Normalization of Bax in the Saudi Kingdom

1)

In this article, Bax presents the historical development of CALL and how can developed from a technology to be an essential part of the current practice in the educational process. The development of CALL from the frames to multimedia and internet has been accompanied with a development in language teaching practices from focus on grammar and drills to authentic discourses.

Bax is right in his claim that We should just know about CALL but CALL should be a common practice in classroom. The writer assumes that technology is no longer regarded as the book or the pen in the classroom. The process of making CALL an integral part of the classroom is claimed by the writer to be called normalization. Bax sees that CALL should be designed to meet the learners’ needs and should be secondary to the learning itself.

The author is correct in his claim that the two fallacies that prevent benefit from CALL in the class are the teacher’s attitude towards CALL and the successful implementation of CALL in the class.

A)

Bax argues that normalization can take place in stages : adaption to technology, knowing the existence of technology, trying technology, not fearing to use technology, and normalization (to be normal in our lives).

Bax has suggested some changes for achieving normalizations:

1-
There must be an interest in the teacher’s attitude towards CALL. The teachers should have a positive attitude towards CALL. Teachers should be convinced that CALL will be beneficial in instruction and that CALL is better than the traditional methods of teaching.
 

2- It is not only enough to have technology, but the most important thing is the usage and the actual implementation of technology in the class. The school directors should encourage teachers to use technology and provide them with training on the usage of CALL in the class.

3- The administrative procedures should allow students to use CALL in the class. The teaching load prevents teachers from using technology.

B)

The changes suggested by Bax can be available in the Saudi context if the context, teachers’ attitudes, students’ attitudes, and the educational authority are modified in the manner that allows space and resources for the usage of technology in the class.

Studnets should be made aware that technology will help them to learn better and that technology should be respected and not used for luxury in the class. Also, studnets should be trained on how to benefit from technology and they should be good researchers for web-based resources.

Also, teachers should be trained on the usage of technology and the technical skills required for using CALL in the class. There is already  a number of teachers today who have adopted new teaching methods that are student-centered and that promote active learning. Some of these teachers have computers in their classrooms and some do not. There are also teachers who choose not to use the computers because they computers do not suit their teaching styles. This variety of teaching methods does not necessarily suggest that teachers are not willing to keep up with the new circumstances, but using technology in the learning process depends on the subject matter and the context.

     Moreover, the educational authorities must monitor the teachers’ usage of technology and ensure that the infrastructure and resources are available in the schools.  Without such controls, technology will not be used in the class.