TSL 641: COMPUTER ASSISTED LANGUAGE LEARNING
Task 2 (10%)
ARTICLE REVIEW
1. Choose a journal article on the use of technology in second or foreign language teaching and learning preferably an online article. The article must be from the year 2006 onwards. Write a review on the article you have chosen and post it on your blog (Please link the article to your blog). Submit both a soft copy (CD)and hardcopy
2. The format of the review is as follows:
A. Proper citation of the article:
a. Title
b. Journal – volume,
c. Author’s name, designation, background, etc.
B. Paragraph 1 - Summary of the article
a. If it is a research describe:
i. The aims of the research
ii. The methodology
iii. The subject/sample
iv. The findings of the research
b. If it is a concept/theory describe/explain
i. The major idea(s) the author is trying to get across
C. Paragraph 2 – Your reaction
a. If it is research:
i. Does the research interest you?
ii. Do you think the research well conducted?
1. If not how do you think it can be improved?
iii. What is/are the implication(s) of the research in the teaching and learning of ESL ( in the general and Malaysian contexts)
Your review should be between 500 – 800 words.
DEADLINE: 28 th August 2010 (Week 7)
Article Review
A. The article
The article that I have chose for my review is taken from The Indian Review of World Literature in English, Volume 3, article number 2. The title of the article is Computer Assisted Language Learning As a Method to Develop Study Skills in Students of Engineering and Technology in Tertiary Level. The author of this article is Mr. J. Jayachandran and he submitted this particular article for the journal in the year 2006.
B. Summary of the article
This article is a concept paper that focuses on the use of Computer Assisted Language Learning (CALL) to develop study skills in students especially those who are taking engineering and technology in tertiary level. The article shows the problem and how CALL can be integrated in study skills in order for the students to acquire the English language.
According to the author, the concept of individualized instruction is increasingly gaining importance. As a result of CALL, it will be like killing two birds with a stone, the students can now learn study skills on their own and learn the English language at the same time in a more relaxed atmosphere.
Study skills according to the author encompasses reading academic texts efficiently and
effectively; taking notes from lectures and books; doing basic research; using library or computer-based resources; writing academic papers; taking part in discussions; presenting papers; managing study time and preparing for examinations. Thus the use of CALL is important as teachers can monitor the linguistic performance and progress without interfering during the learning process.
Another major idea that the author is trying to impart is that teachers will be able to customize any CALL program to increase the level of proficiency in students. Students will be able to learn the language at their own pace and getting an almost instantaneous feedbacks.
However, limitations do exist in the form of author and programmer does not share the similar concern. Adding or modifying the software used in teaching the study skills is an almost an impossible task as only the programmer has the ability to do so.
C. Reaction
This paper has really caught my attention because it is applicable in Malaysia’s education system. Students in our education system study only to pass for their examination. Thus, integrating CALL into study skills will expose them to the English language and at the same time reduce the tendency for students to memorize without any proper comprehension of what they are learning.
Since CALL programs focuses mainly on receptive skills, namely listening and reading, exposing study skills to students as young as those in primary schools in Malaysia will be a good. As they progress to secondary or tertiary level of learning, they will be able to grasp and maybe able to, if not master, then comprehend the English language which is widely used. Thus, by exposing them to the two skills, they will be able to learn the other two skills, namely speaking and writing.
If this concept is applied in Malaysia, students will not have any trouble comprehending the English language. Looking at the length of time provided for students to learn English in schools, there is no wonder that our students are lacking far behind from other developing countries. By integrating CALL with study skills, students will have time to learn the language on their own pace. They can learn and practice privately without the normal fear of being embarrassed by their peers. After getting the confidence that they need, they will be able to practice it with their peers and go back home to further develop themselves if they think that they are still below par.
Her is the link to the article: http://worldlitonline.net/july-07/jeyachandran.pdf
