Second Assignment (Article Review)

URL: http://iteslj.org/Articles/Ybarra-Technology.html
Title : Using Technology to Help ESL/ EFL Students Develop Language Skills

In essence, the authors of this journal article posit that computers can be used as a constructive tool to help the English language learners (ELL) develop their language skills as well as to supply them with meaningful language experiences. This article enlightens the advantages of utilizing computer-assisted instruction (CAI) with English language learners. Based on the various research findings put forward by the authors, the following benefits are evident in improving vital language skills such as verbal interaction, vocabulary development, reading and writing. Liaw (1997) conducted a study where computer books were used. These computer books are interactive stories which appear on the computer screen as an actual book with text and illustrations. Students may opt from the different alternatives to read the story which include real voices that read aloud, music and sound effects. Readers manage to follow along since the texts are highlighted. Liaw (1997) analyzed the types of speech they used with each other and found out that they engaged in various modes of language functions. Additionally, the quality of the talk was not omitted. Liaw (1997) measured the amount of computer related talk and story related talk. Though initially, there was a lot of computer related talk, however students later become engaged with more story related talk as they become more familiar with the software and format of the stories. Therefore, the study concluded that computers do assist ELL to develop their language functions. Besides that, computers can also be used to facilitate English beginners to develop their vocabulary. Kang & Dennis (1995) conducted a study in Seoul, Korea on 5th grade students. The studies were definitions, picture & context. They were assigned to three groups wherein the 1st group learn English vocabularies with the aid of definition written in Korean (merely rote memorization), the 2nd group was given definitions as well as pictures, and the 3rd group was given a situational context exploiting the English words followed by definion & pictures. Though primarily the 1st and 2nd group scored higher than the 3rd group, subsequently, after a few sessions, in testing their retention, the 3rd group significantly surpassed those of the first two groups. Kang & Dennis (1995) concluded that the "context" group subjects require more time and ultimately, the contextual approach is unmistakably proven to be much more effective in promoting meaningful long-term recall of vocabulary. Apart from that, CAI also increases interaction with texts, attention to individual needs, and increased independence through an ability to read texts they would not otherwise be able to read" (Case & Truscott, 1999). Landerholm, Karr, and Munshi (2000) created a three year program wherein one child in the program read nearly 300 books in one year (Landerholm, et al. 2000). Last but not least, computers can help ELL develop their writing skills where Trenchs (1996) ultimately discovered electronic mail complements the classroom curriculum. The students are self-motivated to use their new language in an unfamiliar but creative way. The major benefit of using e-mail as a language learning activity is students exercise meaningful language learning & authentic text.


I must say, the findings do changed my views since technology and me does not get along too well. Basically, I think it is somewhat interesting to make use of technology to facilitate the teaching and learning process especially for ESL in Malaysian context as we can see that the old method that is currently being implement is consider not applicable for Malaysian context as it does not shows any progress so far. Since this journal article has affirmed through various studies that the benefits of using technology to develop learners’ language skills are evident, I think that it is possible to utilize the technology in Malaysian classrooms. This aids is believe can benefits the teachers in many ways as the teaching and learning process will become much more easier and time saving. As stated by the authors, the technology does not only facilitate learners in core academic subjects such as reading and writing but also in improving their vocabulary and verbal language development. Students can easily get bored with the old methods of teaching and learning process, hence, the usage of technology may become the best solution towards the problems. Therefore, the implementation of computer books is believe can fascinated the students to learn English language better. As a conclusion, I find this article interesting as it reveals tremendous results which to me are important as a guideline in ensuring the successfulness of the teaching and learning process of ESL in Malaysian context.

1. Why do you think evaluation of CALL courseware, websites, materials etc important?

Basically to me it is important because it help to determine the quality of a certain courseware and websites. To me using a courseware and websites as parts of teaching aids is somewhat interesting in classroom. Most importantly maybe it can attract students to participate and to learn. However, in choosing an appropriate courseware and websites materials is important as well as it let us to decide whether or not the materials is suitable to be used in Malaysian context. By evaluating them as well, we are able to identify the weakness of the materials. Hey nothing is perfect in this world rite?? Hence, I do believe that recommendations and suggestions are important to tackle with such weakness. Who knows maybe one day one of us is able to form or create our own courseware or websites materials to teach language.

2. How do you think Hot Potatoes JCloze may help your students learn English?

To me, new method or approaches need to be introduced to help students to learn language in a more meaningful ways. The Ministry of Education had focus on using the old method which is the pen and paper to teach for quite sometimes now and the result is not very satisfying so why not we try new methods that may or may not works. Hey we would know until we actually tried it rite?? Therefore, using this new method, the Hot Potatoes JCloze is maybe what best to tackle with the students interest in learning. The big question here is how to trigger the students interest and so far the old method does not seems to work as it only made the students feels bored in class. Using Hot Potatoes JCloze will enable the teacher to enhance their creativity to an extend where they will be able to introduce new learning pattern which could not be found in the textbooks.

my lesson.!?

me, myself & i

1. Greeting.. First and foremost I would like to emphasize here that this is my first attempt to write a blog. Therefore any mistakes found on this blog may cause by my lack of understanding in operating a blog. Before I start I must say that technology and me does not go along very well as I prefer to do things the old school way, using pen and paper. To me, my honest opinion about technology is that it is too complicated and too difficult of a person to operate. Orait let start with a little introduction about myself, I’m Muhamad Helmey B. Amir, people often call me by the name of hemy, emi or mi. I live in a centre part of a beautiful city call Seremban which is located at the heart of Negeri Sembilan. I’m 22 years old (turning 23 in August). Currently I’m renting in section 16 Shah Alam.

2. When we talked about technology I’m not an expert in that field. You can call me a geek or whatnot but I prefer to do things manually as technology had disappointed me several times. If I were to rate myself, I think I will fall under geek category. To be honest I had some of the basic knowledge on how to operate computer, however, I prefer to use computer only for the purpose of facebook-ing and to do my assignments. Rather than that I must say that I prefer more, to use pen and paper or the old school way as I had faced many difficulties in using and relying on computer throughout the years. However, I think if I am able to undergo some proper training to enhance my computer skills my perception towards computer may changed.

3. Computer software and hardware knowledge that I have... erm, seriously I must say that I only possess some basic information about computer software and hardware. Examples of computer software that I am familiar with is WMP, winamp, mozzila, yahoo messenger, anti viruses and etc. Meanwhile as for computer hardware, I am familiar with the term like graphics card, RAM, hard disk, monitor, keyboard and etc. However, I am only familiar with some of the computer hardware that I mentioned just now as most of it I’m only familiar with the term as I haven’t got the chance to see how it actually look like.

4. Definitely, as I use my computer for the purpose of web browsing to gather info that I needed in order to complete my assignment.

5. Sadly I haven’t got the chance to experience practicum yet. However I must say that I had used technology during lesson while presenting and during my micro-teaching and so far it is a success. However, next semester if I feel computer can be used to make lesson more interesting, why not I incorporate technology in my lesson.

6. It is an interesting idea. As so far all of the method that being used to teach language had not reach anywhere near success, why not we try new ideas or new methods that can tackle many learners interest to learn language.

7. My biggest hope is that this course can change me from a computer geek to a computer expert as well as changes my perception towards technology and how we are able to use it to the fullest.