Historical Overview of CALL by

1940's - 1950's Early computers

msotobravo2 — 2025-08-11 19:32:13 UTC

Computers were mainly used for mathematical calculations. They were also very large and expensive. Used only by universities, government and military facilities.

1950's -1960's Behavioristic CALL

msotobravo2 — 2025-08-11 19:37:41 UTC

Skinner's ideas shaped psychology and education, leading to computers being used for repetitive lessons. They acted as teachers, giving feedback on answers and allowing students to learn at their own pace.

1970's - 1980's Communicative CALL

msotobravo2 — 2025-08-11 19:48:50 UTC

Language teachers moved away from "drill and practice" methods toward activities promoting authentic communication. New programs allowed varied without penalizing mistakes, focusing on sentence creation and natural language use. Some educational games encouraged choice, interaction, and analytical skills. With the arrival of affordable Apple PCs in the late 1970's, computers became tools for creativity, writing, discussion and critical thinking, offering software like word processors, spreadsheets, and drawing programs.

1990's Integrative CALL

msotobravo2 — 2025-08-11 20:01:07 UTC

Language teachin shifted to integrative CALL, focusing on project-based learning that combined multiple skills. Advances in multimedia (CD-ROMs with text, images, video, sound, hyperlinks) and the internet gave students more freedom, authentic learning opportunities, and access to diverse resources. However, multimedia programs were often costly, limited and not always based on sound pedagogy. Computers could not replace human teachers, though they enabled new tools like video conferences and file exchanges with native speakers. Collaborative learning grew alongside technology, but effective lessons still depend on good teaching practices. not technology alone.

2000's The Rise of Digital and Collaborative CALL

msotobravo2 — 2025-08-11 20:12:32 UTC

CALL in the 2000's expanded with faster internet, mobile devices and Web 2.0 tools. Online platforms, blogs, wikis, podcasts and social media increased opportunities for authentic communication and collaboration. Language learning became more interactive, learner-centered, and global, with real-time exchanges via video conferencing and instant messaging. Teachers integrated online resources, digital games and mobile apps into lessons while maintaining the need for sound pedagogical principles.