In-Class Task 1

1. Please introduce yourself.

My name is Nursyafiqah binti Zabidin. I'm 22 years old but I like to think that I'm 16. In fact, I do look like one, I think. =) This is the beginning of our semester after quite a long break, so pardon me if my english is a little bit rusty. I'm really new with this blog thingy, look at my answer for question no. 2 and you will know.


2. How would you rate yourself in terms of your computer skills and why? (e.g. expert, novice, savvy, geek, illiterate etc)

Boy, this is a tough one...honestly...I wouldn't call myself an expert in computer skills (because I'm really not one) but I wouldn't call myself an illiterate too (because I think I do know a thing or two or three or four) =) Simply put, I think I'm right in the middle...depending on what kind of computer skills in point. If it is the regular programs that we have on regular computer (microsoft office and Internet), I do know a thing or two. But if it is more than that, I still have a lot to learn.

3. What computer software and hardware knowledge do you have?

Microsoft office, some of the windows programs, the Net...you know, the basic ones. I'm not really well-informed about the computer hardware, just the commonly known ones.

4. Have you experienced learning via the computer (online, etc)?

No, I have never experienced learning via online. But I regularly surf the net to look for information, for academic as well as personal purposes (I'm not sure if that counts...sorry if it doesn't)

5. Did you try to incorporate technology in your some of your lessons during your practicum? Was it a success or a failure? If you did not what was/were the reason(s)?

Honestly, I did not incorporate computer technology during my practicum since I knew that it would be difficult to control my students if I were to bring them to the computer lab. however, I did introduce other technologies while I was teaching such as tv and dvd player (to teach the stuents to express opinion about a movie) and mp4 player (to introduice songs and play language games). From my observation, it was quite a success since the students seemed excited and eager to learn with the presence of other things beside the regular chalk and board.

6. What is your opinion on the use of computer/technology in language teaching?

I think it is important to incorporate the use of technology /computer in the language teaching because it can do wonders. However, I do believe that additional deliberation and caution have to taken into account if and when a language teacher decides to use one. Elements such as time allocation, space, availability of technology, suitability of technology with the objective of the lessons have to all be considered and thoroughly thought of.

7. What are your expectations from this course?

hmm...i'm not a person who expect much (ceh), but I would love to learn more not only about using technology in teaching language, but also using technology in general . I do believe that it could do a lot in teaching and in personal life.