The Integration of CALL to vocabulary teaching and learning

First, let's define CALL - Computer Assisted Language Learning

CALL development experienced 3 phases - Behavioristic CALL, Communicative CALL, and Integrative CALL.

With the wide availability of computers and the internet, numerous CALL programs have flooded the field of language teaching. The internet can provide learners with a lot of authentic material and also can serve as a medium through which students, in EFL situations, can practice with other students within the classroom or to students across borders and oceans.

Regarding vocabulary, results show that the combination of text and picture glosses was more effective than text-only or text-plus-video glosses (CHUN and Plass, 1996). Tozcu and Coady (2004) found that learners who used tutorial CALL to learn highly frequent vocabulary words did learn a significantly larger number of words compared to the control group.

How can we implement CALL to vocabulary teaching, then?

• Combine incidental vocabulary learning with intentional vocabulary learning - Computerized dictionary use and multimedia glossing have proved positive effects on lexical learning (Jing-hua, 2009).
• Modify vocabulary testing method under CALL environment - Move away from traditional vocabulary teaching which has lengthy explanations from dictionaries or from the teacher her-/himself. Teachers should shift the responsibility of word learning to learners and take the role of facilitator. Use teaching aids such as graphics, sounds, animations, visuals, and even machine intelligence. Jing-hua (2009) believes that the combination of different input channels provide more stimuli to the learners thus it is more likely to leave a deeper impression on their memory.
• Make vocabulary learning a dynamic process - Students are active participants. Encourage learners to use new vocabulary in context which will help enhance their motivation to acquire more words and, moreover, the constant use of certain words will also help them to store the words in their long-term memory (Jing-hua, 2009). Providing context can include using textbooks, audio materials, or movie clips.

Some CALL Vocabulary programs are...

The Compleat Lexical Tutor
Level: Beginning to Advanced
Use: Online testing to assess and monitor growth

WordSmart
Level: High Intermediate to Advanced
Use: Online placement test

8 in 1 English Dictionary from English Computerized Learning, Inc.
Level: Adult Literacy/Beginner
Use: Students can create online flashcards based on level of difficulty and type of vocabulary selected.

Gerry's Vocabulary Teacher from CPR4ESL
Level: Intermediate to Advanced
Use: Students can work in pairs to create sentences using new words and filling in sentences with the correct vocabulary

EASY - English Academic Success for You from EASY, the ESL Series.
Level: Adult Literacy/Beginner
Use: Students can use audio, video, and text to learn vocabulary for specific settings - such as at the hospital.

Vocabster from Edulang
Level: Beginning to Intermediate
Use: Students can complete vocabulary exercises with the option to have their grades sent to their teacher.

ELLIS Academic-Basic from Pearson Digital Learning
Level: Beginning
Use: This is an interactive program. Once completed, students can review their results - automatically calculated in percentages.

Vocabulary Profiler, from The Compleat Lexical Tutor
Level: Beginning to Advanced
Use: Students can paste text into the window of the program in order to determine word frequency. (Note: There is a free version of this program is available as well).

Crossword Puzzles for ESL Students from The Internet TESL Journal
Level: Beginning to High Intermediate
Use: Students participate in teams and can compete in teams to complete crossword puzzles with new vocabulary.

Vocaboly
Level: Intermediate to Advanced
Use: Students can create online flashcards based on level of difficulty and type of vocabulary selected.

Lingonet
Level: High Intermediate to Advanced
Use: Students can collaborate to solve world puzzles about actions, people, places, and things in a hotel-room setting.

Rosetta Stone
Level: Beginner to High Intermediate
Use: This program uses pictures to convey meanings instead of L1 to L2 text

Longman English Interactive 3 from Pearson Education, Inc.
Level: High Intermediate
Use: This program includes video with vocabulary. Students choose synonyms for each word listed.

CHUN, M. C. & Plass, J. L. (1996). Effects of multimedia annotations on vocabulary acquisition. The 

     Modern Language Journal, 80(2), 183-198.

Jing,hua, L. (2009). The integration of CALL to vocabulary teaching and learning. US-China Foreign 

     Language, 70(7), 60-64.

Tozcu, A. & Coady, J. (2004). Successful learning of frequent vocabulary through CALL also benefits  

     reading comprehension and speed. Computer assisted language learning, 17(5), 473-495.