The Impact of Using Computer Assisted Language Learning System (CALL) in Teaching Hindi Language in University of Kelaniya

Abstract

Hindi has been successfully taught in Sri Lankan universities as a foreign language for several decades. With the rapid development of the technology language teaching and learning has been also influenced with technology. As a result of that e-learning has been introduced to the world of education. Computer Assisted Language Learning System (CALL) is one of the online learning system which is successfully practiced in world wide. University of Kelaniya is one of the leading university of Sri Lanka which offers language courses to the students. Department of Hindi studies, University of Kelaniya has been implemented CALL in teaching Hindi language to the students. In this paper it is expected to illustrate impact of using CALL in teaching and learning Hindi as a foreign language in University of Kelaniya. Lesson notes related to History of Hindi Literature, Indian Culture, Grammar and Literature have been uploaded to the system before the lecture. Hence students had a prior understanding about the lesson and more time could spend on discussions related to the topic. Questions and assignments related to the lessons were posted in separate folders and provided the facilities to submit their answers within a given period of time. Difficult lessons have been explained through presentations in order to make them more interesting to the students. Reviewed answers again uploaded in the wall page so that everyone could learn by the mistakes of the colleagues. Selected best answers have been uploaded with the names of the students in order to inspire their online participation in CALL. Video clips have been utilized to improve listening and spoken skills. As a result of above mentioned efforts, students actively participated in CALL and their computer literacy could be improved. Lack of computer competence and believe in traditional teaching methods could identified as the challenges faced while introducing CALL to the students. Computer assistance has been provided to the students as well as to the teachers in order to make e-learning a success.