Implementing CALL in a Malaysian Classroom

2. How do you think it would help (or would not help) your students to learn English?

- It would help in a sense that it can sparks interest and fun in learning the language. There are almost no boundaries in how to to teach using ICT. Teachers can use a lot of graphics, animations, graphs, tables, flash, games, and etc to make learning English voluntary and enjoyable. I stress this matter because my biggest problem during the practicum was class-control. At time i did not feel like i was teaching but i was actually mother-ing or babysitting them in the classroom. In the worst case scenario, i felt like a police officer who tried to control out-of-this-world traffic jam. Even if i can get them in control, i did not want them to do it out of fear. So, what i did was i used to give them a song to listen to and they instantly listened to what i wanted to say and genuinely showed interest in that particular lesson. It was just a kiddie song on a worn-out cassete player. Therefore, just imagine what ICT can do to intrigue young learners interest in learning English. Besides that, ICT can provide the students with more space to expand their creativity. Now, most students actually have to do their in-class work or homework in a exercise book and do it in a specific way that sometimes even annoyed me as a teacher to check their works ( from the blanks, lines until to the fullstop in a sentence must be told by the teacher because they are not used to be given chance to do their work in their own way) . I would utilize ICT to let the students know that there are more ways to do the exercises and drills. However, my biggest concern with ICT is whether teachers are fully equipped with the sufficient knowledge or skills in ICT. More training should be done in how to integrate a lesson with ICT and what the teacher role in teaching English using ICT.

Implementing CALL in a Malaysian Classroom

1. If you had the chance would you utilize ICT (CALL) in your teaching?

- Definitely i would. I really think it would be almost a crime not to (at least try ) to incorporate ICT in a classroom . The definition of a 'classroom' should be constantly updated with the current needs of the learners. Todays learners demand something more interesting and yet effective and practical. ICT can provide all that and does cater to the current needs and expections of learners. However, some people say that ICT would change the role of a teacher where the teacher would have less authority in a classroom, i must say this is not true as i've learnt that with the right way and tools, ICT would definitely increase your authority in the classroom without the 'shoutings, headaches and punishments'. During my practicum, i havent got the chance to implement any CALL integrated lessons because of the 'trainee teacher' title that i carried and it made me feel impossible to 'fight the current'. Even in pre-practicum, we have been told not to be a 'smart-ass' or to question the school authortity. Due to that matter, if i have been given the chance without doubt i would utilize ICT in my teaching.

CALL presentation

I feel really bad about my presentation yesterday. i was really nervous and i feel so frustrated of how i let my nerves affect my presentation. i am pretty sure i was one of the 'lifeless' presenter and i want to apologize to everyone who had to listen to my presentation yesterday. i wish all of the future presenters all the best!! You can definitely do better than me.

CALL LESSON PLAN

TITLE: CYBERSPACE HYGIENE

LEVEL : FORM 3

TIME : 30 - 45 MINUTES

AIMS : To find specific information on a Website ; to increase awareness of the importance of hygiene; to practise vocabulary related with soap, detergents, hygiene and environmental issues.

TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS:

2-3 students per group will share a computer equipped with an Internet connection and a Web browser.

Websites :www.cleaning101.com , www.sdahq.org


PREPARATION:

1.Use any search engines to find sites dedicated to cleaning and hygiene.
2.Prepare a lesson and exercises (worksheet) based on the information on the site.


PROCEDURE:

1. Show the students the authentic soap, detergents and asks what the students think when they see those things. Ask the students to point out the importance of those things in their daily life.
2. Distribute the worksheets prepared. Ask them to read through the worksheet.
3. Send the students to the sites chosen, and instruct them to complete the worksheet.
4. When they do the worksheet, they should take a note any new words or new facts in their exercise book.
5. When all of the students have finished, discuss the worksheet, the new words and also the new facts that they have found in the websites.
6. Ask the students to write a letter to a friend in order to promote house-hold hygiene as a follow up activity. Students should state the importance of hygiene for the environment in the letter.