-
What is C.A.L.L?
According to 'A Handbook for English Language Laboratories', CALL is an abbreviation for Computer Assisted Language Learning.
It is an interactive method of instruction that helps learners achieve their goals of learning, at their own pace and ability. In this method, computer technology is used in teaching/learning procedures at all stages such as presentation, practice and feedback. DOI -
The theory behind CALL
The early computer-assisted instruction of
the 1960s was grounded in the psychological
principles of B. F. Skinner’s (1957) operantconditioning model of linguistic behavior,
a model which relied heavily upon positive
reinforcement.
The programmed instruction
structured the learning process according to
the Behaviorist model providing feedback, frequent reinforcement, branching, and self pacing
(Stevins, 1989) (https://www.irma-international.org/viewtitle/51344/?isxn=9781613506110) -
Period: to
The PLATO project
It was the first generalized computer-assisted instruction system. Starting in 1960, it ran on the University of Illinois' ILLIAC I computer.
By the late 1970s, it supported several thousand graphics terminals distributed worldwide, running on nearly a dozen different networked mainframe computers. PLATO -
Desktop personal computer
In the mid-1980s, the field suddenly changed when silicon chips and the
The CATESOL journal
desktop personal computer burst on the scene (Hanson-Smith) -
Going into the 90's
With the increased speed and power of personal computers came another landmark, HyperCard for the Apple environment. This simple authoring program was distributed for free. Programs for ESL/EFL students, as well as programs adapted for their use, created with HyperCard or its many imitators on PCs, flourished in the early 90s.
(https://webpages.csus.edu/~hansonsm/call_history.html)