Campus-Network-Based And Computer-Assisted College English Learning System Development And A Case Study Of English Language & Culture CAI Matrix

Over the past three decades, the astounding development and growth in both computer technology and the network have substantially promoted the research and application of language educational technologies. Against the background of a new wave of CALL development both inside and outside China at the Information and Technology Age of the twenty-first century, emerges in the field of foreign language education the integrated intelligent CALL system which draws upon strengths of those prevalent teaching modes of the preceding time periods as well as the advanced technologies and provides a preferable platform for collaborative and adaptive learning.Given the present situation and tendency of China's College English education as well as the curriculum requirements dictated by the Ministry of Education of China (2004), it is necessary to develop the integrated CALL system corresponding to China's College English reality. The thesis concerns itself with a study of English Language & Culture CAI Matrix (henceforth referred to as ELCCAIM) developed independently by the practicing English teachers of Foreign Languages College of Sichuan University. By analysing ELCCAIM, the thesis aims to explore the feasibility and necessity of developing the CALL system for China's College English on the base of setting the condition-specific departure points (computer-assist and campus-network-base) and applying the applications of theories of educational psychology and linguistics to the design and development process.There are five chapters in the thesis. Following a brief introduction of related theories and concepts, it begins the discussion with issues of the current situation of China's College English and then the departure points (computer-assist and campus network-base) of the CALL system under the given circumstances. Then, it introduces ELCCAIM and its seven functional modules. After that, suggestions for its further improvement will be proposed, including: improving diversity in Forum module; promoting human-to-machine interactivity; building adaptive guidance system; maintenance and update. At last, after having pointed out the implications and limitations of this study, the thesis concludes with an assertion that the CALL system is not an end product, but a process that lies open for further research and investigations.