CALL Research Journal Entry #1

In the time of booming information, we can access all kinds of knowledge from internet. The World Wide Web is like a giant database that store rich information waited to be explored anytime. Everything around us is computerized or digitalized to catch up with the lightning speed of the IT revolution, and language teaching is no exception for sure. It is amazing how the style of language teaching has evolved over these 20 years. That’s the reason why I chose to take this course. Though I am not a teacher, I am curious about how the computer technology can improve language learning. I also wonder if there is a line between properly and over using computers as assistance in teaching. How does a teacher determine the proportion of computer technology to be applied in his/her class? Is there any standard method to evaluate the effectiveness of adopting computer technology in teaching language learners? By taking this course, I expect to broaden my vision to this emerging field. Besides, I anticipate that Professor Johanson could introduce various interesting websites about English learning, which I believe would help us find the useful, authentic information we need. I am chomping at the bit to get started!