Stephan Bax argues that, "Our aim should be to attain a state of `normalisation' in which the technology is invisible and truly integrated"
He identified the end goal for CALL through the concept of " normalisation" . So, he suggested many ways to attain a state of normalisation in which the technology is invisible and truly integrated. He suggested to plan for this normalised state and then move towards it.
v What dose he mean?
It means to reach a level in using technology in learning and teaching to the point that it is taking for granted. Bax summarized that in three steps:
1- First step is to identify the criterial factors which normalisation requires.
2- Second is to audit the practice of each teaching context in the light of these criteria;
3- the final step is to adjust our current practice in each aspect to encourage normalisation”
Finally, he mentioned the seven stages of normalization in CALL from early adaptors, ignorance/scepticism, try once,try again, fear/awe, normalising, until we finally reach normalization.
The possible future for CALL according to Bax :
"Our aim is to reach normalisation in which CALL can becomes invisible , serving the needs of learners and integrated into every teachers’every day practice ".This require changes in technology and attitudes.
v How these changes and means could be applied to our Saudi context?
Saudi Arabia is a developing and a modern country that has a lot of abilities and achievements and the education systems in it is progressing over time . So, I think It will not be difficult to achieve normalisation but in the same time it will not an easy task .
v How will it be reached?
First we have to do many changes in the education systems:
1- First,teach students to use communication websits as twitter and face book to communicate with the help of the teacher
2- Second,computers should be used in classroom context as a tool to improve and facilitate learning.
3- Finally, provide schools and universities with equipments such as , smart board, projector, and laptop. However, to make the use of technology invisible is not going to be an easy task.
4- the most important thing I would mention that the technology that we need dose not omit the role of the teacher . I think our need for teachers and technology are the same.
5- Some teachers do not know how to make use of technology In their classes and the penifits of it for both the teacher and the student . So, they should take courses to learn it and also to learn how to make use of communication websits and also for the upcoming teachers .
vWhen is it possible/reached/achieved?
I am really optimistic about what will happen in KSA soon . I think changes in educational technology is happening really fast. For example, when I was in elementary school, the only tools were used in teaching were books and pens and the traditional teaching methods. As soon as I entered middle and high school, teachers were using computers, laptops, projectors, and sometimes internet, but not all the time . Now, using laptops in the classrooms are a normal and hardly recognized thing in universities.
Note:
We all as a Saudi community must try to observe other countries that are well developed in this area and benefit from their experiences and establishments. Obviously before all that, we need to put a clear, organized plan that we can follow to reach the normalization we hope for in a short time.
