Abstract: The
first goal of this paper is to provide readers with a background to the cultural
and educational conditions observed and researched about Korea. The second objective
is to perform a current review of CALL (computer aided/assisted language learning)
use in second language acquisition and to determine if any literature exists specifically
about the use of CALL in Korean EFL (English as a Foreign Language) classrooms.
The final objective is to relate the current use of CALL to the Korean EFL context
through the literature available and personal experience in an attempt to determine
if CALL should be used in Korea. Keywords:
Korean EFL learners, Korean EFL context, computer assisted/aided language learning,
CALL in EFL Introduction: There
are several objectives this paper is to address. The first is to provide readers
with a background to the cultural and educational conditions observed and researched
about Korea. This will offer educators in or coming to Korea an in-depth view
of the teaching context, so that they might make more informed decisions. It will
also present the context for other educators to determine similarities and differences
with their educational settings and to examine the value of the information and
suggestions provided.
Another objective is to present the cited advantages,
some difficulties and cautions, and some examples of innovation of computer use
in second language acquisition. Furthermore, the paper will attempt to present
a review of the literature that exists specifically about CALL (computer aided/assisted
language learning) in Korean EFL (English as a foreign language) classrooms. This
will help determine if computer assistance is being utilized in second language
acquisition, and, if so, how it is being utilized. It will also help address to
what extent CALL is present in EFL classrooms in Korea. The
final objective is to relate the current use of CALL to the Korean EFL context.
Through the literature available and personal observation and experience, conclusions
will be drawn about the appropriateness of CALL for English language instruction
in Korea. 2.
Background: There are numerous challenges when attempting to teach EFL
in Korea. For the majority of students in the Korean context, English language
largely remains an academic exercise with little motivation to learn more than
what is required to pass a test. This is supported by Kang's (2000) research,
in which 234 Korean 9th grade students were interviewed about their motivation
to learn English. The major motivational reasons to learn English were all stemming
from extrinsic orientations rather than integrative or intrinsic ones. One of
the major challenges is to convince the students of the importance of developing
English language skills. According to John Keller (Clark, 2000), relevance is
of utmost importance in developing students' motivation. 2.1
Cultural and linguistic considerations When teaching in a foreign culture
it is highly recommended that expatriate teachers learn as much about the culture
they're going to work in as possible (Oak & Martin, 2003, p. 226). The following
treatment provides an overview of considerations that teachers foreign to Korean
culture should be aware of prior to stepping into the classroom. The
first major consideration is viewed from an historical perspective. Korean society
is strongly rooted in Confucian ethics. According to some sources, Confucianism
thrives in Korea more than in any other Asian nation (Han, 1995, p. 31). Confucian
ideals affect relationships in the educational environment. It creates a hierarchical
teacher-student relationship that grants the teacher unquestioned authority in
a teacher-centered classroom (Oak & Martin, 2003, p. 19). Therefore, the Confucian
student-teacher relationship can combat efforts to implement a learner-centered
approach to education. It is often noted that questioning and analyzing is not
highly valued and that questioning in class can be viewed as an insult to the
teacher (Breen, 1998, p. 25). Classes are structured around the teacher presenting
information to be memorized, which is true throughout the Korean educational system.
It is often not until students begin studying for a master's or PhD that they
are expected to critically analyze information (Breen, 1998, p. 69). Another
element for consideration stemming from Korea's Confucian background is that age
plays a dominant role in all social interactions. One hurdle in any language classroom
focused on developing speaking skill in Korea is creating an environment of comfort
and acceptability of alternative ideas. Often times, students feel uncomfortable
in expressing ideas that differ from the group or the previous speaker's, especially
when the previous speaker is older. Often older students feel they can dominate
classroom conversations due to the "right of age". To provide an environment
free of these constraints is an active process that must be established by the
teacher. Understanding
linguistic differences can also assist in explanations and interpretations of
attempts at communication. Korean linguistic and communication patterns differ
from those of English drastically enough that contrastive analysis suggests English
is one of the most difficult languages for Koreans to learn. There are differences
in syntax, phonetics and phonology, sociolinguistics and discourse structure (Oak
& Martin, 2003, p. 214). For a more in-depth treatment, refer to Robinson's
article on pages 213-228 in the book edited by Oak and Martin (2003). In
addition, knowing that the style of management is quite similar to the student-teacher
relationship can be of assistance in dealing with supervisors. It is mainly a
top driven system where subordinates are not encouraged to freely express their
opinions or creativity (Breen, 1998, p. 148). Ideas generated that are not derived
from the top down are usually greeted with displeasure as they suggest that the
managers cannot properly do their job. This type of environment will obviously
affect how managerial support can be gained and, as Yeung (2001) states, institutional
support is of high priority for a successful program. Gaining
Korean management and teaching support for new projects can be extremely difficult
due to the conservative mentality with respect to education. This would be especially
difficult if suggested by foreign personnel. Werner (n.d.) makes the suggestion
to focus on "quick wins" when trying to engage support, which in this
context would probably prove the most effective method. If students become excited
about the learning environment and communicate that to parents, it would help
elicit support from the school. It has been observed that schools pay particular
attention to parent's suggestions since competition among public and private schools
and institutes is very high. It is not uncommon for parents to change residence
in order to send their children to what is viewed as a more prestigious public
elementary school. The intense level of competition could be used in obtaining
management support by convincing them it is a competitive advantage that would
attract students to enroll. 2.2
Social context The majority of younger students have no idea why they are
studying English other than they are told to by their parents and teachers. Younger
students' motivation is nearly all extrinsic or classroom-related, which is a
common challenge in any EFL situation (Kang, 2000). Time
constraints for students must also be considered. It has been observed that Korean
students as early as kindergarten are often given tight academic schedules for
everything from Korean language learning to music. Breen (1998, pg.65) supports
this observation with, "Even fourteen-year-olds are in school by 7:30 a.m.,
and after a full day's classes may do private study until midnight or later. Many
make do with only four or five hours' sleep." As a result, students have
little time outside of class to reflect or do projects.
There is an extremely
competitive environment in Korea, especially related to employment. The competitive
rate of employment was recorded to be 87:1 (job seekers: available positions)
in a recent survey cited by the Korea Times newspaper (Yoon, 2003). If two equally
qualified candidates apply for a position, English skill is often used as a deciding
factor for employment. For some university-aged and the majority of adult learners,
an underlying current of using English as a tool for future prospects seems to
be the main motive. In Korea, if one works at a large company, an employee's English
ability, established through some standardized test such as TOEFL (Test of English
as a Foreign Language) or TOEIC (Test of English for International Communication),
is incorporated into promotional decisions and pay scale. Another motivation for
many Korean people to study English is because of a desire to travel or study
abroad.
The motivations of adult Korean students involved in English classrooms
encompass a large variety ranging from a desire for emigration to simply meeting
a foreigner. As English is recognized as becoming the global language, many view
its importance as a tool for communication when traveling or studying abroad.
A more drastic reason is for the desire to emigrate. Recently, an article appearing
in Joong Ang Daily, a major Korean newspaper published in English, cited that
an intense wave of Diaspora is rocking Korea (Byun, 2003). People are emigrating
from Korea for a multitude of reasons, and many see English as a necessary tool
for making a successful transition. 2.3
Educational context From the aforementioned cultural and linguistic, social
environment derive the main educational challenges encountered. The first one
is the strictly behavioral approach used in learning languages. English has been
mainly taught through grammar translation in acquisition-poor environments (Oak
& Martin, 2003, p. 75). Attempting to shift the teaching paradigm to one that
is constructivist can often be met with resistance from students and management.
Rote memorization of grammar and vocabulary (often for reading textbooks rather
than for conversation) are respected as learning, while straying from a particular
memorized dialog to attempt exercising the bounds of language is not viewed to
be as useful (Breen, 1998, p. 68). Around 1992, the government initiated a campaign
to push the direction of English education toward communicative competence (Oak
& Martin, 2003, p. 29). In order to do this, many native English speakers
were employed by universities as instructors and the universities attempted to
adopt communicative approaches to their English programs. More recently, governmental
efforts to raise the level of oral proficiency in primary and secondary schools
have been initiated, but the reality is that grammar instruction remains the norm
(Oak & Martin, 2003, p. 30). Class
size and contact hours can be treated as another challenge which also make it
difficult for teachers involved in general education to create effective and meaningful
speaking and writing opportunities (Oak & Martin, 2003, p. 13). Large class
sizes of 40-55 students can be the most troubling aspect in trying to develop
students' basic communicative skills (Park, 1999). However, many native English
speakers working in Korea will be teaching at private institutes or "Hogwans"
where this may not be an issue. What is always a challenge is the time teachers
have for preparation and assessment. 3.
Current trends in computer use in language learning The history of CALL
ranges over approximately 40 years and can be divided into three main stages that
correspond to technological and pedagogical changes over that time. The three
stages are defined as behaviorist CALL, communicative CALL and, most recently,
integrative CALL. Integrative CALL reflects the socio-cognitive view of communication
and emphasizes authentic contexts and genuine language use in meaningful ways.
It also seeks to integrate the four language skills: reading, writing, listening
and speaking (Lee, K., 2000).
3.1
CALL in EFL Advantages: There are a multitude of advantages cited
in the literature that CALL offers the language student, many of which directly
relate to the deficiencies of the EFL context. There exist strong supporters of
using CALL and their reasons range from reducing learner stress to increasing
experiential learning. K.
Lee (2000) suggests that there are many reasons that network-based technology,
if appropriately utilized, should be implemented. The first is experiential learning
through using the vast resources offered on the World Wide Web. Raising EFL students'
motivation above that which is required to pass a test is a major obstacle and
CALL can increase motivation and enhance student achievement by affecting students'
attitudes and helping them feel more independent (Lee, K., 2000). Furthermore,
24-hour access to authentic materials for study, interaction with peers or native
language users, and opportunities for global understanding make CALL an enormous
boon to EFL teaching strategies (Lee, K., 2000). With
respect to online learning, Kannan and MacKnish (2000) offer several advantages
applicable to any blended or online program. This type of program is said to provide
numerous opportunities to apply learnt skills. One major difficulty in an EFL
environment is the dearth of opportunities students have to practice their skills,
so blended learning could be part of the solution to this problem. Moreover, blended
learning can expose students to computers, and with proper guidance build their
online skills. Blended programs can also provide an additional medium for peer
learning and an alternative learning environment (Kannan & McKnish, 2000).
A distinct
build-up of stress can be noted in many EFL students when asked to use the target
language meaningfully. Huang and Liu (2000) suggest that computer assisted language
learning can reduce a learner's anxiety which can aid in learning. Furthermore,
if the program is offered in the multimedia lab the opportunity to aid students'
visualization of the situation can be largely enhanced (Huang & Liu, 2000). Another
advantage is CAA (computer-aided assessment). This is specifically beneficial
in many general education situations because of the immediacy of feedback (Atkinson
& Davies, 2005). It has been observed that many university English language
courses in Korea meet once in a week or in two weeks. The delay in receiving feedback
can be a significant issue and if CAA can reduce the lag it would be very helpful. While
there are other advantages cited in the literature the previous treatment presents
the most significant in relation to EFL. Difficulties
and cautionary notes: For successful implementation of CALL, commonly encountered
difficulties should be carefully considered in order to circumvent their deleterious
effect on the quality of the program. This section will highlight the most significant
considerations. An
important element for consideration that could present considerable difficulty
if the program is to take place in a multimedia language lab is the physical layout.
As Huang and Liu (2000) indicate, the multimedia language lab impacts communication
between students and the teacher. It is physically larger than the traditional
classroom, which also creates a larger psychological distance. An additional difficulty
encountered in the multimedia language lab is rearranging seats for communicative
activities which is easily accomplished in the traditional classroom (Huang &
Liu, 2000).
Kannan and MacKnish (2000) make an excellent point of the difficulties
that are apt to arise about perceptions of good feedback with respect to their
study of online ESL learning. While this may appear in any class, it seems especially
pertinent for blended programs and especially in places where teacher dominated
classrooms persist as the norm. Clearly defining what kind of feedback students
should expect may help in averting this issue, but getting students and tutors
to agree on the meaning of good feedback can be where the difficulties begin.
In Kannan and MacKnish's (2000) case, students expected total correction of all
language errors while tutors thought it more important to proffer positive and
encouraging comments. As well, students viewed longer comments as meaning poor
answers. Issues of such sort need to be addressed and common perceptions of good
feedback negotiated. Another
consideration related to feedback is whether it is contributing to student learning,
since many learners are comfortable in a passive role (Kannan & MacKnish,
2000). This may be an especially appropriate precaution in places like Korea where
teacher-centered styles of learning demand the students' passivity. It
would be wise to note that when conducting a blended program integration of online
components into the classroom environment is required (Kannan & MacKnish,
2000). This stresses to learners the importance of the online component and it
will help them adapt to the new learning environment. An
interesting issue raised by Kannan and MacKnish (2000) is how to distinguish between
problems of computer skill affecting learning and language skill weaknesses. Certainly,
open dialog between the tutor and learner can minimize this difficulty. In addition,
adequate computer (software and hardware) preparation prior to the commencement
of the class will help ease apprehension, build the necessary skills and add intrigue
in using the novel medium. Some
examples of innovation: CALL presents many opportunities for innovative
language instruction and learner engagement in the arena of second language acquisition.
Engaging the learner is especially important in places where opportunities to
use the language in authentic circumstances outside the classroom are largely
non-existent. As
an example of an innovative approach, Huang and Liu (2000) describe how they utilized
the computer simulation software, SimTown, created by Maxis/Electronic Arts in
a multimedia language classroom. The software, designed for children between the
ages of 3 to 10, uses suitable language for intermediate level EFL students. In
addition, the layout and graphics offer visual appeal. One of the basic topics
of EFL learning is personal information, which the creatures in the software all
have. To make it more personalised, the software offers the option of character
creation. The objective is to create and sustain a simulated town. After the computer
simulation, Huang and Liu (2000) had the students present their town in an oral
report to the class in English. Yeh
(2003) also provides an innovative blended approach for learners to utilize the
four language skills (listening, writing, reading and speaking). The lesson plan
outlined was developed to improve students' story telling by involving a pre-online
chat, and then partaking in a voice conference with a native speaker of English
telling their story, followed by an offline post-chat activity. The final culmination
was having students tell their own true stories to the class. Milton
and Garbi (2000) present a novel way to elicit collaboration among primary-aged
learners that uses the internet, but could be adapted to any networked classroom.
The material was developed specifically for young learners, so Milton and Garbi
(2000) offer appropriate cautions and considerations when designing for children: 1.
more explicit coaching should be given to young learners, 2. age specific
topics should be chosen, 3. consideration of attention span and vocabulary
should be taken into account, and 4. presentation should be game-like.
Milton
and Garbi (2000) describe a virtual reality online response called VIRLAN that
provided online, collaborative, real-time communication with other language learners
in a variety of activities. Another
simple yet effective way to enhance authentic communication is to establish electronic
pen friends (Lee, K., 2000). This can be done by contacting another EFL class
in a different country for students to regularly contact via email or chat rooms. Not
everyone is an advocate: It should be addressed that not everyone is an
advocate of integrating CALL into the language classroom. In fact, there exist
many skeptics and some who are adamant adversaries. It is often cited that the
largest flaw is a lack of evidence. S. Lee (2000) strongly suggests that CALL
researchers need to show its effectiveness empirically for it to realize the potential
that many of its advocates suggest. Busbee (2001a) echoes this by stating even
very vocal supporters of multimedia use in language learning exhibit concern about
the lack of experimental evidence to bolster their claims. Without this evidence
it is difficult for many to make a clear determination on their stance regarding
CALL. Therefore,
studies with sound pedagogical underpinnings are needed to assist in either dismissing
or trumpeting the claims of CALL supporters. Funding for education is always limited,
so research into whether computers should be incorporated in language learning
and, if so, to what extent is an absolute necessity before large scale funding
haphazardly be thrown into computerization of the EFL environment. Changing
roles and expectations: a. The Instructor Depending on how CALL is implemented,
the first change could require instructors to relinquish some of their control
over the educational environment and some of their independence due to the need
for teams "to develop, deliver and support" the learning environment
(Mitchell, 1997). These teams must establish materials and design of the course.
For effective operation, the roles of the team must be clearly established (Higgins
& Postle, 1993). Therefore, the instructor should expect to work collaboratively
as a part of the team (Gunawardena & Zittle, 1996). Another
area that an instructor's role is altered is moving from the center of the process
to the role of coach or director (Huang & Liu, 2000). Again, the instructor
is required to give up some control and allow students to take more responsibility
for knowledge creation. The teacher, through the new medium, must act as a guide
for the learners rather than a disseminator of all knowledge. To accomplish this,
the instructor's role makes mandatory some basic computer literacy skills because
she must be able to use the technology effectively to stimulate and mediate the
processes of communication and interaction (Collins & Berge, 1996). In
addition to facilitating dialogue, Arsham (2005) notes the importance of decreasing
the psychological distance inherent in communicating through a new medium. Also,
the instructor must be able to build relationships, conduct discussions (how to
start, stop and focus them), and deal with the many personality types (shy, aggressive,
dominating) of the students (Arsham, 2005). The instructor must act as a mediator,
a motivator and a modeler (Gunawardena & Zittle, 1996). While much of the
above may be necessary for all instructors, the novel environment requires new
strategies and skills in how to perform these duties. For example, the instructor
must not only coordinate the flow of communication between herself and the students,
but also between the student and the computer interface (Huang & Liu, 2000). Furthermore,
expectations must be clearly negotiated at the beginning of the program to ensure
smooth operation and student and instructor satisfaction. Is the facilitator also
the computer expert? Kannan and MacKnish (2000) mention, the instructor in their
program had difficulty in dealing with complaints, since the students expected
the instructor to fill both roles of computer and language expert. As
always, it is the instructor's role to establish clear norms for participation.
To do this, the instructor must emulate and encourage appropriate behavior and
confront inappropriate conduct when encountered (Berge, 1996). The instructor
must also understand it may be a new medium for learners, so she should exhibit
patience and consideration for the learner's situation. b.
The Learner The learner's role also undergoes changes due to the new environment.
There is a new sense of interaction with material, instructor(s), and fellow learners.
Since effectively designed courses rely on peer interaction and collaborative
learning, Arsham (2005) notes, communication through the new medium is vital.
Therefore, because of the students' role as a communicator, they must hone their
ability to understand and to make themselves understood in the new context. As
well, the student must be an active agent in the learning process (Gunawardena
& Zittle, 1996). Students using CALL should take more control of their learning.
If the environment utilizes an online element then the students must be more autonomous
because the new medium hasn't a tangible place and time (Moodie, 1998). Higgins
and Postle (1993) support this notion saying that open learning is good for independent
learners. The medium requires active participation as "collaborative learners",
and "complex problem solvers" rather than simply students memorizing
facts (Teles, 1993; Gunawardena & Zittle, 1996). Kannan and MacKnish (2000)
list elements of SDL (self-directed learning) that students needed to adopt to
be successful in the online ESL learning environment. Among these are: 1.
knowing when to entreat assistance 2. seeking alternate sources of help 3.
learning through discovery 4. learning to self-pace and manage time 5. developing
the ability to learn from mistakes
Regarding
the change from the traditional classroom to the multimedia lab environment, Huang
and Liu (2000) also say that learners "should elevate their learning motivation
and independence" in order to be successful. Students
may initially feel uncomfortable within the new learning context if they have
not previously encountered constructivist approaches to learning, which the majority
of Korean students have not. However, the new medium, if used effectively, will
assist learners in approaches to metacognition that will assist their ability
in learning how to learn (Halter, n.d.). If the learner has the necessary degree
of motivation and autonomy needed to begin the process, they will further enhance
their ability to be independent lifelong learners. 3.2
Current uses of CALL in Korea While CALL is being used by numerous schools
and teachers in Korea, finding academic resources related to the subject has proven
difficult. After searching relevant journals related to CALL and ESL/EFL education,
no information directly addressing Korea could be located. Steps were taken to
contact KOTESOL (Korea Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages) CALL
Special Interest Group (refer to Appendix I for online link) to find guidance
in the pursuit of locating academic resources. With the assistance of several
members, a few resources were located specifically addressing CALL in the Korean
context. The two most noteworthy were one addressing EFL learner's reading abilities
and the other attempting to use an Internet bulletin board to aid in process writing.
The
first paper attempted using computer-based speed reading training, including word
recognition, for university-aged Korean learners (Busbee, 2001b). It is significant
because the majority of EFL learners have a tendency to read slowly negating the
pleasure of reading. This in turn leads to less reading and worse skills. Furthermore,
the study is significant due to the fact that more Korean people are relying on
information written in English text, specifically those who are specialists in
their fields (Busbee, 2001b). Interestingly, it has been observed that many of
the textbooks used at the university level in Korea, especially in the sciences,
are the same English version ones used in western universities. Thus, the importance
of competent English language reading skills for Korean students continues to
increase. To
give some bearing on the issue, a study by Nutall (cited in Busbee, 2001b) revealed
an American of average intelligence and education is capable of reading 300 words
per minute. In contrast, several studies cited by Busbee (2001b) indicate that
rates of 100 words per minute are common for Korean and Japanese EFL students.
The goal of the study was to increase the learner's speed without a corresponding
decrease in comprehension. The results of the study indicated that all students
who participated showed gains and the conclusion reached was that after 25 hours
of computer-based speed reading training Korean college students can increase
their reading speeds (Busbee, 2001b). It is also noted that it was unclear how
effective the computer-based program was in relation to traditional methods of
speed reading training, since no comparison or control group was used. The
second paper focused on blending an Internet bulletin board into a writing class.
CALL was cited as being particularly attractive for process writing due to the
time constraints usually encountered in a traditional classroom (Lee, S., 2000).
Utilizing the Internet helped eliminate the bounds of time and space by being
accessible 24-hours/day anywhere with an Internet connection. The effectiveness
of the blended aspect of the course was judged by student perceptions related
to attitude towards the Internet bulletin board and to whether their writing improved.
The evaluation showed great improvement in attitude to the tools used by the conclusion
of the course and the majority of students said they thought their writing had
improved (Lee, S., 2000). Overall, the final consensus was that the new tool was
effective because it allowed for continuous practice. There
appears to be a paucity of quality information about CALL relating specifically
to the Korean context. S. Lee (2000) confirms this by noting that specific course
planning related to CALL research in Korea has rarely appeared in the literature.
Moreover, many of the CALL materials used are imported, so they may not meed the
specific needs of Korean students (Lee, S., 2000). 4.
Should CALL be utilized in the Korean Context? The question of whether
CALL should be utilized in the Korean context is a difficult one to answer. To
give a clear "Yes, of course!" or "No, of course not!" would
be foolhardy, as the argument among theorists continues as to whether or not media
can influence learning. Clark (1994) clearly declares media will never influence
learning, while Cobb's (1997) viewpoint is that an appropriately designed media-enhanced
program can lead to greater cognitive efficiency. Regardless
of the arguments, the wealth of resources already available and continuously being
created on the Internet makes some incorporation of CALL seemingly inevitable.
Refer to Appendix I for a brief listing of some of the many Internet sites related
to ESL/EFL teaching and learning. The available free materials alone range in
variety from listening comprehension exercises to fully developed curricula. It
may not revolutionize EFL learning, but for teachers and students it provides
previously unheard of support, discussion and materials aimed at language learning.
However,
there are critics of Internet use in the EFL setting. Busbee (2001a) summarizes
many of the arguments by stating that the Internet's amount of information can
be overwhelming to native English language users, imagine the difficulties for
Korean high school or university students. While this is certainly true for those
students browsing alone, the argument is misdirected when applied to the classroom
setting. Just as with any materials in the language classroom including books,
the proper coaching and direction makes a world of difference in the efficiency
in which something is learned or how a tool is used. Sitting an EFL student in
a classroom with a book and say, "Learn English! I'll be back in a while!"
is of course ridiculous. The same is true with CALL, where the tools are merely
tools not the solution in and of themselves. The Internet offers an unprecedented
amount and variety of materials for use in the EFL classroom, but only in collaboration
with sound pedagogy will it have the opportunity to make the contributions many
of its advocates actively promote. For
success, the outline provided by Jonassen (1998) for good coaching should certainly
accompany CALL: motivate, analyze, provide feedback and advice, and persuade learners
to assess their performances critically. Multimedia can provide access to numerous
aspects of language such as mannerisms, tone of voice and other human behaviors
that are much more readily adopted through exemplars than through description.
Therefore, by providing many sources of information it should lead to a more readily
learned and in-depth understanding of certain linguistic concepts (Jonassen, 1998).
With
respect to Korea's specific socio-cultural educational issues, CALL should be
able to help address some of them. For example, the negative effects of large
class size and limited amount of contact hours could be mitigated by blending
classroom activities with CALL solutions such as Internet discussion boards as
discussed by S. Lee (2000). Furthermore, it could help promote situations for
development of independent learning skills and student centred learning, which
is distinctly lacking from most Korean educational settings. Developing these
skills may be of greater importance for Korean students' English language skills
in comparison to other subjects due to the EFL context allowing few readily accessible
authentic opportunities for use. Through anonymity, CALL could also help promote
egalitarian educational settings by preventing dominance of older students due
to Confucian age structure. However,
without more direct evidence clearly exhibiting the benefits of CALL incorporation
in the language classroom, it is difficult to give absolute support. In addition,
more materials addressing the specific needs of Korean students would certainly
assist in applying CALL successfully in the Korean context. 5.
Conclusions Applying CALL to the Korean context presents unique opportunities
and difficulties due to the socio-cultural and educational environment. There
have been some innovative uses of CALL specifically related to the EFL/ESL context
that could potentially be applied in Korea. Likewise, the burgeoning of information
and materials available on the Internet seems to inevitably push toward its incorporation
into the EFL classroom. However, without sound pedagogy underpinning the creation
and use of tools selected for CALL, without room for changes in roles of learner
and instructor and without taking into account the specifically related cautions
and difficulties mentioned throughout the paper chances of success are minimal.
Above all, more evidence clearly delineating CALL successes are needed for it
to gain widespread acceptance and be successfully implemented in the EFL setting.
Appendix
I: Some Online EFL/ESL and CALL Resources Teaching
English as a Foreign or Second Language: http://www.kyoto-su.ac.jp/information/tesl-ej/index.html The
Internet TESL Journal: http://iteslj.org/ Randall's
ESL Cyber Listening Lab: http://www.esl-lab.com/ Boggle's
World (ESL teacher resources, job boards and worksheets): http://bogglesworld.com/
Asian
EFL Journal: http://www.asian-efl-journal.com/index.html ESL
Teachers Board: http://www.eslteachersboard.com/cgi-bin/articles/index.pl?read=917
English-to-go:
http://www.english-to-go.com/ English-4U (English Lesson Plan): http://www.english-4u.com/
KOTESOL
(Korea Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages): home page: http://www.kotesol.org/,
CALL Special Interest Group: http://www.kotesol.org/compulearn/ Dave's
ESL Café: http://www.eslcafe.com/ References: Arsham,
H. (2005). Impact of the Internet on Learning and Teaching. Retrieved June
17, 2005 from http://home.ubalt.edu/ntsbarsh/interactive.htm Atkinson,
T. & Davies, G. (2005). Computer Aided Assessment (CAA) and language learning,
Module 4.1. Information and Communications Technology for Language Teachers.
Retrieved June 17, 2005 from http://www.ict4lt.org/en/en_mod4-1.htm#introduction
Berge,
Z.L. (1995). Facilitating computer conferencing: Recommendations from the field.
Educational Technology, 35(1), 22-30. Breen,
M. (1998). The Koreans: Who they are, what they want, where their future lies.
London: Orion Publishing Group. Busbee,
E. (2001a). The computer and the internet: Are they really destined to play a
major role in English teaching? English Teaching, 56(1), 201-225. Busbee,
E. (2001b). Computer training to improve word recognition and reading speed. English
Teaching, 56(2), 143-165. Byun,
S. (2003, September 17). The exit Korea syndrome worsens., JoonAng Daily.
Retrieved April 15 2005, from http://joongangdaily.joins.com/200309/17/ 200309172316570409900090109012.html Clark,
D. (2000). Developing instruction: Instructional design. ISD-Development.
Retrieved April 15, 2005 from http://www.nwlink.com/~donclark/hrd/learning/development.html Clark,
R.E. (1994). Media will never influence learning. Educational Technology Research
and Development, 42(2), 21-9. Cobb,
T. (1997). Cognitive efficiency: Towards a revised theory of media. Educational
Technology Research and Development, 45(4), 21-35. Halter,
J. (n.d.). Metacognition. SDSU Department of Educational Technology. Retrieved
June 17, 2005, from http://coe.sdsu.edu/eet/Articles/metacognition/start.htm Han,
S.C. (1995). Notes on things Korean. Seoul: Hollym International Corporation. Higgins,
A. & Postle, G. (1993). Changing paradigms: From correspondence schools to
open learning. Towards 2000: Schooling Through Distance Education, SPERA
Proceedings of the First National DE Conference, Toowoomba, Australia. Huang,
S.J. & Liu, H.F. (2000). Communicative Language Teaching in a Multimedia Language
Lab. The Internet TESL Journal, 6(2). Retrieved May 23, 2005, from http://iteslj.org/Articles/Lee-CALLbarriers.html Gunawardena,
C. & Zittle, R. (1996). An examination of teaching and learning processes
in distance education and implications for designing instruction. In M. Beaudoin
(Ed.), Distance Education Symposium 3: Instruction (pp. 51-63). Jonassen,
D. (1998). Designing constructivist learning environments. In C.M. Reigeluth,
(Ed.), Instructional theories and models. (2nd ed.). Mahwah: Erlbaum. Kang,
D. (2000). Motivation and Foreign Language Learning in Korean EFL Context. (ERIC
Document No. ED442284). Kannan,
J. & Macknish C. (2000). Issues Affecting On-line ESL Learning: A Singapore
Case Study. The Internet TESL Journal, 6(11). Retrieved May 16, 2005 from
http://iteslj.org/Articles/Kannan-OnlineESL.html Lee,
K. (2000). English Teachers' Barriers to the Use of Computer-assisted Language
Learning. The Internet TESL Journal, 6(12). Retrieved May 23 2005 from
http://iteslj.org/Articles/Lee-CALLbarriers.html. Lee,
S. (2000). Teaching writing using a bulletin board on the Internet: A preliminary
study. English Teaching, 55(3), 171-191. Milton,
J. & Garbi, A. (2000). VIRLAN: Collaborative foreign language learning on
the Internet for primary age children: Problems and a solution. Educational
Technology & Society, 3(3). Retrieved June 17, 2005 from http://ifets.ieee.org/periodical/vol_3_2000/d04.html Mitchell,
J. (1997). A planning model for innovation: New Learning Technologies. Publications
from OTTE, Victoria. Retrieved June 17 2005 from http://www.otte.vic.gov.au/publications/model/index.htm Moodie,
G. (1998). Virtual University: Real learning. Victoria University of Technology,
Victoria. Retrieved June 17 2005 from http://www.globaled.com/articles/MoodieGavin2000.pdf Oak,
S. & Martin, V. (Eds.). (2003). Teaching English to Koreans. New Jersey:
Hollym International Corporation. Park,
J. (1999). Teaching English: Korean culture and context. English Teaching,
54(3), 3-21. Teles,
L. (1993). Cognitive apprenticeship on global networks. In L. Harasim (Ed.), Global
Networks. Massachusetts: MIT Press. Werner,
T. (n.d.). Change Management & E-Learning, brandon-hall.com. Retrieved
June 17, 2005 from http://www.multimediatraining.com/brandon-hall/whitpaponcha.html Yeh,
A. (2003). Telling True Stories: Blending Multimedia in a Task-based Activity.
The Internet TESL Journal, 9(8). Retrieved May 12, 2005 from http://iteslj.org/Lessons/Yeh-TrueStories.html Yeung,
D (2001). Toward an effective quality assurance model of web - based learning:
The perspective of academic staff. Online Journal of Distance Learning Administration,
4(4). Retrieved April 28, 2004 from http://www.westga.edu/~distance/ojdla/winter44/yeung44.html Yoon,
W. (2003, October 20). Job Seekers Compete 87:1. Korea Times, Retrieved
April 15, 2005 from http://search.hankooki.com/times/times_view.php?terms=job+seekers +code%3A+kt&path=hankooki3%2Ftimes%2Flpage%2F200310% 2Fkt2003102018470312070.htm
|