Stephan Bax argues that, "Our aim should be to attain a state of `normalisation' in which the technology is invisible and truly integrated"
Summery:
Briefly, this article discussed the issue of CALL how it was, how it is now and how it will be. Firstly, the article discussed the three phases of CALL that were identified by Warschauer and Healey which are: behaviouristic, communicative and integrative. Then, it argued about these phases’ historical clarity, communicative phase’s validity and integrative phase’s rationale to be called like that. Thus, Stephen Bax suggested in this paper an alternative analysis of CALL, giving a new three concepts that he considered as more reliable and valid which are: restricted CALL, open CALL and integrative CALL. Finally, Bax talked about (Normalisation) which refers to the stage when the technology becomes invisible, embedded in every day practice. He presented its stages in CALL and suggested some steps in order to make CALL reach normalisation stage in teaching field.
1.
Basically, Bax has proposed three steps to achieve normalisation in CALL. First of all, clarifying the main goal wanted from normalising CALL, setting key stages in order to achieve this goal and adjust involved details in a way that makes what we are doing suitable for our purposes and context.
2.
Accordingly, one question must be asked: How we can achieve normalisation stage in CALL in the context of Saudi Arabia? Well, in order to do that we should consider what Bax has suggested and apply it to our Saudi context. First, we have to put a clear organised plan that clarifies certain stages that education must go through to reach our goal which is normalisation of CALL. After these stages are set, application turn will come and day by day we can reach the final stage. As we see now, Saudi education is going through many changes and technology is embedded more in daily practice. Starting from the blackboard and chalks and reaching the use of computers and smart boards. So, if integration of these new technologies is studied in organised way with avoiding of random application, that will helps a lot in accomplishing our goal with less effort and time. Second, we have to consider many things and small details that might be unnoticed but have a great deal in making this change happens, for example, acceptance of the use of new technologies among learners and teachers, cultural appropriateness and constant observation of stages progression. Finally, every step is wanted to be made toward being more civilised, leaving developing world to be as a developed world requires much effort, time and carful study. We can achieve normalisation as long as we work hard and seriously to do it.
Our Goal is :
to move from traditional class
to more developed one
