The paper examines the nature of theory-driven CALL and how it relates to the development process.
From my teaching experience, whether a CALL program is effective depends on how well the teacher strikes the balance between theory and practice. As Ginsberg (1988) stated that the field of artificial intelligence is divided between those who are primarily interested in solving problems by formulating theories (formalists) and those who prefer to solve problems by writing programs (proceduralists). I think each party has to collobrate well for implementing effective CALL program. Theories can consolidate teachers' belief on what materials teachers are going to use and how those materials are presented. You know, the information technology develops in an incredible rate. Very often, the development of theories may not catch up with that of technology. The extended space of what I.T. can do or achieve may be underestimated by teachers.
Also, I agree that having a solid knowledge of the media in the earliest stage can help build a stronger foundation in any CALL program since that helps teachers design and develop the CALL programs easier and in a more practical way. Do any teachers have interesting ideas in running CALL program?
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Reflection on essential reading for week 5
The writer mentioned the effectiveness of learning English through virtual learning environment. More relaxed and stress free atmosphere can be generated than that in the traditional classrooms. The writer also showed readers how passive students change their behaviours through the process.
I do believe that virtual learning environment can facilitate students’ language learning, if created, promoted, prepared and used appropriately. Like what the writer said, the online work benefits students who are shy and introvert language learners.
However, one problem faced by many Hong Kong students, especially for those who have very low language proficiency is that they do not understand the instructions given by the platform. As a result, they may become impatient and lose their interest in learning. So as I have mentioned before, teachers have to practice with students very well at the very beginning, let them be familiar with the learning platform first.
To make virtual learning more effective, suitable and ongoing assessment is required or a must (very often). Since students’ parents are usually very busy and they cannot monitor their children at home, students may spend a lot of time on playing computer without any learning purposes. To them, it may be much more interesting than doing learning online task. Teachers can monitor students’ progress through formative assessment. Both teachers and students can have record on what they have done and how well they behave in the virtual classroom. It’s a kind of motivation and reinforcement of what students learn.
Do teachers agree that assessment is important for promoting the use of virtual classroom?
I do believe that virtual learning environment can facilitate students’ language learning, if created, promoted, prepared and used appropriately. Like what the writer said, the online work benefits students who are shy and introvert language learners.
However, one problem faced by many Hong Kong students, especially for those who have very low language proficiency is that they do not understand the instructions given by the platform. As a result, they may become impatient and lose their interest in learning. So as I have mentioned before, teachers have to practice with students very well at the very beginning, let them be familiar with the learning platform first.
To make virtual learning more effective, suitable and ongoing assessment is required or a must (very often). Since students’ parents are usually very busy and they cannot monitor their children at home, students may spend a lot of time on playing computer without any learning purposes. To them, it may be much more interesting than doing learning online task. Teachers can monitor students’ progress through formative assessment. Both teachers and students can have record on what they have done and how well they behave in the virtual classroom. It’s a kind of motivation and reinforcement of what students learn.
Do teachers agree that assessment is important for promoting the use of virtual classroom?
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