This is week in CALL was quite interesting. There was no class on Monday (kind of exciting to not have class) and one class on Wednesday. I took notes about how computers are now the center of language learning; this is referred to as CMC (Computer Mediated Education). Being a CALL teacher at the PIE, I find that I get to experience having a computer do all of the teaching. The computers aren't perfect, though. They have their setbacks. One of the programs, Longman English Interactive, involves the students to follow a story of actors as they go through specific experiences in some setting. The current setting is a news office where a story is being written on a soccer star who was gypped by a news reporter who made him say something he never actually said using a tape recorder and audio editing. The students seem to like it, though in using the program myself, I find it a bit droning.
Dr. Smart asked us to reflect on ways we can incorporate technology into the classroom. This is what I wrote:
1. Cell phone texting to an online poll
2. Youtube for current events in the world
3. Flip teaching (homework in class and classwork at home)
Dubravac, Ch.2
This week we were required to read Dubravac, Ch.2. What stood out most to me, of course, was the process of evaluation computer software receives during and after creation. Who know that this much work went into selection of programs to use in CALL courses? It makes, senses, though. As environments change, the first language of the learners and the goals of the course, it is important to use these evaluative checklists to make sure that students are getting what they need, and perhaps, want. My question is, how do you determine what to check and what not to check? Yes, something may be as simple as a yes or no, but what about a teacher or institution who checks no when the answer really is yes?
I find your insights interesting, especially since you are currently teaching a CALL class.
ReplyDeleteTo answer your question, I feel like there should be objectives in mind with evaluation. Should the program just be educationally useful for students, or should it be a goal to have students interested in it as well? In addition, it seems like each institution is going to have different objectives and therefore a different purpose for technology. They will also have different technological capabilities, so it comes down to a rather case by case basis with evaluation, at least in my opinion.
Lastly, I have a question for you. Have you tried flip teaching? If so, how did it work out?
Dear Kristen,
ReplyDeleteNo, I have yet to try flip teaching but it seems like something worth giving a shot. I hope to try it in my future teaching experiences. I think it would be a valuable experience.
I'm curious about using cell phones to text in to an online poll. Could you write more about that?
ReplyDeleteDear Jena,
DeleteIt's really nice. Nic May suggested this to me last year, though I haven't gotten a chance to use it. Go here: http://www.polleverywhere.com/
Select create your first poll. Then type a poll question and options. Students can text a code to a number and the poll will measure it. For example "What's your favorite color?" RED, BLUE, GREEN and the poll will provide text numbers for each option.