a perennial discussion on the importance or non-importance of grammar in the language curriculum. The discussion is one of the most critical in the research field of second language acquisition (SLA). Focus on form (FonF) incorporates grammar, while keeping communication on the learners' agenda. The chapter argues for using LT in CALL, and that problems perhaps stem from a focus on single-user tutor-systems and leaning too heavily on either grammatical forms or on communication.