The Place of Computer-Aided Language Learning (Call) in Enhancing Effective English Language Teaching among Junior Secondary Students in Nigeria

Abstract

The modern language classroom has experienced critical changes occasioned by the advent of technology, which has educational implications on learners’ experiences. Regrettably, observation shows that the less effective traditional instructional approach dominates the teaching and learning process as against modern approaches. This paper explored the place of Computer-Aided Language Learning (CALL) in language teaching in the modern ICT world as an alternative to the traditional approach. It took stock of the concept of CALL, benefits of CALL and practical suggestion for stakeholders of education. It concluded that CALL is an effective instructional language method for the development of literacy skills, pronunciation and vocabulary among other language skills. This is because it is innovative, learner-centered, technology-driven and research-proven. In view of that, it was suggested that curriculum planners should work in collaboration with English Language textbooks writers to incorporate CALL into the language programmes for primary schools and secondary schools. Furthermore, workshops and seminars should be organized for the retraining of language teachers by relevant stakeholders of education likes Ministries of Education across federal and state levels of government on the importance and use of CALL in improving learners' language achievement. It was also suggested that English Language teachers should learn to model the CALL instructional approach for improved learning outcome. Teacher education programmes should be redesigned to help prospective English Language teachers acquire digital literacy to enhance proper application of CALL, school administrators like principals and head teachers should incorporate CALL instruction on the learners’ timetables, parents and guardians should prepare their children and wards for digital literacy skills and encourage them to patronize the school's computer laboratory to increase their ICT knowledge; and Government should improve on power supply and empower schools with solar panels to enable the application of the CALL teaching method.