If you had the chance would you utilize ICT (CALL) in your teaching?
Of course I will. It is because I myself was bored with the traditional method that is chalk and talk. Why don’t we as a future educator create something new in teaching and learning approach like using ICT in classroom. Besides, what’s the purpose of technology if we do not use it?Eventhough I’m not that expert in technology, Iinsyaallah I will try to use it and learn it slowly.

How do you think it would help (or would not help) your students to learn English?
It helps a lot. They might be eager to learn this subject if they are exposed to device that they like.E.g:Computer. Teacher can do many things with ICT in classroom such as asking the students to browse for information through the net, exposed to listening and speaking activities, listen to songs in English, watch English movie and etc. These ways may be beneficial for the students as they are learning a subject with a different approach used where it can motivate them to learn this subject. Besides, students can depend on many sources unlike traditional method that is they can only use textbook and rely on teacher.

What do you think are the advantages and disadvantages of implementing CALL in the Malaysian schools?
Implementing CALL in classroom might encourage independent learning where the students can study on their own with only a little guidance from the teacher. It will likely diminish the usual norm where slow learners might not be able to catch up teacher’s lesson. Using CALL, students can hear the lesson again and again or find information that he or she does not clear view on. In addition, it also teaches the students on the use of technology and how it helps them in their education. Other than that, for those who came from poor family and could not afford a computer at home, this is the opportunity for them to explore the world and exposed them to technology that never been used before. Student will learn to know the world and expand their knowledge about everything that never know before. However, there are also cons when implementing CALL in Malaysian classroom. Not each schools can afford to provide technology in schools. Teacher’s role as a guidance, giving information to students might be forgotten little by little. Even, if CALL has not been implemented yet, students still do not have respect towards teacher eventhough teacher gives them knowledge, what is going to happen if the students depend more on the computer rather than the teacher? Besides that, implementing CALL in classroom might bring problem to teacher that do not know how to use technology especially the senior teacher that much more older than new teacher . They are surely comfortable with the method that they have used since many years before and it might be difficult for them to apply technology in language classroom. Financial limitation

What are the barriers in implementing CALL in the Malaysian classroom?
Not all teachers able to use technology in language classroom. They need to learn and undergone training before they able to implement technology in language classroom. Financial limitation is also a barrier to implement it in every schools in Malaysia.

lesson plan

TRADITIONAL COSTUMES IN MALAYSIA


Level : Form 2

Time : 30 minutes

Aims : To practice reading skills ( skimming and scanning )
To apply reading comprehension skill by finding answers for crossword puzzle

Technical Requirements : One computer per group of 2 students, with an internet connection, a Web browser.

Websites: http://www.relc.org.sg/RSIP/rsip04/Malaysia/malaysia.htm
Preparation :
1. Locate sites on traditional costumes in Malaysia
2. Prepare a worksheet based on the article on the web
Procedure :
1. Teacher begins the lesson by asking students a few traditional clothes that they know. Teacher writes down their answers on the board.
2. After that, teacher continues the lesson by telling the pupils that they are going to read a passage on traditional costumes in Malaysia.
3. Teacher instructed students to open the website given. After they have opened it, some students are appointed to read aloud the article. The others will listen while some of their friends are reading. Teacher will explain any difficult words they come across in the article to the students.
4. When finish reading the article, teacher will distribute a worksheet prepared to all groups that consist of two students per group.
5. Teacher gives instruction on how to solve the crossword puzzle and asks them to work with pairs to complete the task.
6. Students are given some times to complete the task.
7. When they are done with that, teacher picked a few students to tell their answers to the whole class.
8. Teacher discusses the answers together with students.
9. Lastly, teacher emphasizes on moral values of the lesson that it is important to know and have love towards traditional costumes of their own country.

Follow up activity:
Students are instructed to find pictures of traditional costumes in Malaysia and paste it in their books.

lesson plan