“Web-CALL”: a language learning support system using Internet

The online language learning support system, “Web-CALL” is the software that enables language teachers to produce web-based teaching materials and enables students to study them online. It is the user-friendly software which even beginners in computers can use easily. Teachers can produce Web-page materials without knowledge of HTML or any computer programming. Students can study at their own pace regardless of time and location. Furthermore, teachers can interact with students via email. When students have questions, they can email their teachers. The teaching materials database on the server is available in LAN or Internet. Teachers of language have tested this system in their classes. To evaluate the “Web-CALL” lesson, they compared “Web-CALL” class with a normal, traditional, teacher-oriented class. At the end of both the “Web-CALL” class and the normal class, students took a test which consisted of four types of questions; Comprehension check, Grammar A (multiple-choice), Grammar B (translation) and Grammar C (put in order). The “Web-CALL” class was superior to normal class in Comprehension and Grammar C. More than 80% students surveyed after “Web-CALL” classes have assessed the system to be useful and helpful in language learning