CALL Evaluation for Early Foreign Language Learning

A Review of the Literature and a Framework for Evaluation

Authors

  • Eduardo García-Villada

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1558/cj.v26i2.363-389

Keywords:

CALL evaluation, CALL for Foreign Languages at the Elementary School (FLES), Evaluation Paradigms, , Interpretivism

Abstract

This paper provides a critical review of the literature between 1980 and 2005 on the evaluation of resources for computer-assisted language learning (CALL) with a particular emphasis on elementary education. An analysis of that literature indicates that there are a range of approaches to evaluation that have been somewhat monolithic and possibly linked to a postpositivist approach to research in education. Today's elementary classroom, where foreign languages are learned, requires a more interpretivist approach to the evaluation of CALL resources informed by the principles of second language acquisition (SLA) theory, instructional design theory, early foreign language (FL) teaching methodologies, and the connection of FL curriculum with other curriculum areas to promote meaningful student-centered interactions. A critique of the literature using factors of multivocality, contextualization, and interpretation is followed by the proposition that these may provide a framework for future CALL evaluation. The evaluation of CALL has a complex relationship with elementary education and therefore CALL evaluation may best be integrated within teacher education programs.

References

Burston, J. (2003). Software selection: A primer on source and evaluation. CALICO Journal, 21, 29-40. Retrieved December 1, 2008, from https://calico.org/page.php?id=5

CALICO. (1983). Wanted: Courseware reviewers and reviews. CALICO Journal, 1, 53-54. Retrieved December 1, 2008, from https://calico.org/page.php?id=5

CALICO. (2001). Software evaluation outline. Retrieved October 22, 2008, from https://calico.org/page.php?id=21

CARLA. (1998). Language software database search. Center for Advanced Research on Language Acquisition (CARLA) and the College of Liberal Arts Language Center at the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis. Retrieved October 22, 2008, from http://www.carla.umn.edu/technology/tech_projects.html

Center for Applied Linguistics. (2007). Ñandutí Foreign Language Learning Grades PreK-8. Available from http://www.cal.org/earlylang/teaching/technology.html

Chapelle, C. (1990). The discourse of computer-assisted language learning: Toward a context for descriptive research. TESOL Quarterly, 24, 199-225.

Chapelle, C. (1997). CALL in the year 2000: Still in search of research paradigms. Language Learning & Technology, 1, 19-43. Retrieved April 30, 2002, from http://llt.msu.edu/vol1num1/chapelle/default.html

Chapelle, C. (1998). Multimedia CALL: Lessons to be learned from research on instructed SLA. Language Learning & Technology, 2, 22-34. Retrieved April 30, 2002, from http://llt.msu.edu/vol2num1/article1/index.html

Chapelle, C. (2001). Computer applications in second language acquisition: Foundations for teaching, testing and research. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

Curtain, C. O., & Shinall, S. L. (1987). Teacher training for CALL and its implications. In W. F. Smith (Ed.), Modern media in foreign language education (pp. 255-285). Lincolnwood, IL: National Textbook Company.

Curtain, H., & Dahlberg, C. (2004). Languages and children, making the match: New languages for young learners (3rd ed.). Boston: Pearson/A and B.

Decoo, W. (1984). An application of didactic criteria to courseware evaluation. CALICO Journal, 2, 42-46. Retrieved December 1, 2008, from https://calico.org/page.php?id=5

Dodge, B. (1995). WebQuests: A technique for Internet-based learning. Distance Educator, 1, 10-13.

Donato, R., & Hartman, D. (2002). Action research in foreign language education: 2002 Summer Institutes at Iowa State University; June 27-July 3, 2002. Available from http://www.nflrc.iastate.edu/inst/2002/ActionResearch.html

Eisner, E. (1976). Educational connoisseurship and criticism: Their form and functions in educational evaluation. Journal of Aesthetic Education, 10, 135-150.

Evans, G., & Gibson, A. (1989). What’s in it for me?: Evaluating software and video. Journal of Educational Techniques and Technologies, Winter (1989-1990), 54-58.

Ford-Guerrera, R. (1997). Technology & the elementary foreign language classroom. (ERIC Document Reproduction Service No. ED410750)

Freeman, D. & Johnson, K. (1998). Reconceptualizing the knowledge-base of language teacher education. TESOL Quarterly, 32(3), 397-417.

García Villada, E. (2006). Technology integration for teaching and learning Spanish in elementary schools: Voices of designers, teachers, and students. Unpublished doctoral dissertation, Iowa State University, Ames.

Gage, N. (1989). The paradigm wars and their aftermath: A “historical” sketch of research on teaching since 1989. Educational Researcher, 18, 4-10.

Goodfellow, R. (1993). CALL for vocabulary: Requirements, theory and design. Computer Assisted Language Learning, 6, 99-122.

Goodfellow, R. (1995). A review of the types of CALL programs for vocabulary instruction. Computer Assisted Language Learning, 8, 205-226.

Gruba, P. (2004). Computer assisted language learning (CALL). In A. Davis & C. Elder (Eds.), The handbook of applied linguistics (pp. 623-648). Malden, MA: Blackwell.

Guba, E. (Ed.). (1990). The paradigm dialog. Newbury Park, CA: Sage Publications.

Guskey, T. (2002). Does it make a difference?: Evaluating professional development. Educational Leadership, 59(6), 45-51.

Hamburger, H. (1990). Evaluation of L2 systems, learners and theory. Computer Assisted Language Learning, 1, 19-27.

Hamerstrom, H., Lipton, G., & Suter, S. (1985). Computers in the foreign language classroom: No longer a question. CALICO Journal, 3, 19-21, 48. Retrieved December 1, 2008, from https://calico.org/page.php?id=5

Hertz, R. (1984). A software evaluation guide for the language arts. CALICO Journal, 1, 21-23. Retrieved December 1, 2008, from https://calico.org/page.php?id=5

Hubbard, P. (1987). Language teaching approaches, the evaluation of CALL software, and design implications. In W. F. Smith (Ed.), Modern media in foreign language education: Theory and implementation (pp. 227-254). Lincolnwood, IL: National Textbook Company.

Hubbard, P. (1988). An integrated framework for CALL courseware evaluation. CALICO Journal, 6, 51-72. Retrieved December 1, 2008, from https://calico.org/page.php?id=5

International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE). (2000). Technology foundations standards for students. Eugene, OR: Author.

Kennedy, B. (1988). Adult versus child L2 acquisition: An information processing approach. Language Learning, 38, 477-496.

Kelly, M. G., & McAnear, A. (Eds.). (2003). National educational technology standards for teachers: Preparing teachers to use technology. Eugene, OR: International Society for Technology in Education.

Kohonen, V. (2001). Towards experiential foreign language education. In C. N. Candlin (Ed.), Experiential learning in foreign language education (pp. 8-60). Harlow, NY: Longman.

Komoski, K., & Plotnick, E. (1995). Seven steps to responsible software selection. ERIC Digest. (ERIC Document Reproduction Service No. ED382157)

Kreutzer, M., & Neunzig, W. (1997). Computer assisted learning teacher training methodology and evaluation of a seminar for language teachers. CALICO Journal, 14, 65-79. Retrieved December 1, 2008, from https://calico.org/page.php?id=5

Kulik, J., & Kulik, C. (1991). Effectiveness of computer-based instruction: An updated analysis. Computers in Human Behavior, 7, 75-94.

Larsen-Freeman, D., & Long, M. H. (1991). Introduction to second language acquisition research. New York: Longman.

Laurillard, D. (1991). Principles for computer-based software design for language learning. Computer Assisted Language Learning, 4, 141-152.

Levy, M. (1997). Computer-assisted language learning: Context and conceptualization. Oxford, UK: Clarendon Press.

Lillie, D. L., Hannum, W. H., & Stuck, G. B. (1989). Computers and effective instruction: Using computers and software in the classroom. New York: Longman.

Lincoln, Y. (1995). In search of students’ voices. Theory into Practice, 34, 88-93.

Liu, M., Moore, Z., Graham, L., & Lee, S. (2003). A look at the research oncomputer-based technology use in second language learning: A review of the literature from 1990-2000. Journal of Research on Technology in Education, 34, 250-273.

McDougall, A., & Squires, D. (1995). A critical examination of the checklist approach in software selection. Journal of Educational Computing Research, 12, 263-274.

McDougall, A., & Squires, D. (1997). A framework for reviewing teacher professional development programmes in information technology. Journal of Information Technology for Teacher Education, 6, 115-126.

National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM). (2000). Principles and standards for school mathematics: Problem-solving standards preK-2. Retrieved April 30, 2002, from http://standards.nctm.org/document/chapter4/prob.htm

National Standards in Foreign Language Education Project. (1996). Standards for foreign language learning: Preparing for the 21st century. Lawrence, KS: Allen Press.

Nutta, J., Feyton, C., Norwood, A., Meros, J., Yoshii, M., & Ducker, J. (2002). Exploring new frontiers: What do computers contribute to teaching foreign languages in elementary school? Foreign Language Annals, 35, 293-306.

O’Neal, F., & Fairweather, P. (1984). The evaluation and selection of computer-based training authoring systems. CALICO Journal, 2, 27-30, 46. Retrieved December 1, 2008, from https://calico.org/page.php?id=5

Owston, R., & Dudley-Marling, C. (1986). A criterion-based approach to software evaluation. Journal of Research on Computing in Education, 20, 234-244.

Oxford, R. (1998). Uses of advanced technology for early language learning. In M. Met (Ed.), Critical issues in early second language learning (pp. 137-147). Glenview, IL: Scott Foresman-Addison Wesley.

Pederson, K. M. (1987). Research on CALL. In W. F. Smith (Ed.), Modern media in foreign language education: Theory and implementation, (pp. 99-131). Lincolnwood, IL: National Textbook Company.

Phillips, M. (1986). Approaches to the design of software language teaching. CALICO Journal, 3, 37-38, 48. Retrieved December 1, 2008, from https://calico.org/page.php?id=5

Reagan, T. (1999). Constructivist epistemology and second/foreign language pedagogy. Foreign Language Annals, 32, 413-425.

Rosenbusch, M., García Villada, E., & Padgitt, J. (2003a). IN-VISION project evaluation: The impact of one year of language study on K-5 students. In K. H. Cárdenas & M. Klein (Eds.), Traditional values and contemporary perspectives in language teaching: Selected papers from the 2003 Central States Conference (pp. 149-165). Valdosta, GA: Lee Bradley.

Rosenbusch, M., García Villada, E., & Padgitt, J. (2003b). The attitudes of classroom teachers toward early language learning. NECTFL Review, 5(2), 21-28.

Rosenbusch, M., Kemis, M., & Moran, K. (2000). Changing practice: Impact of a national institute on foreign language teacher preparation for the K-6 level of instruction. Foreign Language Annals, 33, 305-319.

Squires, D., & McDougall, A. (1994). Choosing and using educational software: A teachers’ guide. London: The Falmer Press.

Squires, D., & McDougall, A. (1996). Software evaluation: A situated approach. Journal of Computer Assisted Learning, 12, 146-161.

Strei, G. (1983). Format for the evaluation of courseware used in computer-assisted language instruction (CALI). CALICO Journal, 1, 43-46. Retrieved December 1, 2008, from https://calico.org/page.php?id=5

Susser, B. (2001). A defense of checklists for courseware evaluation. ReCALL, 13, 261-276.

Sussex, R. (1991). Author languages, authoring systems, and their relation to the changing focus of computer-aided language learning. System, 19, 15-27.

Taylor, R. (1985). Microcomputer courseware evaluation sources. ERIC Digest. (ERIC Document Reproduction Service No. ED270102)

Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL). (2000). ESL standards for grades PreK-3. Retrieved April 30, 2002, from http://www.tesol.org/assoc/k12standards/it/07.html

Thompson, I. (1999). Foreign language multimedia software. NFLRC, University of Hawaii. Retrieved October 22, 2008, from http://www.nflrc.hawaii.edu/get_publication.cfm?id=123&scriptname=searchsite_pub&keyword=Foreign+language+multimedia+software&display_order=alphabetic

Treadwell, M. (1999). 1001 of the best Internet sites for educators K-college. (ERIC Document Reproduction Service No. ED429560)

White, L., & Genesse, F. (1996). How native is near-native? The issue of ultimate attainment in adult second language acquisition. Second Language Research, 12, 233-265.

Widdowson, H. (1993). Innovation in teacher development. Annual Review of Applied Linguistics, 13, 260-275.

Wildner, S. (2000). Technology integration into preservice foreign language teacher education programs. CALICO Journal, 17, 223-250. Retrieved December 1, 2008, from https://calico.org/page.php?id=5

Willis, J., Jost, M., & Nilakanta, R. (2002). Qualitative research methods for education and instructional technology. Greenwich, CT: Information Age.

Zhao, Y. (2003). Recent developments in technology and language learning: A literature review and meta-analysis. CALICO Journal, 21, 7-27. Retrieved December 1, 2008, from https://calico.org/page.php?id=5

Downloads

Published

2013-01-14

Issue

Section

Articles

How to Cite

García-Villada, E. (2013). CALL Evaluation for Early Foreign Language Learning: A Review of the Literature and a Framework for Evaluation. CALICO Journal, 26(2), 363-389. https://doi.org/10.1558/cj.v26i2.363-389

Most read articles by the same author(s)

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 > >>