Attitudes in schools already using Computer Assisted Language Learning (CALL) currently range from enthusiastic to disenchanted, depending upon the age of their systems; however, with the advent of Independent Learning Centres (ILCs) and the development of multi-media hardware, technology's future role in EFL is assured.
Having anticipated market trends accurately, American Language Academy (ALA) are proving to be leaders in their field. The ALA Lab System is highly sophisticated CALL software which embraces all four skills, whilst eliminating the disadvantages of conventional audio labs at a stroke. Furthermore, it's authoring program will prove a boon for enterprising teaching staff. Being compatible with any ASCII word-processing packages, means pictures, text and songs can be imported and automatically adapted into a range of exercises; digitalising and scanning equipment could exploit this facility even further.
Amazingly, for a system providing more than 8,OOO instant exercises, all of which are stored on just once CD diskette, very little shelf space is required - just the equivalent of an A4 box file for the accompanying documentation, supplied with its own stand.
Essentially, it is divided into two contrasting series - the AMERICA Series, which is devoted entirely to U.S. life and culture and the ALANIA Series, which deals comprehensively with everyday situations and is supplemented by three student workbooks.
Practice takes the form of:- Listening Comprehension, Pronunciation & Intonation, Recognition & Recall, Spelling & Punctuation, Dictation, Grammar, Vocabulary, Reading & Writing. Students work at their own pace. Every word featured in the texts is practised, pronounced and defined. Aided by their own software, ALA guarantee their students a minimum TOEFL score of 52O.
Intended for teenagers and adults, it will also prove a godsend for schools struggling to cope with students, unsuited to a normal class environment due to specific learning difficulties, (eg: dyslexia). Up to ten innovative exercises and games for each lesson not only ensures repetitive exposure to language points, but surprisingly few disgruntled murmurs from students.
Although user-friendly, initial guidance is essential; students, meandering aimlessly through a labyrinth of menus and exercises, face the danger of becoming overwhelmed by dint of sheer volume. An efficient working knowledge of both content and format are therefore crucial.
One ALA package retails at just 2,OOO dollars with free trial offers available to potential customers; bulk orders qualify for discounts. Expertly installed and used to full advantage, with a network of PCs or a stand-alone PC, this impressive system should prove a versatile, worthwhile investment.
