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.
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
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.
Hello!!
Hello all!!
My name is Nurul Balqis binti Ahmad Zakaria. This is the blog that I have created as a requirement for the course TSL 641- Computer Assisted Language Learning. I'm looking forward to filling up this blog with knowledge about CALL, writing reviews and opinions on CALL-related matters. I'm also looking forward to reading what my other friends have to say in regards to CALL.
Thanks for stopping by.
:)
My name is Nurul Balqis binti Ahmad Zakaria. This is the blog that I have created as a requirement for the course TSL 641- Computer Assisted Language Learning. I'm looking forward to filling up this blog with knowledge about CALL, writing reviews and opinions on CALL-related matters. I'm also looking forward to reading what my other friends have to say in regards to CALL.
Thanks for stopping by.
:)
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