Computer-Assisted Language Learning (CALL) has become an ever expanding. CALL was created to help people learn different languages with the use of computers. It came about in the 1960's before much was known about how we learn different languages. I think this seemed like a good idea at the time, but the creator just did not have enough data on how humans learn new languages. Now fifty years later different methods and practices of it have helped more people to better understand languages that are new to them. .
When CALL was first created it used a method that like I said seemed a good idea, but did not help people grasp languages that were new to them. The method that was used was more of a read and repeat method. We now know that while this method may have aided in language learning, it did not contribute to language acquisition. The Merriam Webster dictionary defines acquisition as "the act of getting or acquiring something: such as the act or process of gaining skill, knowledge, etc". This means that you can read and repeat all you want, but you are not gaining the skill or full knowledge of this new language. When learning a new language we also need understanding. According to Krashen, 2003, 2001, "we acquire language and develop literacy primarily from understanding what we read and hear, that is , when we obtain comprehensible input". .
With all the new technological advances CALL as advanced as well. We now have the internet and everything that comes with it. We can also have access to the internet in more ways than just with computers. The year is 2014 and we have computers, laptops, smart phones, and tablets. All of these devices have been created because as humans we are social creatures. We like to stay connected to those around us. We are also curious and now we have the news at our finger tips. We have so many opportunities to learn and spread knowledge and many people take advantage of these opportunities.
