Computer-assisted Language Learning: Challenges in Teaching Multilingual and Multicultural Student Populations

This paper reports on the integration of computer-assisted language learning (CALL) into courses of English for Academic Purposes at the Technion-IIT. CALL users include Hebrew and Arabic speakers, immigrants and international students having different educational backgrounds. To find an optimal combination of teacher-led and autonomous learning and make teaching more flexible we have developed CALL modules with interactive feedback. They consolidate material taught in class and target reading and aural comprehension skills, vocabulary and grammar. Moreover, these modules engage learners in content relevant to their majors and increase students’ awareness of environmental and ethical problems linked to science and technology.