1. Why do you think evaluation of CALL courseware, websites, materials etc important?
The evaluation of CALL courseware, website and materials is very important. Why do we have to evaluate these because we have to know what our target user needs, their level of understanding, their interest and so on. For example, if we want to teach Form 1 students who are not used to the technology, we cannot use technology that beyond their ability to use. Some of software nowadays requires advance skills of software computering which is not suitable for some. Therefore, we have to ensure that the courseware/website/ other materials are user friendly as well as the efficient of time used .
2. How do you think Hot Potatoes JCloze may help your students learn English?
The Hot Potatoes JCloze software is a brilliant invention. Teacher can make a lot of interesting activity without having to consume too much time, it just that teachers have to get familiarized to the software first. The activity done by the software can catch the students' attention because they are colorful, we can add interesting pictures and it is user friendly. If to compare with the old ways; which is using only paper, black/white board I think this is much more better. Time also can be saved because the activity can be done not only in class but at student's home as well. The JCloze can provide clues and hints, therefore the students will be more convenient in finishing the activity. So, less frustration and save time as well.
(time searching for meaning, clues on dictionary, etc )
In-Class Task 1
Create a blog with Blogger.com
My name is Hosana Chrispino Sipon and I came from Sabah. I am from a moderate family; my father is a teacher and my mother is a clerk. I have 5 siblings and I am the third child. If I were to rate myself in terms of my computer skills, I will say that i'm a noob @ beginner because there are too many things that I never knew in the computer field.
For computer software, I think I have been left too behind if to compare with my other friends. But I know how to operate with few operating systems such as Windows XP, Vista, 7 and other operating system by linux such as Ubuntu. Lately, I have been learning to create website using the Dreamweaver CS4 which is not easy. For computer hardware, all I know is how to set up the RAM, speakers, monitor, ( includes the wiring ) and etc.
For my experience learning via the computer online, I think I have been learning online mostly on learning the guitar and the piano. Also, I used the computer to learn English online. The information provided by the world wide web is endless.
I haven't try to incorporate the technology in my practicum since I haven't done practicum but I've planned to use the technology since it is more convincing and flexible in terms of its usage. I can do a lot using technology such as Microsoft Power Point to teach pupil which we can include cartoons and other interesting stuff on it. Therefore I always agree of the usage of computer/ technology in language teaching since it is easy, convenient and learners can access it anytime, anywhere; as long as we have the tools.
Honestly, I expect a course that can teach me how to create a good website, how to master the CSS, and other multimedia things, then I will own a superb website with million visitors a day but I am aware that this is not a Multimedia course! :D So therefore, I expect I can master some of the technology that can be utilize as my teaching tools in the future. I do think that this course is the right platform for me to enhance my ability in using the technology not only in the teaching field but for my own benefit in the future as well.
