Initial Perceptions of CALL by Japanese University Students

CALL classes often represent new ways of language learning when introduced into highly institutionalized education systems. In Japan, students who learn English using CALL may be faced with new styles of classroom learning. This paper surveys initial student perceptions of a university-level CALL course. Over 100 Japanese first-year students were questioned about the influence of CALL in their language classroom and on language education in Japan in general. Their views are presented and analysed in the context of teaching and learning English in Japan. Although there was overall agreement as to the benefits of CALL in language education and the enjoyment of using computers to learn English, the real advantage of using technology in class was linked to the studentsOtilde goals of communicating internationally.