Technologies used in CALL instruction

The technologies used in CALL instruction generally fall into two categories, software and
Internet-based activities.

Software
Software used in a CALL environment can be designed specifically for
foreign/second language learning or adapted for this purpose. Most language textbook
publishers offer educational software of some sort, whether it is meant to support a paper
textbook or to stand alone for self-study.Most programs designed for language learning are
tutorials. These generally are drill programs that consist of a brief introduction plus a series of
questions to which the learner responds and then the computer gives some kind of feedback.
With these kinds of programs, the material to be learned may already be programmed in by
the publisher, which is more common, or may allow the instructor to program in the material
to be learned.
Programs not designed specifically for language learning can be adapted for this purpose.
Generally, these are task-based activities where the stated goal is something other than
language learning; however, using the target language is essential for getting the task done.
For example, with Facemaker, students create different faces by using words in the language
to command the computer. Role-playing games, where the user creates and controls a
character in a fantasy realm, can be used in this manner as well. Authoring programs allow an
instructor to program part or all of the content to be learned and program part or all of how
the content is to be learned. Some examples of these programs include Cloze master, Choice
master and Multitester. With these, the format is pre-programmed and the instructor puts in
the material. General authoring programs like Macromedia Director can be used to make an
entire course; however, most teachers do not have the time or the technical ability to make
use of such programs. [1]