So our lesson
has come to an end, and it is time for us to reflect on our overall course on
CALL. First of all, it is obvious that we have learned a lot from this course
and we personally think that a well taught course would definitely make a
student to leave the classroom with more than just new information in their hands. Some of the
things we learned, we already know the basics, such different types of
communication using technology, online journals available, and such. However,
we never really acknowledged the terms that we have learned in this class as
well as the definitions. Hence, we’re going to form our very own CALL glossary
to wrap up some of the terms that we have learned in this course.
Blog: blog is another word for weblog. It is a website that is like a
diary or a journal. Bloggers (used to describe people who write on blogs) often
write on their opinions and thoughts.
CALL: Computer-Assisted Language Learning, referring to teaching and
learning computer tools that assist in language learning.
CMC: Computer-Mediated Communication is any communicative transaction that occurs
through the use of two or more networked computers.
Concordances: a kind of search engine designed for
language study.
Corpus Linguistics: the study of language as expressed in
samples (corpora) or “real world” text.
E-Portfolio: technology based portfolio.
Islamization
of Knowledge: Integrating Islamic
perspective between the subjects inter disciplinary curriculum.
Reflection: integral to the complex process of learning and
acquiring knowledge, enabling self-awareness, personal, and professional
growth.
Apart from terms and definitions that we have learned,
the most valuable knowledge gained from this class is how we were exposed to
the advantages of technology in the use of language learning. The Internet is
not all about social networking, entertainment, news, and an open window to plagiarism.
When used in the right manner and with the correct moral and work ethics in mind,
technology can be used as a powerful tool as a teaching aid in language
learning. For example, students of linguistics major can do error analysis on a
corpus text instead of the conventional method of correcting the errors found
in written essays of second language learners, for example. We learned not only as a student on how to use
computer as a teaching material, but we were also exposed to it as a teacher on
the part of building the lesson plans for specific language skills. Although this
is a minor section of teaching language, it is a beneficial exposure that
hopefully can be put into good use in the future if we are given the chance to be
in the teaching field.
Last but not least, the concept of the e-portfolio
(posting assignments on the blog) itself is a new method that has been added to our learning experience and this is one of the interesting aspect of the
class as it made the learning environment conducive and fun. We are not only
able to explore the technological side of setting up an e-portfolio, but we are
able to shine the little bit of creativity in us on designing and arranging the
blog. Most importantly, it exposed us to the creative writing since it did not
only confined us to writing academic papers, but we were also able to write in
our own style of writing when it came to Islamization of Knowledge and
reflecting on our previous tasks.
This was yet a fun and interactive course, have both theoretical
and practical lessons well balanced and have definitely been an informative
subject that would benefit us not only during our remaining duration of
studies, but also in the working setting, InshaAllah.
Prepared: Ida Nadirah
