“Normalization of Bax in the Saudi Kingdom”

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

      This article offers a critical examination of the history of CALL. It discusses the three categories of CALL which are Restricted, Open and Integrated CALL. It is suggested that we are currently using the Open CALL. Our aim should be to attain a state of normalization in which the technology is invisible and truly integrated. Stephen Bax in this article makes an attempt to answer three questions: where has Computer Assisted Language Learning (CALL) been, where is it now and where is it going? He takes a look at work of Warschauer and Healey (1998 and 2000). They identified three phases of CALL “Structural CALL, Communicative CALL and Integrative CALL”. Bax claims that there are some significant weaknesses in this categorization. As a consequence, Bax propose for a new analysis of the history of CALL which are Restricted CALL, Open CALL and Integrated CALL. Also he claims that this analysis can used as a guide to broad historical developments in CALL. Stephen Bax mentions that we are currently experiencing an Open CALL and the way to achieve the meaning of Open CALL is moving towards normalization. Normalization means a stage when technology is invisible, hardly even recognized as a technology. He also describes the stages of normalization.

     
      There is a great development in using technology in classroom in the Saudi Kingdom. Schools and universities in Saudi Arabia follow the traditional method as a way of teaching and learning .But nowadays many schools and universities improve their educational system. They used technology such as computers, projectors and Ipads in their classroom to facilitate teaching and learning. The Ministry of Education starts working at normalization of CALL in the Saudi Kingdom. In order to achieve normalization of CALL in Saudi Kingdom I think we need to prepare the classroom with computer technology such as a computer, a projector and so on, and change the teachers’ attitude about teaching, train teacher in using new technology in teaching and apply technology effectively for teaching. Also we need to change the students’ attitude about learning and how to use technology for learning inside or outside the classrooms

“Challenges of creating web-based activities in Sally Morrison” Interactive language Learning on the Web”.

 

    Sally Morrison in his article mentions some of the difficulties that face a language teacher who want to create web-based activities. First, the teachers do not have the ability and knowledge of how create Web-based activities. Second, the students use variety of computers with a variety of Web browsers to access the web. Third, the teachers need to design web activities that meet accessibility guidelines for the student with special needs which is very difficult.

    In my opinion, there are many difficulties that will face teachers in Saudi Arabia in creating web-based activities. First, some teachers lack the technical skill and knowledge of creating web activities. Second, the Computers and online devices are not available in language classrooms. Even if the computers are available in classrooms, the school does not have the internet to access the web. Third, some students haven’t been attached to technology and they do not know how to use it like poor students and student who lives in villages. Fourth, the content of the textbooks are not flexible to match web activities. These are the greatest challenge of using web-based activities in Saudi Arabia.

CALL and Language Skills

      Computer-Assisted Language Learning is defined as "the search for and study of applications of the computer in language teaching and learning." (Levy, 1997). The main aim of CALL is the use of computer technologies that promote educational learning.The use of CALL software such as Windows Messenger, E-mail, the Internet, and other software can be integrated using effective pedagogy to create a powerful language learning programmed. Several studies have shown that CALL has positive effect on language learning. It easily assists and stimulates second language learners in all four skills of listening, speaking, writing and reading .CALL provided a self-paced and motivating language-learning environment in which the students worked with high level of interest.

      The CALL approach assisted students more in developing grammar. There is a number of website which presented grammar activities. The teacher can used online activities to practice which was taught. One of the website that teacher can used in classroom is English4u . This website is a completely free site for learning English specially made for ESL / EFL students in their first years of study. It especially contains the most important English grammar explanations combined with lots of exercises. It also includes information and exercises about countries and cities, some crosswords, irregular verbs and vocabulary exercises, texts and quizzes. It is an online learning website with more than 300 exercises. All activities can be done online and checked directly by clicking the check button on the bottom of each page. For instance: the teacher explains the conditional clauses to the student. Then he/she asks student to open English4u to do exercises to practice the conditional clauses.

Here are some other websites can be used to learn and practice grammar:

• EnglishGrammar.org  is a super useful website for both beginners and advanced learners. You will find the answer for nearly all the questions you can have about English grammar, like Punctuation, Conjunctions, Business Writing, Adjectives, Verbs, and many others.
•  Road to Grammar is an outstanding website with plenty of English grammar activities for various types of language learners seeking to learn English in an efficient and fun manner.
•    Perfect English Grammar is an exceptionally useful and comprehensive resource for language teachers and learners looking for quick, intuitive and easy to use grammar activities.
•   Grammar Quizzes is a non-for-profit, educational website primarily aimed at eager students looking for exceptional resources for understanding, learning and practicing grammar with a wide variety of exercises and practical grammar tips.
•   Grammarly Handbook is an amazing resource to learn English grammar with many examples.

Social Networking Sites

What is your most important reason for using social networking sites?

There are different reasons and several sub-reasons for using social networking sites. For me, the important reason for using social networking sites is to communication and to be remain in contact with my friends and relatives, even though they are very far from me.

Is it possible for you to use them in teaching EFL/ESL?

To me social networks can be used as tool for teaching EFL/ESL. Teacher can used Twitter or Facebook for example: teacher set up a twitter account just for class and asks students used twitter to report real-time news events to the class. Also you can set up your own Twitter account dedicated to just one topic such as historical facts and asks the students to write information or fact. This will motivate students to practice writing skill. In addition, Facebook can be used to create a central page for students and teachers to share information and exchange links, information and polls. And the teacher writes information related to their class and even set homework. Other example is the blog which is a frequently updated website that often resembles an online journal. Teacher can use it as an ideal space for pre-class or post-class discussion. And The Class Blog is a shared space with teacher and students. It is best used as a collaborative discussion space. Students can be encouraged to reflect in more depth, in writing, on themes touched upon in class.

"Computer Assisted Language Learning: an Introduction by Mark Warschauer in his paper"

     Mark Warschauer in his paper defined technological determinism as the idea that the introduction of new technology will brings certain results. It is a doctrine that a society's technology determines its cultural values, social structure, or history. This paper focuses on the change on learning language. Technology now is fundamental to life all people around the word use it which i think it plays an important role in teaching and learning.  In the paper Mark Warschauer lists ten developments in Information and Communication Technology. First, the change from phone-based to wireless communication. Second, from dial-up Internet connections to permanent.  Third, from the use of personal computers to the use of portable computing and online devices. Fourth, from narrowband to broadband. Fifth, from expensive personal computing systems to widely affordable computers in the developed countries and then in the developing countries. As result of this the Internet becomes a mass form of communication accessible to most of the planet. Seventh, change from text-based information and communication to audiovisual forms of information and communication. Eighth, from use of English as the main online language to multilingual Internet use.  Ninth, from non-native to native users of information technology. Tenth, the movement of CALL from the language laboratory to the Classroom. Warschauer also mention the expected effect of these developments on teaching English. The developments of ICT have an effect on the changed context of English use. Because of there are a lot of people throughout the world use English to communicate globally, access international media and commerce. The emergence of new literacies is another result of ICT developments. Because there is a great difference between readings a book in the library and Online, Online readers must constantly determine whether what is written in page is true or not. So, critical literacy is important, all literacy will necessitate critical judgment. Also, new genres will be occur as illustrated by a situation that occurred in an ESL writing course. In addition, online communications is contributing to new identities through the communication with other people and develop a wide range of literacies and identities which help to develop self-confidence and improve language. These changes will introduce and develop the new pedagogies. There has been a general transformation in CALL over the years; this development can be categorized in terms of three phases. Mark Warschauer in paper explains the stages of CALL. First, structural CALL (1970s-1980s) is an approach that followed the teaching techniques of structural linguistics. Programs of this phase entailed as drill and practice. Second, communicative CALL (1980s-1990s) is an approach that followed cognitive view of language learning. Communicative exercises performed as a way of practicing English. Third, integrative CALL (21st Century) based on a socio-cognitive view of language learning. Apprenticing into new discourse communities is involved to learn a second or foreign language.

     Technology now is part of our live. People in Saudi Arabia know how to use technology perfectly. But the problem is they do not use technology in education. Saudi Arabia has witnessed the same ten developments in ICT. The use of technology for learning and teaching the language is limited in Saudi Arabia. I think that the ministry of education should work on introducing CALL in schools classrooms since computers play significant role in the learning process. The use of CALL in my opinion will increase the student motivation to learn language because it is link their interest in technology and learning. 

Terms to know

Blended learning is a combination of face-to-face interaction and online learning. It is an education program in which a student learns at least in part through online delivery of content and instruction with some element of student control.

E-learning refers to the use of electronic media and information and communication technologies in education. It means the use of technology to enable people to learn anytime and anywhere. E-Learning can include training, the delivery of just-in-time information and guidance from experts.

Online learning is a term describing learning that takes place online. It includes learning with assistance of the internet and personal computer.

 Learning Management System is a Web-based technology which provides interactive learning opportunities for students, and allows teachers to set up courses, generate reports, administer assessment and create portfolios. it allow students to access learning content from anywhere online via a web browser, and administrators to manage students, classes and courses.

Computer-assisted language learning is a form of computer-based learning which carries two important features: bidirectional learning and individualized learning. It originates from CAI where computers were first viewed as an aid for teachers. CALL is meant to supplement face-to-face language instruction, not replace it.

The difference between Online learning, E-learning and blended learning: Online learning means learning that takes place online and thus requires connection to the Internet and personal computer. While E-earning is the appropriate use of ICT to enhance the learning and can thus take place on in or out of the classroom. But blended learning is a mix of e-learning with traditional teaching and learning practices. Typically there is a combination of face-to-face interaction with online learning.