CALL in language skills as what have been illustrated or shown in the picture above covers every aspect of language skills including listening, speaking, reading, writing and grammar. The use of computer in language studies has indeed led to numerous benefits and it too, has even been proven by the past as well as present researchers. As students, we are also agreeing with this. The use of computer is very advantageous to students. With the help of the computer, there are ample ways we can improve our skills using the technology and softwares. For example, in listening skills, we are trained to listen carefully on the content words and understand the meanings without being distracted. This is good as it teaches us how to be a good listener and being one has a variety of good outcomes or effects in our life. In speaking skills, there are numerous sites or softwares where or which we are taught how to pronounce words correctly and how the grammar, syntax, intonations and pragmatics work together and simultaneously boost our confidence in communicating with others. In reading skills, the use of colors attracts the readers to focus and read. It also functions to stimulate the brain to remember the important messages. In writing skills, the use of spelling checker is very advantageous as it assists the learners in spelling their words correctly. The learners can also interact with other people on the Internet through social network sites, chatting room, etc. Last but not least, in grammar skills, there are also loads of grammar practice multi-media programs available on the Internet in teaching us how to construct grammatically correct sentences. All these five skills are very prominent in our daily life and without them we may not be able to share, communicate, listen and preach effectively to others. Hence, since the use of the computer and technology nowadays assist in advancing our language skills, we should utilize it as much as we can.
Reflections
From Islamic perspective, Islam always stresses the importance of gaining and mastering knowledge, and thus, gaining and mastering technology. Muslims with knowledge of computer and ICT could make full use of the technology in improving themselves in their language skills and many others. Technology could also be used to further enhance the understanding of both Muslims and non-Muslims on Islam. There should be a new generation of preachers or daie who could utilize modern tools and technology to spread the correct understanding of Islam. Multimedia, to take an example, could be used to teach young children how to read the Quran correctly. It is interactive and combines the usage of most senses. This would make the learning of the Quran more exciting, especially to today's children.
Using technology for da'wah is in line with using wisdom and beautiful preaching in da'wah as mentioned in the verse. The advancement of technology also demands that the audience be techno-savvy as well. Hence, why not take the advantage of this development in order to improve ourselves with the knowledge of Islam? Why should this technology not be used in our quest to truly understand Islam?
