Multimedia CALL Packages

Task 1, defining a multimedia CALL package,

Multimedia CALL Package:

A multimedia CALL Package is computer software which assists the learning of a language by using more than one type of media? If i had to guess this would be a definition of a multimedia CALL package that I would give, although this may be completely off the mark , so instead lets delve into a few example to clear up the blurred lines shall we?

So from looking at a more academic side of things, here’s a definition I found online:

‘Multimedia CALL refers to the learning of a (primarily second or foreign) language supported by multimedia technology. Multimedia for language learning covers a wide range of visually and/or aurally enhanced instructional materials, from audio recordings, picture flash cards, graphically annotated texts, and subtitled television broadcasts to interactive educational software applications such as courseware, interactive videodisks, and digital games’ (Website: Springer Link, https://link.springer.com/referenceworkentry/10.1007%2F978-1-4419-1428-6_963, accessed, 9/11/2018)

SpanishDict is an example of a Multimedia CALL Package as is it utilizes both printed text and audio files. You initially get the translation on the app in printed form, with an audio clip provided, if you wish to listen to the pronunciation of the word. This is extremely useful if your not 100% about how to say words.

According to Selper, 2004, for proper use of technology in education the way technology is used should be afforded as much attention as the design (Selper, 2004, 93). For SpanisDict, I think there was a lot of attention focused on how the technology can be used, it is simple to use and very accessible.

Task 2:

My Multimedia CALL Package Wish List

If I were to make my very own multimedia CALL package, I would start with the basics.

1. Lets begin with the appearance of the package, to keep learners interested the site would have to be visually appealing. Colour would be very important, along with a simple but attractive,easy to use layout.

2.  Next, I would focus on types of media involved in the site. To learn a language, I                believe hearing it spoken is essential, for this reason there would have to be both                printed and audio versions of the target languages available.

3. The site would have to be accurate, with no mistakes in any aspect of the                             information available. Following on from this, the site must have no source of                     confusion or ambiguity.

1. Finally, it would have an element of interactive learning, it is easier to remember vocab and grammar when you get practice in using them. This aspect would be achieved with games.