Issues When Implementing ICT / CALL

Thom Thibeault, Ph.D.

Samford University

English Language Learners Institute

Birmingham, Alabama

USA

Infrastructure

• Is there Internet access?

• Is the connection reliable?

• Is the connection fast enough for video, audio, games?

• Are the computers maintained on a regular basis?

• If the infrastructure is lacking, how can you compensate?

• Is there funding to maintain the infrastructure?

• Is there funding to update the infrastructure?

Access

• What is the classroom setting regarding technology?

• Is there a lab large enough for the class?

• Is accessibility to the hardware or software limited?

Time

• Does the teacher have time to prepare materials?

• Does the curriculum allow time for ICT activities?

• Does the teacher have time to update skills?

• Do ICT activities add to the teacher’s time load?

Content

• Are CALL materials age appropriate for the target

group?

• Are the materials designed for the appropriate level?

• Is the content in synch with the rest of the curriculum?

• Is the content in synch with the learning objectives?

Commercial Software

• Is commercial software available?

• Is the software effective?

• Is the software motivating?

• Is there a site license or multi-pack?

• Is it bought outright or is a license renewed every year?

Administrative Support

• Are administrators supportive of innovative ideas?

• Will they support professional development?

• Will they invest money in ICT?

• Will they reward initiative?

• Will they allow ICT in the curriculum?

• Do they use technology themselves?

Licensing & Copyright

• What is allowed or restricted in licensing agreements?

• Can materials be duplicated legally?

• Can materials be distributed on a network?

• Is the license good for one year or for unlimited time?

• Have you created ICT units with copyrighted material?

• Will you use those materials in class or on the Web?

• If you create ICT materials, who owns the copyright?

Security

• Do students use Web sites that ask for personal info?

• Is the material age appropriate?

• Is there a risk of inappropriate material being accessed?

• Are ICT communications monitored for safety?

The End