Sunday, January 24, 2010

Evaluation on the Week 2 Reading Task (Planning tips)


It is undoubted that Internet provides great resources for language teaching. Teachers could get access to a variety of teaching materials which are suitable for students in all levels. Moreover, teachers and students could form a closer relation with the help of Internet—students are able to consult teachers any time any where and more precise suggestions could be given by teacher to individual students.

In spite of all the merits of Internet, it is not always easy to have Internet work properly. An application of Internet in language teaching is a complex process. There are so many factors to be considered. In the Internet for English Teaching by Warschauer, Schetzer and Meloni, specific planning tips are offered for the application of Internet in language teaching. It helps us to identify possible problems and inform us of practical preparations or solutions during the teaching process. Generally, it is the matter of how people and technology coordinate with each other.

Compared with the Internet, people are more flexible. Since new technology like Internet is not always working on the right track. As the users themselves, teachers and students, , have better to have pre-lessons to learn how to make the most of new technology. Before accessing the Internet, teachers should familiarize themselves with the usage of the Internet and figure out the ways to make it user-friendly to students. Providing training for students is another necessity, so that the student could easily understand what the teacher is talking about and do exactly what the teacher is telling them to do. In other word, that is to build up a connection between users and technology at the beginning. The second step is to create a tailor-made communication pattern in the teaching process, such as setting up e-mail lists for small groups, blogging. In that case, on-line projects could be easily carried out.

If I am planning to apply Internet in my teaching, firstly I’d better work on the technology I would like to use. Secondly, think of everything in details and create a feasible operation pattern. Third, take things step by step and interact with students more often and adjust the pattern from time to time.

Sunday, January 17, 2010

My Ideas towards CALL

I have been learning English for ten years. In the first few years, all the materials I had in language learning are books or English newspapers, and the most advanced equipment is a radio. Not until in university did I start to use computer every so often in my language learning.
A computer plus internet are such an amazing combination of language learning tools. This kind of new technology gives us an easy access to all varieties of materials in language learning, as well as some programs are designed for language practice, so that the learners could study the language all by their own.

However, it is not always the case that with the help of new technology, learners would definitely make great progress in language learning. It depends how the learners use this tools.
Take me for an example, sometimes I go to the internet to look for useful information for my study. However, it seems that most of the time I forget my initial purpose and end up doing something with entertainment. Therefore, we could see that the most important thing is to guide learners to use new technology in a proper way.

I haven’t been a teacher yet. However as a student, I could see that new technology has already ignited a revolution in the education field. With the help of new technology, teachers are able to make the class into a fun place for learning. Students are easily getting access to much more knowledge and information than they used to.

Every coin has two sides. I will try to explore the positive side of CALL as much as possible and to avoid the negative side.

Useful Links for English Learning

My favorite website for English Learning :
http://www.putclub.com/
Have fun!!

I have a fear of choosing things. There are so many English learning websites out there, but once I fall into my favortite one, I am not willing to change. I think a good website could offer enough materials for language learners.

It is kind of stubborn, isn't it? It is time to change a little bit because I am amazed by some other great websites introduced by friends. Let me explore more and show you guys!

This website is not bad http://english.cri.cn/

An excellent English teacher' s blog is also a good source not only for language but life.
http://blog.hjenglish.com/jiangxiaohong

Saturday, January 16, 2010

Let's Stay Together

Inspired by Calvin' blog, I would like to introduce you guys my favorite song "Let's stay together"
Let's stay together to work for our fantastic blogs!

Monday, January 11, 2010

Welcome to My Blog

Hello, my dear classmates and Pro.Hafner!
This is my first blog talking about English learning.

I call it "Iris is CALLing" which means that I am working hard to apply new technology in my language teaching! I hope I could do a good job!

Bless me !