INTRODUCTION
Basically, the topic of the research which is all regarding teaching writing skills by using CALL interest me a lot. I want to know how this computer assisted language learning is being used in teaching writing skills. It is efficient? Is it improving the students writing skills? These are the questions that I really want to be answered. Basically, the entire research topic are regarding using computer in teaching writing skills. The language learning theories that apply to this topic are Constructivist Approach, Behaviorist Approach and also Social Constructivism. In this topic, the dependent variable that is being focused is students writing skills while the independent variables are word processing, emails, student-created writing blog, mode of writing and age.
The Usage of CALL in classroom
Basically, all of the research stated that the dependent variable which is students writing skills are important and in order to improve it, they need the independent variables to help them in their language learning classroom. For the first independent variable which is word processing, students seem to gain interest to write instead of using pen and paper mode of writing. So this kind of variable improves the writing skills of the students where they can check their spelling and improve their vocabulary. According to T.J Wallis 2006, The most common advantages given for using a computer were the spell checking function, grammar suggestions and being easier and faster. For e-mails and student-created writing blog, it allows the learners to participate actively in their own learning, determine their learning goals, and share their knowledge or in order to develop their own understanding of the target learning activities. Students perceived blogging as an interesting and motivating learning device that had helped them to effectively interact with their peers and expanded their critical thinking ability. More importantly, they also perceived that blogging had aided them to develop their second language writing constructively (Nadzrah Abu Bakar & Kemboja Ismail, 2009). The last independent variable is age where there is one research stressed on the importance of computer language learning in classroom where it can develop children's early writing through improving their ability to use a word processor, organize their thoughts, and make several drafts of their writing. There is one research which I think was not well-conducted where the researcher used different gender as the subject but it turned out that the results for both gender is similar and the validity of the finding is questionable. It is a research conducted by Cheong Lai Wah. In my opinion, I would suggest that the researcher should focus on specific sample or subject so that the findings are valid and understandable. Basically, there is another one research by Fathi Ihmeideh 2010, it stated that most of the teachers do not think that using computer as mode of practice in classroom is helpful because they think that children are not mature enough to write by using the computer and even without using computers, children's writing, in most Jordanian preschool grades, is not encouraged until children become mature and master other language skills--namely, reading and speaking. In this case, I think the researcher should ask why the teachers are being negative towards teaching writing skills by using computer and it is maybe because the teachers lack of training in using computers. Basically, there is a parallel between these two research which is written by Antoinette DeSanto Gurne, 2008 and Nadzrah Abu Bakar, Hafizah Latif & Azizah Ya’acob, 2010 where it stated that Student written responses were more thoughful, reflected increased spelling and grammar awareness, and an overall depth of knowledge. Students wrote longer, more frequently, and were motivated by the ease of use. It was as if students became more diligent, when activities were technology-rich. Additionally, the literature also conveyed that student interest developed with the use of technology. Students displayed and communicated increased motivation to write and complete journal or writing lessons.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, from all the articles that I have reviewed, using CALL in ESL classes is helpful for the students to improve their writing skills. It is because computers are widely used in this era and to learn language by using computer is a great chance. Basically, there are a lot of things that we can use in learning by using CALL such as e-mails, web-blogs, chat room, word processers and many more. These are the examples where we can improve our writing skills but there are still people who do not want to use computer as mode of writing and they prefer pen and paper practice. In Malaysian context, CALL is widely used in each school in Malaysia and government even provides the facilities in order to improve people’s learning style and achievement. From what I can see from all the research, there are several findings that can support the incorporation of CALL to teach writing skills for example by using blogs, word processers and emails. These are being practiced in schools and students are improving their writing skills by using these medium. Nowadays, there are lots of people who join the blog regardless age and gender, and they write everything in their page which I think it is a good effort in improving writing skills. But there is several finding which contradict with teaching and learning of ESL in Malaysian context where the teacher itself do not think that using computer will help their students in improving their writing skills but this is for kindergarten students. I think, writing skills should be taught since kindergarten and kids should be encouraged to write as it will generate their critical thinking. Last but not least, the government especially the Ministry Of Education should be strict in implementing the usage of computer in classroom in order to achieve successful computer assisted language learning classroom.
REFERENCES
Cheong L.W, (2006). A Study of Students’ Perceptions and Attitudes Towards ESL Writing Using Computer-Based Learning Materials. Retrieved 20th February 2011 from http://myais.fsktm.um.edu.my/10418/1/CheongLaiWah.pdf
IhmeidehFathi, (2010). The role of computer technology in teaching reading and writing: preschool teachers' beliefs and practices. Retrieved 22th February 2011 from http://www.thefreelibrary.com/The+role+of+computer+technology+in+teaching+reading+and+writing:...-a0223823304
Nadzrah Abu Bakar, Hafizah Latif & Azizah Ya’acob, (2010). ESL Students feedback on the use of blogs for language learning. Retrieved 20th February 2011 from http://pkukmweb.ukm.my/~ppbl/3L/3L%20vol%2016(1)%202010/Nadzrah%20Abu%20Bakar%20pg%20124.pdf
T. J. Wallis, Susan Howcroft, (2006). Research into student writing on computer: a qualitative and quantitative comparison between pen and paper and computer as modes of writing. Retrieved 18th February 2011 from http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:http://www.formatex.org/micte2006/pdf/160-164.pdf
Antoinette D.G, (2008). Writing Blogs: Using Blogs to Increase Writing Skills in Middle School. Retrieved 20th February 2011 from http://people.emich.edu/agurney1/edmt628/portfolio/exhibits_files/edmt695_proposal_final.pdf
