Over the years I've given quite a few classes and presentations for ESL teachers both new and experienced on CALL related topics.  Two questions that I get asked almost without fail after each session go something like this:

1. What software should I buy?
2. What software do you recommend?

In reality both are the wrong question to be asking.   Well I guess #1 is almost OK, but it is being asked in most cases a little prematurely.  In both cases, there are several more critical questions that need to be asked, and answered, before you even start thinking about buying ESL software.

What am I trying to accomplish in my lessons?   For example:

• working on pronunciation
• practicing grammar points
• developing spelling skills
• improving reading speed/comprehension
• improved student participation and attention

Can language learning software help me accomplish these things?

• In most cases you will be able to find some software package designed for language learning that can help you out. Of course you should never discount using other software (that wasn't designed with language learning in mind).  For example if you're looking to do anything related to recording voice, there are TONS of different software packages available for free that will do the job wonderfully.  Audacity is one great example.  It isn't perfect, but it sure is good.

Are these simple enough to accomplish without software and computers?

• If yes, then you need to carefully evaluate the benefits of taking the time to prep the lessons and teach your students how to use the technology.

Will software likely to be a benefit from using the ESL software that doesn't exist otherwise?

• speed
• ease of implementation
• better attention or level of interest from the students
• time savings for you in terms of planning, or marking
• access to unique, natural, or otherwise valuable content
• etc.

 Investing in language learning software for your ESL class is indeed that, an investment, whether in terms of cash outlay, or time spent researching and testing various applications to see how useful they are.  You need to have a clear idea of what it is you hope to accomplish by using the software before you start looking and certainly before you buy anything.

There is a lot of really good and useful ESL software on the market, and there is an awful lot of junk.  Unfortunately it isn't always easy to tell which is which until you put the program through its paces.  In future posts I'll go over different packages that I've tested and give a review of what I (and the teachers I work with) have experienced using different language learning software.

Till then…

Cheers,

Eric

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