If you had the chance, would you utilize ICT (CALL) in your teaching?
I would definitely use ICT (CALL) in my teaching as it can make the lesson more interesting. But still, it depends on few important factors such as the school’s computer lab/media room (e.g. enough computers for students to work independently or in small groups of 2 – 3 students, the facilities inside the lab/room in good working condition, got good Internet connection with proper screening, the distance between the class and the lab/room, booking of the lab/room, etc.) and also the students (e.g. whether I can manage them or not).

Sadly, I didn’t have the opportunity(ies) of using ICT(CALL) in my lessons during my teaching practicum, due to few reasons: the lab/room are under maintenance (only one room can function at one time and not all computers can function well), the unmanageable student behaviours, problems with the booking of the lab/room.

How do you think it would help (or would not help) your students to learn English?
I think that ICT (CALL) can benefit both good and weak students as they can access to zillions of information that are readily available for different student proficiency level with various activities/types of tasks that will tests users’ skills (e.g. listening, speaking, writing, reading, etc.) at their own pace at any time/place. Also, this can later promote independent learning amongst the learner.

What do you think are the advantages and disadvantages of implementing CALL in Malaysian schools?

Advantages:
Information is just at one’s fingertips (accessible at any time, any where – saves teacher’s time to prepare teaching materials, student can put theory(ies) learnt into practice).

1. Allows for teacher and student creativity.
2. Boosts student interest/motivation in learning (with all the audio/visual stuffs).
3. The lesson is beyond books with the use of the Internet.
   

Disadvantages:
Might distract students from the original purposes of having to surf the web.

1. Instructions fail to go across the students, especially after they are put in front of the computer due to distractions like Internet, etc.
2. Insufficient equipment – computers, LCD projector, speakers.
3. The danger of computer viruses, hackers, blackout, etc.

What are the barriers in implementing CALL in the Malaysian classroom?

1. Financial constraints.
2. Lack of skilled/well-trained teachers in the ICT (CALL) field.
3. Low maintenance of equipment – e.g. computers, LCD projectors, lack of suitable programs.

Other comments/thought/ideas on this topic.
Utilizing ICT (CALL) in Malaysia is a good idea, but a lot of things need to be taken into consideration. Teachers (senior or junior) need training and professional development. They need to be convinced that it’s a good idea and that they want to use it.