Entry 1: Introduction and Walking Down Memory Lane

HELLLLLLOOOOOOOOO PEOPLE OF THE DARK WEB!

My name is Zahidah Husna Binti Zulkifli and I just turn 24 years old a few days ago😊😊😊
So basically this week is the first official class for Internet Technologies for Language Learning (ESP6013). Basically I am going to write about my first impression towards this class in general (the introduction part) and CALL (Computer Assisted Language Learning).


My first impression to this class is it is going to revolve around language and technologies and how to incorporate both of the elements into one. But it turns out to be true in a way (I think). Basically form my understanding about this course is it is about how we as an educator can use technologies such as the Internet, soft wares, social media in teaching language. With the advancement of technologies nowadays, I think incorporating both language and technology into language learning is a good move. This is because  students nowadays are adept when it comes to technologies as they were exposed to it since they were toddlers. Even a one year old kid knows how to unlock a phone and search for their favorite songs or TV series on YouTube.  Therefore, I rest my case on this. So moving on to the next topic!

The second issue that I want to ponder on is the course assessments. In my opinion, it is evenly distributed when it comes to the assessments (Quiz 1: 20%, Blog: 20%, Article review: 10%, Educational Video: 20% and E-Learning Course-ware: 30%). However, what concerns me the most is developing the course-ware and the educational video as it requires careful planning and execution. Regarding the topics that is going to be covered, I think pod-casting is the most interesting out of all the topics. This is because pod-casting is considered as a new tool when it comes to language learning and most of Malaysians do not know what pod-casting is since it is mainly well known in the States. It would be interesting to see how pod-casting is going to be used as part of language learning.



Lastly, I am going to talk about Computer Assisted Language Learning aka CALL. It feels like I am walking down the memory lane as I have to learn about CALL again. The last time I ever thought about CALL was when I was in my diploma years. Even though it has not been that long, I feel like it was ages ago😁😁😁

During diploma, I learned CALL in general as in CALL is basically just some software that we use to teach language. E.g. HotPotatoes, Prezi, Powtoon etc. However, I just realised that there are specific terms to refer to the software that we used. For example, we have 4 types of CALL programs which are specific software, generic software, Web-based learning software and computer mediated communication (CMC). Specific softwares are applications and programs that is designed specifically to facilitate language learning such as ELT softwares, games etc. Generic software are software or applications that is designed to to be used for general purposes such as Microsoft Word for writing or typing and Microsoft Powerpoint for presentation. However, it can be used for CALL as a tool for learning because those software can be used by the students to present their work and sometimes designing. Web-based learning softwares are applications that can be found on the internet that is used for language learning and teaching such as online dictionary, Wikipedia, blogs, videos etc. And lastly, Computer Mediated Communication aka CMC. Basically CMC are applications or websites designed to facilitate online communication such as emails, chat-room, email etc.

In conclusion, I think I will learn more about this course as time goes on and I do not really know what else to write since it is still too early to say anything. Til then, adios~

p/s: I know I am a little behind in terms of designing the blog because this is my first time owning a blog. So I am still experimenting with it. But I promise the next time you come back, it will be better (pinky swear?)

Best,
Along~


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