Week 1 - Reflection on the history of CALL.

Assalamualaikum.

First let me explain briefly what CALL is. CALL is an acronym for Computer Assisted Language Learning.  CALL basically explains about the learning model in class where it can be divided into three main stages of educational theoretical cycle which are Behaviorist CALL, Communicative CALL, and Integrative CALL.

These three types of CALL show the different use or roles of the computer in language learning. Behaviorist CALL plays a role as a mechanical tutor. The computer reacts as a tutor where the students are taught by the computer. However, in Communicative CALL, the computer is quite similar to pupil where students work independently to think and discuss. The computer involved in the discussion and treated as one of the group members. The last type of CALL is integrative CALL where it technically focused on learner to learner interaction and computer function as a tool for interactive communication.

Reflection

Learning about the history of CALL and all of its types makes us ponder upon the best way in learning. For example, in learning a language or anything, some people prefer to just refer from books. Here the computer serves the same function. However some people prefer a teacher. It we were to relate it to our religion, Islam for instance, we cannot just refer to books to learn and understanding it but we also need someone to instruct us the right way of doing something practical for example performing prayer and reading the holy Qur’an. If we do not have a teacher, then we might make a mistake because Allah SWT said that whoever does not have a teacher, this means that syaitan is his teacher. 

Furthermore, as Allah SWT mentioned in the Qur'an in surah Al-Isra' verse 36, "And pursue not that of which you have no knowledge; for every act of hearing, or seeing or of (feeling in) the heart will be enquired into (on the Day of Reckoning)." This verse explains that we should not follow blindly any information of which you have no direct knowledge. You should use your faculties of perception and conception and verify it by yourself. And never think that you have more knowledge that others and nobody knows better than you like in surah Yusuf verse 76, "We raise to degrees (of wisdom) whom We please: but over all endued with knowledge is One, the All-Knowing." We should be aware that we are just the servants and Allah is the Almighty God who have knowledge above others. Subhanallah.