Wordle for EDU 401

Normalization of CALL

Stephan Bax argues that, "Our aim should be to attain a state of `normalization' in which the technology is invisible and truly integrated".


a. In brief, paraphrase the changes which Bax suggested and the means
proposed of achieving normalization.

        Technology is  integrated into our lives that it becomes invisible . Normalization is a kind of technological innovation and refers to the stage when the technology becomes normalized. CALL has not reached in the normalization. In the teaching we usually use two technologies are PALL (Pen Assisted Language Learning) or BALL (Book Assisted Language Learning) which are completely integrated into education, but CALL has not  reached to the normalized. CALL will reach this state when computers are used by language students and  teachers as an integral part of every lesson and they will use them without  inhibition, and equally without an exaggerated respect for what they can do. Teachers and students will be completely integrated into all other aspects of classroom life. Technology will be in its proper place.

        Bax suggests imperative to plan for normalized state and then move towards it. The first step is to identify the  factors which normalization requires. The second is to audit the practice of each teaching context in the light of these criteria . The final step is to adjust our current practice in each aspect so as to encourage normalization. Following this procedure will give each institution and teacher a clear framework within which to audit progress.

b. Explain how these changes and means could be applied to our Saudi context.
 
Teaching tools have been improving, and I have been searching about other tools universities around the world are using. However, Making changes to improve your teaching skill really is a major undertaking. It is not something that should be done without a plan or direction. To really improve your life, the university needs to have a clear idea about what teaching tools they can offer to professors. According to University of Missour, they had been using those kinds of teaching tools which make student more understandable to the materiel:



“24/7 class content”


Archiving class content, both online and traditional, provides an easy way for students to review material they might miss due to illness or work schedules.What I like about this is when I am during break I will be home out of Yanbu, so in 24/7 class content, I and other students can download the material at home and not have to miss anything.”


21st century tools


Another new feature adopted by Gayer is the ability to add to each weekly lesson module a short YouTube video that illustrates the concept for that week, and mostly all people are using YouTube right now. 
we can use some useful things that we use it right know in our course . All this types will help learners and teacher in using technology . When we use a technology in our life especially in education that will help us to improve our country.

Disadvantages of Synchronous Communication Tools

Will you consider including synchronous tools in your future EFL classroom in Saudi Arabia? Will there be any drawbacks?

Technology has change the classroom but is not without its disadvantages. Many classrooms are being retrofitted with Smart boards and computers but they cannot replace old methods of teaching. There are many tools that can be used with  EFL students like audio conferencing, web conferencing, video conferencing, chat, instant messaging and white boarding. These tools have many disadvantages :

- Disadvantages of  Audio Conferencing :
Some students can be shy to speak with a group of people so this type of technology will be not appropriate for them . This type of tools have poor quality because its depend on phone lines. During the conversation there will be noise from some speakers . Also the sounds of speakers sometimes will be not clear for everyone . The audio conferencing cost, especially when international participation is involved .

- Disadvantages of Web Conferencing :
This type of learning may not meet students need  . There are many problems which may occur and effect on the internet connection .when this problems occur the appeal of the web conferencing service may be decreased .

- Disadvantages of  Video Conferencing :
The disadvantages of this tool are the technical problems associated with transmissions that result from software, hardware or network failure. Another important point is the lack of personal interaction. Also this type of tool forces the learners to buy camera and microphone. Some learners find it expensive they can't provide it.

- Disadvantages of chat:
I think this type of tool is wastage of time. All students should present and participate at one time. The ability to write and response is different from one student to another. Some students cannot access the Internet as a result of that they cannot share information with others.

- Disadvantages of instant messaging and white boarding:

In instant messaging the learner will focus on to skills only reading and writing. Most online Internet versions of white boards use Java applets, which may work differently, or not at all, on different computer systems. In this two types of tools students will not speak so there is no development in speaking skill and pronunciation.

How would I use blogs, wikis and delicious with my EFL students.

The purpose of this sites is to provide a place where we can download and upload information,
to chat to fellow students/ ask for help in a safe environment, as well as to help students showcase examples of their work for
others to view. Students have an e-Portfolio each which is linked to the classroom wiki.

 A site to promote and provide info on nearby, and campus happenings (events, clubs, speakers), A place where students can connect with each other (including distance students), and can find the resources they need to be successful (think financial aid, library access, etc.), and a space that can collect for public review course work that is a valued part of the Cascadia experience.

 when we use this sites we be able to create different kinds of exercises based on texts in their textbook and on audio files that come with the textbook, always based on units that we had covered previously in class.
Such as:

·         reading comprehension exercises, some involving a short answer that they had to write online. I would then correct it and give feedback about their mistakes in the wiki, as well as the final score;

·         vocabulary and grammar exercises with the correct answers and feedback whenever they made a wrong choice to help them think again and correct themselves; and,

·         listening exercises.

EDU 401:likes,dislikes and expectations.

I like this course because it is interesting course  . I think it will help my in my future life .
This course will help my, how can I present my works and ideas that I have in modern ways .