A task that I had to complete as a requirement of the course TSL 641- Computer Assisted Language Learning is a review of any article that deals with CALL. I had to submit a hard copy of my review along with the article, and also a soft copy of the review and the article on a CD. I also have to put my review up on my CALL blog. So below is the online version of my review.
Introduction
The title of the article to be reviewed is The Effects of CALL Versus Traditional L1 Glosses on L2 Reading Comprehension. It is taken from The Computer Assisted Language Instruction Consortium (CALICO) Journal. It was published in January 2006, and is the second issue in Volume 23. The article starts on page 309 until page 318. The author is Alan Taylor, a professor of French in the Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures at Brigham Young University, Idaho. The use of native-language glosses by learners is found to be an effective tool for understanding a second-language text. This study compares the effect of traditional L1 glosses and CALL L1 glosses on learners’ reading comprehension and see which is the more effective tool.
Summary of the article
The paper chosen is a meta-analytic research. The aim of the research is to look at the use of L1 glosses and their effectiveness with or without a computer. It also intends to investigate the factors explaining how and when computer-assisted L1 glosses can be effective in L2 reading comprehension. Relevant studies for the meta-analysis were searched for using a variety of electronic sources such as the World Wide Web (WWW), The Educational Resources Information Center (ERIC), Dissertation Abstracts International (DAI), Languages and Literatures Behavior Abstracts (LLBA), and Psychology Information (Psych INFO). Quantitative meta-analysis is used to provide a more comprehensive explanation of what the studies suggest. A statistic called the “effect size” is categorized as follows: large (g = .80 or above), medium (g = .50-.79), small (g = .20-.49), and no practical importance (g = less than .20). The effect size, g, is calculated using the formula where is the mean of the experimental group, is the mean of the control group, and Sp is the pooled standard deviation of the control and experimental groups. As it is a meta-analytic research, the samples used are research papers relevant to this topic. Studies that are to be included in the meta-analysis have to meet the following criteria: a) all studies up to the year 2002 are included, b) the study is either experimental or quasi-experimental, c) at least one of the dependent variables of the study had to be reading comprehension, and d) the effect of access to glosses versus no access to glosses had to be tested. If a study is lacking even one of the criteria, it is discarded and cannot be used for the meta-analysis. 18 studies were found that met all four aforementioned criteria. The study found that L1 glosses affect L2 reading comprehension with an overall effect size of .56 (medium). This means that L2 readers equipped with L1 glosses perform consistently better than those without L1 glosses. From this result, CALL L1 outcomes deliver a large effect size of 1.09 while the traditional L1 glossing group renders a small effect of .39. The difference between the two groups is quite significant, amounting to .0001. This proves that CALL L1 glosses are more effective than traditional L1 glosses where L2 reading comprehension is concerned.
Reflection
The research interests me because it deals with the use of L1 in language class. During my teaching practicum I was advised to use as much of the target language (English) as necessary and avoid using L1. Many language experts are also of the opinion that the use of the target language should be maximized in order for learners to learn the language effectively. So I was interested to know whether the use of L1 is facilitative and effective in leaning English as L2. It is also interesting to find out whether the use of one tool (in this case, glosses) would have different effect if presented differently. In this particular study, the L1 glosses compared are paper-based and computer-based. In my opinion, this research is well-conducted. The researcher has taken good measures to ensure that the studies to be analyzed are relevant to what is being studied. Before the analysis, all the studies that were gathered had to meet all the criteria before they can be included in the meta-analysis. Moreover, the use of meta-analysis provides a helpful insight into the overall effectiveness of the use of L1 glosses. It also shows the relative impact of independent variables, in this case, the effect of different types of L1 glosses. It would be helpful if the researcher had included some terms of definitions in his study. There are readers who may be unfamiliar with glosses and the difference between traditional glosses from the CALL ones. The concept of meta-analysis should be introduced because it is the very nature of the research. The results of this study have implications for teaching and learning of ESL. L1 glosses are found to be helpful for learners in reading comprehension, so teachers should try to utilize glosses in reading materials. Next, CALL L1 glosses are found to be significantly more effective than traditional ones. Thus, schools may want to invest in CALL L1 glosses to be used in the language laboratories. If CALL L1 glosses are used in schools, its effectiveness may translate into better performance in examination. In Malaysia, the amount of marks allocated for reading comprehension is quite big. Thus, learners’ improvement in their reading comprehension will be significant and positively affect their overall achievement in English language. Lastly, a more extensive use of glosses may result in further improvement for learners in terms of their language ability and independence in language learning.
This is the link to the original article: https://calico.org/html/article_119.pdf
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Podcast cont.
I used Podomatic to create my first podcast. It is very easy using Podomatic. It takes just a few seconds to sign up and the step-by-step guide helped me a lot in uploading my audio clip. I would recommend using Podomatic especially to those who are not familiar with podcasting.
My podcast is below.
Below are some accompanying questions to test your understanding of the clip.
1. When were the kidnap suspects arrested?
A. On Wednesday
B. On Thursday
C. On Friday
2. Who raided the house in Jalan Macalister?
A. Four kidnappers
B. A police party
C. The kidnap victim’s family
3. How many days did the girl spend with her kidnappers?
A. Four days
B. Five days
C. Six days
If you are having trouble listening to it, go to http://nurulbalqis-tsl641.podomatic.com/
My podcast is below.
Below are some accompanying questions to test your understanding of the clip.
1. When were the kidnap suspects arrested?
A. On Wednesday
B. On Thursday
C. On Friday
2. Who raided the house in Jalan Macalister?
A. Four kidnappers
B. A police party
C. The kidnap victim’s family
3. How many days did the girl spend with her kidnappers?
A. Four days
B. Five days
C. Six days
If you are having trouble listening to it, go to http://nurulbalqis-tsl641.podomatic.com/
CALL and Listening and Speaking
The presentation of the topic above was done by Aafina and Maslinda. They introduced several CALL activities for listening and speaking. Here are several things that I remember about the presentation.
1. A CALL listening activity is more effective if text support is not provided for the learners. This will be a challenge for students to depend only on their listening skills in order to answer comprehension questions based on the audio they listened to.
2. CALL speaking activities can be either asynchronous or synchronous. The use of Yahoo Messenger and Skype for real time interaction is synchronous. Examples of asynchronous activities are those that use voicemail and podcasts.
Podcasts was explained in detail in this presentation. Podcasts are audio shows on the Internet which can be subscribed to. I wasn't aware that podcasts can be used for educational purposes. Now I know that there are thousands of podcasts on the Web that can be accessed. The best part is there are a lot of podcasts that are available for free.
Podcasts can be used by students for doing interviews, radio drama, story telling, and reading aloud of poetry. There are many possibilities of using podcasts for listening and speaking in ELT. I liked that podcasts can be listened to even when you're on the move.
1. A CALL listening activity is more effective if text support is not provided for the learners. This will be a challenge for students to depend only on their listening skills in order to answer comprehension questions based on the audio they listened to.
2. CALL speaking activities can be either asynchronous or synchronous. The use of Yahoo Messenger and Skype for real time interaction is synchronous. Examples of asynchronous activities are those that use voicemail and podcasts.
Podcasts was explained in detail in this presentation. Podcasts are audio shows on the Internet which can be subscribed to. I wasn't aware that podcasts can be used for educational purposes. Now I know that there are thousands of podcasts on the Web that can be accessed. The best part is there are a lot of podcasts that are available for free.
Podcasts can be used by students for doing interviews, radio drama, story telling, and reading aloud of poetry. There are many possibilities of using podcasts for listening and speaking in ELT. I liked that podcasts can be listened to even when you're on the move.
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Week 4 Presentation
Last week's presentation was done by Fatin and Syazwani. They did a good job presenting about the history of CALL.
I covered a little bit about CALL's history during my presentation in Week 2. So I had a bit of background knowledge.
CALL's expert divided CALL into three era: Behavioral, Communicative, and Integrative CALL.
Behavioral CALL is characterized by drill and practice software. Communicative CALL provides software that offer skill practice but not in drill format. It promotes the implicit teaching of grammar. Lastly, in the era of Integrative CALL, the software make use of multimedia and the Internet.
I like the discussion about not correcting mistake to allow students to realize the mistake on their own. Based on my own experience, discovery learning is a good way to better remember something because you are aware of your mistake and become cautious not to repeat it.
After the presentation, we were required to create an English exercise using either Word or PowerPoint. My partner and I chose to create one using PowerPoint. It was a bit stressful but we managed to finished it on time.
I covered a little bit about CALL's history during my presentation in Week 2. So I had a bit of background knowledge.
CALL's expert divided CALL into three era: Behavioral, Communicative, and Integrative CALL.
Behavioral CALL is characterized by drill and practice software. Communicative CALL provides software that offer skill practice but not in drill format. It promotes the implicit teaching of grammar. Lastly, in the era of Integrative CALL, the software make use of multimedia and the Internet.
I like the discussion about not correcting mistake to allow students to realize the mistake on their own. Based on my own experience, discovery learning is a good way to better remember something because you are aware of your mistake and become cautious not to repeat it.
After the presentation, we were required to create an English exercise using either Word or PowerPoint. My partner and I chose to create one using PowerPoint. It was a bit stressful but we managed to finished it on time.
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Hole in the Wall
After reading the research done by Mitra and et al. entitled “Acquisition of computing literacy on shared public computers: Children and the "hole in the wall”, I found the results of the research to be very surprising. The main purpose of their research was to investigate unsupervised group learning in shared public spaces. This means that the children learn to use computers and the Internet all on their own, without the help and guidance of a teacher.
It is amazing that based on the research, they found that computer literacy can be gained by just about anyone. Children can master computer literacy and know their way with the Internet without being taught by a teacher too.
Why is the result as such? Does it have to do with the children’s motivation to use the computer? Is the computer THAT easy to navigate by children without an expert’s assistance? One thing for sure, this proves that the computer is a handy tool, and therefore should be exploited to encourage student learning. Computer really is for everyone regardless of who you are or where you’re from. Positive results from this research may mean the reduction of digital divide in India.
It is amazing that based on the research, they found that computer literacy can be gained by just about anyone. Children can master computer literacy and know their way with the Internet without being taught by a teacher too.
Why is the result as such? Does it have to do with the children’s motivation to use the computer? Is the computer THAT easy to navigate by children without an expert’s assistance? One thing for sure, this proves that the computer is a handy tool, and therefore should be exploited to encourage student learning. Computer really is for everyone regardless of who you are or where you’re from. Positive results from this research may mean the reduction of digital divide in India.
Weeks 3 Presentation- Roles of Computer
Week 3 presentation was done by Hazween and Ridhwan. They presented about the roles of the computer in teaching and learning language and the principles for CALL evaluation. I also gained some knowledge about the benefits of CALL and also its drawbacks. As a lab activity, we were required to create a blog. This very blog is created for this course. I’m looking forward to visiting my friends’ blogs to see what they have done.
From their presentations, I’ve learnt about the roles of computer. First of all, computer can be a tutor for language drills and for practicing a particular skill.Secondly, computer can be a useful tool for presenting, researching, and writing. It can also be a medium of communication.
CALL has many advantages and disadvantages, but I’m more interested on the positive aspects of CALL.
1. Students are allowed freedom during the learning process.
2. CALL is interactive. Before CALL, teaching materials are passive. But in CALL, materials adapt themselves to the level and requirements of the individual student.
3. The interactivity of CALL and its effects on the senses are more motivating compared to the usual classroom learning environment.
From their presentations, I’ve learnt about the roles of computer. First of all, computer can be a tutor for language drills and for practicing a particular skill.Secondly, computer can be a useful tool for presenting, researching, and writing. It can also be a medium of communication.
CALL has many advantages and disadvantages, but I’m more interested on the positive aspects of CALL.
1. Students are allowed freedom during the learning process.
2. CALL is interactive. Before CALL, teaching materials are passive. But in CALL, materials adapt themselves to the level and requirements of the individual student.
3. The interactivity of CALL and its effects on the senses are more motivating compared to the usual classroom learning environment.
Week 2 Presentation- Introduction to CAI and CALL
Week 2 presentation was about Introduction to CAI and CALL. It was presented by myself and Hanimarlia. We presented on the brief history of CALL, what is CAI and CALL and also the types of CALL programs. By the end of the presentation, we showed our classmates some websites of CALL activities. Many of them are interesting language activities suited for young children.
I am glad that we have finished our presentation early in the weeks. Though I think we both gave adequate information regarding our topic, I feel I could have done better in terms of providing clearer examples.
Reading up on the history of CALL and what it is has been eye-opening in terms of the use of computer in language learning. It is important to know what CAI and CALL is. CAI refers to tutorial, drill and practice, or simulation activities. It is a form of instruction presented on a computer. Meanwhile, there are many definitions of CALL but it is easier to quote Levy (1997) who stated that CALL is “the search for and study of applications of the computer in language teaching and learning”.
After doing some reading, I found that CALL is important for student-centered learning. I like that students are able to learn at their own pace and will not be able to move up another level until they have mastered the current level they are on. CALL programs are also great for drill and practice because sometimes, it is necessary to have students repeat certain activities so that a particular skill is effectively attained.
There are many CALL activities that I found on the Internet, and a lot of them are interesting and are possible to use for Malaysian students. They are fun and interactive. There are many types of CALL programs available on the Internet for free such as multiple-choice & true/false quizzes, gap-filling exercise/cloze, matching, crossword puzzles and writing & word-processing, among others.
I think I’m going to try some of these programs on my little brother. I’m curious as to how he will react to this type of learning.
I am glad that we have finished our presentation early in the weeks. Though I think we both gave adequate information regarding our topic, I feel I could have done better in terms of providing clearer examples.
Reading up on the history of CALL and what it is has been eye-opening in terms of the use of computer in language learning. It is important to know what CAI and CALL is. CAI refers to tutorial, drill and practice, or simulation activities. It is a form of instruction presented on a computer. Meanwhile, there are many definitions of CALL but it is easier to quote Levy (1997) who stated that CALL is “the search for and study of applications of the computer in language teaching and learning”.
After doing some reading, I found that CALL is important for student-centered learning. I like that students are able to learn at their own pace and will not be able to move up another level until they have mastered the current level they are on. CALL programs are also great for drill and practice because sometimes, it is necessary to have students repeat certain activities so that a particular skill is effectively attained.
There are many CALL activities that I found on the Internet, and a lot of them are interesting and are possible to use for Malaysian students. They are fun and interactive. There are many types of CALL programs available on the Internet for free such as multiple-choice & true/false quizzes, gap-filling exercise/cloze, matching, crossword puzzles and writing & word-processing, among others.
I think I’m going to try some of these programs on my little brother. I’m curious as to how he will react to this type of learning.
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