CALL Programs

By: Nur Hasanah

                CALL is short from Computer-Assisted Language Learner. The Definition of CALL is the learning process which the students uses a computer and, as result, improve his or her language (Beatty, 2003, p. 7). The computer can be used in class as a tool for delivering a material and replace a whiteboard becoming interactive whiteboard. The computer also can be used for mediating group work activity, tandem learning, independent learning and distance learning.

                The principles of using and designing CALL programs  are to gain learners’ autonomy, meaningful purpose, comprehensive input, sufficient level of stimulation (cognitively & affectively) and high level of interaction (human-human & human-machine). With the computer with network access, the users are able to make it as abundant source to gain knowledge through using search engine, joining community, studying online and etc. Then computer has roles in nowadays education, as tutor  for learning and skill practice, as tool for presenting, writing and searching,  then as a media to create global community.

                Is that mean computer replace the existence of teacher in CALL programs? Absolutely not. Computer has limitations. Computer can not judge unexpected input while teacher can. Then, computer can not provide individualized feedback, can not engage learner in rich negotiation of meaning characteristic of face-to-face interaction and can not motivate the learner. So, computer is only considered as an aid. 

All about me

          My parents have given me name, Nur Hasanah. When I was a kid, I often questioning my name, what does it mean? Until, I started studying in the informal Islamic school, I studied about “doa”. Then I know “Hasanah” means goodness and “Nur” means light. There is my parents’ hope in my name. They wish me to be a good girl. They said the goodness is always shining like light.

           Nur hasanah derive from Arabic words. You should know that i am moslem. That’s why my parents used Arabic ords. All of my brothers’ names also derive from Arabic language. Their names are Rachmatullah and Lukpiadi. Actually, my brother’s name is Luthfiadi but there was mistaken when my father made his birth lisence.

           My parents are Betawi people. There is stereotype about betawi people that they talks frankly. It might offend people around them. Yeah, it’s true, that’s what my friends think about me, I talk frankly. What’s for I hide the truth? For please other? I don’t think so. For me, life is like a chocolate, It’s not always sweet favour but bitter. And the truth is always bitter. Lucky me, I love dark chocolate with bitter taste. So what?! Haha. The only exception that lead me to lie is for goodness.

          In the last session in Humanistic class, Mr. Hatim asked me to make a symbol that describe me. So, i draw this image my self. Do you know what this means? Keep reading, you will know.

           You can see a winged egg with devil’s horn and angel’s circle. Actually, the wing means freedom. I love freedom but that not means i am not responsible. Then, horn and circle, means human. As human, I make mistake sometimes, and be good in another time. Next is the egg meaning. It means my personality when i face problems. Sometimes, i feel upset and so fragile like an egg. If you let an egg fall, it will be broken. However, problems make me tought and strong. I can learn something from the problem i faced. Like a boiling egg, if it will not be easy to be broken.

           I paint the egg with some colours. It symbolizes my mood because i am moody person. That’s all about me. If you want to know more about me, you might ask me or observe me. I don’t mind. But never stalks me. Haha 