Review on Week 5 Reading

Levy’s article first introduced some theoretical sources that have been used for CALL work, such as theories of psychology, theories of language, and theories of instruction and so on. However, Levy also found that some CALL projects have not been driven by theory as such.
These two situations can be well presented by two kinds of practitioners, namely formalists and proceduralists. The former likes to solve problems by formulation theory and apply the theory to the CALL context, while the latter likes to solve problems by writing programs and test them with language learners.
We could not tell which one is better since there are drawbacks in both ways. For the formalists, they must be careful whether their theories encompass the context of CALL. For the proceduralists, the danger for them is that their practice might be limited by what the technology can do and the reason for that is probably that they have no theoretical support.
After the CALL Survey, Levy discussed the result and made conclusion that there are potential strengths and weaknesses in the approaches of the formalists and the procedualists, as I put above. Therefore, from Levy’s point of view, we should be well aware that the dynamic nature of the development process in language learning and the concept of “fit” between the theoretical framework and the computer’s capabilities, then we could make sure the theory and the application could be compatible with one another.

Reflection on Week 3' Reading

Roed’s paper demonstrates the advantages of the online language study, and most importantly, it helps us identify the hardly noticeable problems during the study. Firstly, the students’ behaviors can change when they are exposed to a virtual environment, compared to their behaviors displaying in the classroom. Secondly, a virtual environment could in part increase the participation, but it could not contribute to the communication in the real life, since it is impossible for the students to depend on the e-mail or in chat room for their whole lives.

Every coin has two sides. A virtual environment is, to some degree, effective to solve teaching limits of the classroom. However, it also creates the other problems itself. These two problems above are what may be encountered in the actual practice when using computers in language learning. As teachers, we should be objective towards any teaching strategy and do not rely on any single one. It is better to explore new pedagogic approaches when coming across particular teaching problems.

A virtual environment is still a new land for most learners and teachers. There must be a lot of advantages for us to discover and unexpected problems to be solved. All in all, let us be the explorers and make the most of every new strategy.

Sting-fragile

links

wikipedia

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.

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