Here is a post about Computer-Assisted Language Learning - CALL. It contains automated language computer software. This software is designed in such a way that language learners can access the language components from various features like Grammar, Vocabulary, Writing, Reading, Speaking, Listening, etc. With the help of a computer and a language learning software installed, a learner can learn a language at their own pace and convenience.
At the Department of English, MK Bhavnagar University, a language learning software called Globarena is installed on a computer, and students are asked to review the software. At the department, there was a full-fledged language laboratory functioning, where the main server computer was linked to all other desktops, and together students used to experience the process of CALL.
The shocking COVID-19 pandemic hit in the second decade of the 21st century, and we witnessed a sudden change in the teaching and learning process. Though mankind has surpassed the first and second waves of the pandemic and is recovering from the same, one has to be careful and maintain social distancing, follow SOP, and government guidelines.
Well, the show must go on, and that's why for the language review, we had to visit the department and gain the first-hand experience on our own. Here are some of the glimpses of the 'retro' language learning laboratory software.
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| Teacher Console, from which the teacher can monitor the learners' activities and progress |
By clicking on each of them, a separate interface opens with new graphics and content.
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| The full setup of the server desktop with a 2.1 sound system for audio output and microphones for input |
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| The demonstration of the software by Dr. Dilip Barad via YouTube |
for the detailed demonstration
and know-hows of the language lab software.
* Fundamental Language Skills
The basics of fundamental language skills are designed to make learners familiar with the language, whether they are first-language learners or second-language learners.
* Communication Skills
* Listening Skills
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| Based on the audio clip, one has to answer the questions |
* Conversations/Speaking Skills
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| The given topics in the Table of Contents (ToC) |
The conversation is displayed on the screen, and one has to do a role play of any character. One has to read and speak aloud the lines given for the role and record one's voice. By clicking on the record button, we can start speaking, and at the end of the line, one has to stop the recording. Then the full audio conversation can be listened.
The video file size exceeds the given limits by Blogger.com
putting the drive video link below. Please click and visit
* Give five advantages of language learning software with reference to your review and experience:
1. Self-paced learning
2. Interactive
3. Learner Centric
4. Provides individual teaching
5. Self-learning
* Give five disadvantages of language learning software with reference to your review and experience
1. Fixed and static in place
2. Learner distraction is possible
3. Lack of physical surveillance
4. Technical glitches
5. Old version of software
* List at least five things (related to language skills) you think can be learnt from this language lab program
Reading, Writing, Speaking, Listening, Vocabulary building,
* Give five new words (vocabulary or pronunciation) you learnt while reviewing the software:
Vestibule, rampant, palindrome, hatch, discriminations (earlier I used to type 'e' in the beginning)
* How would you like to rate Language-Lab-In-Mobile as an App?
I would give 3 points out of 5 to the app.
The overall learning experience was very engrossing and insightful. I also learnt how to work with old versions of language learning software and progress ahead.
Thank You!
