TASK 2: Article Review

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Title: Computer-Assisted Language Use: An Internet Survey

Author: Richard Watson Todd (King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi, Thailand)

Journal: CALL – EJ Vol. 9, No. 1, July 2007

Summary

Second language English learners often used computers to enhance their English level. It is stated in the article that Computer-Assisted Language Use (CALU) are the terms used to describe the applications/softwares used by learners in improving their English. It is also noted that learners who are non-native speakers of English used CALU without necessarily trying to learn the language (English) first while many current CALU applications are not designed for these users and do not promote incidental learning. This research examined how non-native speakers who are not engaged in formal learning of English use computers to enhance their use of English. Therefore, this internet survey is conducted to investigate how frequently such CALU applications are used.

As for the methods of data collection for the research, a questionaire-based Internet survey was used. It is due to the low amount of cost spent in preparing questionaires and they also allow wide sampling to be conducted relatively easy since the in-depth data is not required for the research. Links for the questionnaire were placed on popular websites and anyone who wished to could follow these links and complete it by themselves. The survey aimed to collect two types of data. The first one is to determine whether the respondent was currently studying or working while the second one is to determine how often the respondent used computer applications in English based on the seven categories listed in the survey.

There were 95 participants who answered the questionaires and since this is an internet survey, there is no definite number of surveys being distributed. The survey aims to obtain results from a broad population. However, most of the respondent are the ones who frequently used computers and the internet as the medium to learn English.

The survey concluded that CALL applications are used so infrequently that they are of little importance. However, there are four considerations provided in the research. Firstly, while the 95 respondents in the survey generally use CALU applications more frequently than CALL applications, the generalisability of this finding to other computer users is unclear since the survey was self-selected. Secondly, the target population of the survey was computer users not engaged in formal study of English. Next, frequency of use of applications may not reflect their importance. Lastly, the distinction between CALL and CALU applications is an unreal dichotomy. Therefore, the results of the survey do suggest that computer applications that primarily concern CALU are used frequently and thus are likely to be of importance to computer users.

Review

Personally, I think this research capture my interest only in the aspect of differentiating CALL and CALU. I strongly believe that these two things are related to each other. For learners who are not seeking to learn English first before trying with the CALL applications, they absolutely need to know how to use CALU application. In a way, CALU applications can become learners’ language improvement tools. In my opinion, both applications are important for learner as they served to the purpose of improving the English level.

I think this research is well conducted as it follows all methodology needed when gathering information and data. However, due to the questionnaire-based internet survey where respondents determined themselves whether to answer or not, it somehow lacks in terms of reliability. It is hard to determine specifically which particular groups are answering the question even though it is assumed in the research methodology that respondents are sub-groups, such as students who are not studying English or workers at a specific company. The research even stated that a broader perspective is needed. Even more, the potential errors listed (coverage errors, low response errors etc.) could somehow affect the result of the survey answered. In my opinion, selecting particular target groups by distributing questionnaires and interviews are more appropriate compare to the internet survey as it is more reliable. This is because internet survey requires volunteers and researcher won’t be able to know specifically about the background details of the respondents where the problem of over generalization might occurs.

This research is helpful in helping educators identifying their students' needs in learning English through technology. CALU applications might be suitably recommended first as this will help students to adapt to English-based application. When students are able to master the use of CALU application, they will find it easy to use the CALL application as the language helping tools in CALU has already provided them the basic knowledge they needed in navigating/ using the CALL applications or websites. Other than that, I see this research only intended to explore the usage frequency of CALU applications. So maybe we can increase the frequency if we feel that is not enough. That is how I see the implication of this research into the teaching and learning of ESL.