Reflection 1 : Computer Assisted Language Learning (CALL)

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            Being a fourth year student of  Bachelor of English Language and Literature (BENL) in the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) requires us to do numerous assignments using computer. Different assignments in the past had incorporated different stages of Computer Assisted Language Learning (CALL). For the purpose of this reflection, we have decided to choose one of the subject we had taken in the past to discuss and reflect upon. The subject that we have decided to choose is ENGL 2040 : Phonetics and Phonology.

            In one of the assignments from ENGL 2040, we are required to transcribe a whole paragraph of a fictional text. In order to do so, we need to know which symbols of the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) represents which sound. Hence, we used the IPA website (http://www.internationalphoneticalphabet.org) to assist us in doing the assignment.

            The assignment incorporated the first stage and the third stage of CALL which are Behaviorist CALL and Integrative CALL. Behaviorist CALL emphasized the model in which the computer serves as a tutor to the students while Integrative CALL act as a tool to effectively help students in language learning.

            In relation to the assignment, we had use the computer as a tool by surfing the IPA  website to help us find information on different symbols of the IPA. On the other hand, the website also provided us with linguistic stimuli in the form of audio-lingual learning thus, serving as a mechanical tutor for us in completing our assignment.