Effective use of the internet in language teaching: what and how?

Abstract

Computer Assisted Language Learning (CALL) has developed gradually over the last 30 to 40 years. This development can be categorised into 3 distinct phases, namely, Behaviouristic CALL , Communicative CALL and Integrative CALL . The introduction of a new phase does not necessarily entail rejecting the programs and methods of a previous phase; rather the old is subsumed within the new. The new phases introduced do not gain prominence immediately, but gain acceptance rather slowly and unevenly. It is within the third phase of CALL that the Internet came into the picture. Like the other two phases, the Internet was accepted rather cautiously at first. However, compared to the other two phases, the use of the Internet for language teaching and learning has now reached a fairly mature stage. It has been there for a while and it looks like it is going to stay because the Internet provides many opportunities for language practice, use and development for both teachers and learners and it opens up many avenues for language learning.