It is necessary for teachers and students to have
basic technology knowledge before applying
computer technology in second language teaching
and learning.
Imperfect current CALL programs
At present, the software of CALL mainly deals
with reading, listening, and writing skills. There
are some speaking programs have been
developed recently, but their functions are still
limited.
Inability to handle unexpected situations
Computers merely have artificial intelligence, and
it cannot deal with learner’s unexpected learning
problem or response to learner’s questions
immediately as teachers do.
Advantages
Interest and motivation
Classical language teaching in classroom can be
monotonous, boring, and even frustrating, and students
can loose interest and motivation in learning.
Individualization
CALL allows learners to have
non-sequential learning habit
A compatible learning style
Students have different style of learning, and
an incompatible style for students will cause
serious conflicts to them.
Optimal use of learning time
The time flexibility of using computer
enables students to choose appropriate
timing for learning.
Immediate feedback
Students receive maximum benefit from feedback
only if it is given immediately
Guided and repetitive practice
Students have freedom of expression within certain
bounds that programmers create, such as grammar,
vocabulary, etc.