Factors affecting language academics’ attitudes towards Computer Assisted Language Learning (CALL)

Abstract

Despite the known benefits of Computer Assisted Language Learning (CALL), evidence from existing literature still indicates that many language instructors have a negative attitude towards it. There are many possible factors behind this negative attitude, and the aim of this study was to devise a theoretically sound conceptual model of these factors. The methodology used by this study for the achievement of its aim was to review existing literature published during the past twelve years on CALL attitude factors. The conceptual model proposed by this study posits that instructors’ attitude towards CALL is dependent on the following factors: demographics; computer usage; language teaching ability; prior CALL usage; and Technology Adoption Model (TAM) related factors. One of the biggest gaps identified from this literature review was that English seems to be the only language that is being probed by existing research on CALL attitude factors.