Wordle for EDU 401

"Application of Bax Normilasation in Saudi Arabia: The how!"

Stephan Bax argues that, "Our aim should be to attain a state of `normalisation'
in which the technology is invisible and truly integrated".
a. In brief, paraphrase the changes which Bax suggested and the means
proposed of achieving normlisation.
b. Explain how these changes and means could be applied to our Saudi context.

Bax intend that our aim should be to attain Integrated CALL, a state of 'normalisation', in which the technology is invisible and truly integrated, when computers are used every day by language students and teachers as an integral part of every lesson, like a pen or a book. He suggested changes in technology, in the size, shape and position of the classroom computer, and  in teachers’  and learners’ attitudes.

He pointed out that we need make more studies of individual environments to clarify the relationship between the factors. He also argued that we need action research in individual environments to identify barriers to normalisation and ways of overcoming them.

In Saudi context we have not reach this stage of normalisation  yet . In fact, we have problems due to lake of PCs, technical support and other important equipment. On the other hand, Norrmalisation can take place when  the teacher  provide lectures  supported by PowerPoint, which they can be send to the students via email,  exercise are done collaboratively, and assignments are  submitted and returned by email . Moreover, CALL can be integrated when we offer appropriate high-quality in computers. It is important for both teachers and students to use it naturally and as integral part of learning and teaching process.

Synchronous tools in EFL Classroom in Saudi Arabia and The Drawbacks

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

Using synchronous tool which is cheap and simple tool like the Internet, students can practice real time communication in the target language. In addition, giving opportunities to the learners to interact in the target language motivates learners. Furthermore, for me as a teacher I will include synchronous tools in my EFL classroom like Yahoo, MSN ( text & voice ) or Whiteboards. 

In fact , I think there will be some drawbacks . All of these tools are  dependent on the Internet, teacher may have to trouble shoot technical problems, it is hard for the teacher  to monitor students. Text Chat might be difficult to control coherence of the conversation. While, Voice Chat, for some students recordings calls can sometimes prove complex connection and they often don’t like to be recorded or to have their voice broadcast publicly .

The use of product of technology, in a language teaching needs to be explored the effect of integrating  and the way how to use it as basis for goal setting, syllabus development, and autonomous learning habit building.

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

I would use blog with my students to encourage them to express their ideas , talk about their interest and of course to do various task. In addition, the students are free to comment on a friend's work or a classmate's work since it provides instant feedback and is great motivation for the students.

Wiki can be used to post important links like syllabus, assignments and supplementary materials. Furthermore, I can ask the students to work together to create their own wiki on a given topic. Wiki is useful community  for doing project. Moreover, it is a great way to get students involved .     

This is an example of  a wikispaces
http://sunset-group.wikispaces.com/Writing+Activity .

I would use delicious to bookmark important and useful links . 

EDU 401; likes , dislikes and expectations

Edu 401 , I think it is  useful course .

I think it will be interisting to learn this course.