First Task (In-Class)

Greetings to all the viewers.

Today, 5th January, 2010, we (U8C students) are assigned by our TSL 641's lecturer to complete the first task. The details of the task can be viewed here.

Firstly, I would like to introduce myself - the owner of this blog. I am Mohd Ridzuan bin Ismail @ Musa (student's ID : 2006673681), and is currently pursuing my first degree in Teaching English as Second Language (TESL) in MARA University of Technology (UiTM). Hopefully this will be my last semester here (part 8) as a student. :D

To be honest, I am not an expert in anything related to computer. The first time I own my personal computer was in 2002. So basically, I've spent only 8 years using computer, mostly for gaming purposes. However, I do not see myself as a novice as I do know how to use Microsoft-related softwares and used to create and own my personal websites when I was in secondary school. I also know other basic and advanced information about computer. So I think I can rate myself as intermediate-skilled computer user.

As I did mention before, I am just in intermediate level, and just used to use and have a little knowledge on several software and hardware. I've learnt to assemble desktop computer, but now, I think I only can remember a few things about it. I also learnt to format and install the windows program to any kind of computers (except Apple related computers). I also do a lot of research on current graphic cards, mother boards, processor and softwares especially the antivirus software.

I've learnt via computer. Indeed. Honestly, I learnt English via online and role-playing games. I still remember, I used to learn English from the game "Diablo II''. The use of the language, the storylines and etcetera have captured my heart. It made me become interested to learn English. Besides, I also learnt English from other players in the entire world. At least this is the way I learn English via computer. But there are other ways to learn it via computer, such as video call etc.

Speaking about the use of technology in classroom teaching and learning - I can only describe it with two words - entertaining education. Yes, indeed. As a teacher, we not only have to teach our students but also to gain their attention (especially to get them to participate during the lesson). Thus, this is what the technology can help us. Based on my own experience (during my practicum). I've used several technology aids and mostly, it helps me a lot. I realized that, everytime I used the teachnology aids, it makes the lesson plan becoming more interesting and entertaining. We are living in the new era. Most of the students are used to the technology, and I am very sure that most of them are using internet. So, why not give them something that they are used with? But however, I believe that certain technology only applicable and suits certain group of students. So, the most important thing is, the teacher must know the background and the students' level, then choose the applicable technology. Then it will determine the success of the use of the technology.

In my opinion, the use of computer/technology in language teaching is very important, especially now we are living in the new era where most of us use the computer and internet. We can seek anything that we want just by typing any keyword in any search engines such as 'Google'. So why we should hinder the use of technology in language teaching? Actually, the use of technology is not a new thing in certain countries, it helps their students to learn better. Some of the examples can be seen in certain Asian countries such as Korea, Japan, and Singapore. In these countries (few years ago), they learn by hearing to their walkmen (or now Ipod) which consist conversation, or dialogue of the targeted language (and it is also applicable to other subject, event Mathematic, but i don't know how they do it). However, the teacher/educator is still irreplaceable. The use of the technology is not meant to replace the teacher/educator, but to work as an aid.

It's still early to talk about my expectation for this course, but I do believe that by taking this course, it will teach me something new. Perhaps, it will teach me to make more interesting and entertaining activities by using the technology. So, I am expecting, at the end of this course I will be able to use certain softwares to make interesting learning activities.