Reflections (1- 5) by Assoc. Prof. Dr Abdul Rahim Hj Salam

Iswarya's first reflection

g98458125 — 2021-12-13 22:37:11 UTC

My first reflection will be on what I experienced during my first CALL class with Prof Rahim.

Due to the pandemic, as a teacher, I must equip myself with new technological teaching tools as students tend to get bored if I keep using the same tool in every class. Therefore, I choose CALL as my elective course as I heard from many seniors that this subject is very informative and will expose us to new applications.

Prof Rahim introduced himself
during the first class and then assigned us a few tasks. The first task is to introduce ourselves by making a video in Flipgrid. It was my very first time using Flipgrid. Thank god Prof Rahim guided us in the class on the features, so it was easy for me.

Besides, it was so lovely to be able to watch other's introductory videos too. As we cannot meet face-to-face, making an introductory video to introduce ourselves virtually will make it much easier to recognize our classmate's faces. Also, I think Flipgrid is a good platform and easy to use. Teachers should set up an account and create grids, which allow students to work. Within each grid, the teacher creates prompts called topics, and students can post video responses to the prompts and replies to each other's videos. At first sight, I have decided to use Flipgrid in my class in the future.

Apart from that, Prof Rahim shared the medium he will use to post assignment information. Usually, we will use UTM e-learning, but in CALL class, we will also use Google Classroom. I was very excited as I am pretty familiar with Google Classroom's features, and it is excellent to have a different platform to view our tasks if the UTM's learning server is down. Moreover, Google Classroom is user friendly as we can integrate our Google Drive with Google Classroom to save a lot of my laptop space.

Prof also created a record book in Google Document to keep track of our assignments or tasks submission. I was amazed by this method as it works as a motivational factor for me. When I see any of my friends submit his or her assignment, I will speed up my work to submit mine too. Lastly, Prof showed us this Padlet platform to write reflection upon every task.

The first class itself was very informative, and I was exposed to many different online teaching and learning platforms, which I will utilize in upcoming lessons; I think more applications are waiting for me to explore throughout this course.

Iswarya's second reflection

g98458125 — 2021-12-14 07:30:15 UTC

My second reflection will be on the first group task given in this CALL course by Prof Rahim.

This task was given to us during our second class, conducted asynchronously. I was exposed to a new technological tool called Coggle in this task. Prof Rahim posted detailed instructions in the Google Classroom stating that we need to read an article given and then watch the tutorial video on using Coggle. After that, my classmates and I needed to form a group of three or four and construct a mindmap using Coggle based on the information we gathered in the article.

I started by reading the article entitled Design for CALL – possible synergies between CALLand design for learning
by Susan Y. H. Sun and highlighted the main points. It was challenging to understand the text at first as I had limited knowledge of the CALL research area; hence it took me a long time to fully understand the content.

As it was group work, I approached my friends from the course to team up and discuss to gain a better understanding. I teamed up with Yean and Najihah. We planned for a Google Meet, and it was very fruitful as we shared what we understood after reading the article.

Once we understood the article better, we watched the tutorial video together, and I found that Coggle encourages me to visualise and organise my thoughts creatively. Thus, these elements assist students in making crucial connections that can lead to a complete comprehension of the topic they are studying.

Following that, as there is only three of us in the group. We divided your part to make the mindmap according to the subtopics. We concluded that taking this method will help us manage the task more efficiently. Moreover, several users can use Coggle at the same time. So, my friends and I could virtually collaborate on the mind map and update any portions of the mind map that need improvement. I faced minor difficulties with making and dragging the branches in the mindmap at first, but with the help of my friends, I was able to catch up faster.

I am quite pleased with the outcome of my group's efforts since we worked together to complete our sections and double-check each other's work along the process. I am grateful that I have excellent teammates to help me accomplish the task. Therefore, I am taking this opportunity to thank Yean and Najihah for the great teamwork and Prof Rahim for introducing Coggle as a great mindmap constructing tool.

Even though Coggle is can be used for free but the features are limited. Users need to subscribe to fully utilize the features available. Yet I felt I will use Coggle in my classroom as students can still enjoy basic features like creating the mindmap with main branches and sub-branches. At the same time, pictures can be added too! Hence, Coggle is handy even if there are some minor drawbacks.

Iswarya's third reflection

g98458125 — 2021-12-16 08:48:01 UTC

Here is my third Padlet forum; I would like to share my reflection upon completing my first group assignment (Critical Review). This assignment carries 20%, and there were three components for us to complete before writing the final report.

I teamed up with Yean and Najihah, who worked with me during the previous classroom task. The main reason I stick with the same group is that I felt very comfortable with them, and at the same time, both of them were very supportive and provided great teamwork.

To start, we referred to the assignment instruction by Prof in Google Classroom. As mentioned earlier, my teammates and I need to fulfil three components in this task before writing the final critical review report. In the first component, we need to choose a theme in the Google Document and then choose two articles from the selected theme. We were allowed to look for relevant articles according to our chosen theme in the UTM library or use the given articles.

We picked Theme 1 and decided to choose the two articles provided by Prof in the Google Doc: Mobile Assisted Vocabulary Learning: Examining the Effects on Students' Vocabulary Enhancement (2019) and Vocabulary Learning Through Mobile Apps: A Phenomenological Inquiry of Student Acceptance and Desired Apps Features. Our discussion in Google Meet was recorded to attach in our record book.

We chose these articles because Prof Rahim approved those articles, so we can start working using them straight away. Moreover, as English teachers, we felt that the usage of MALL had been widely used in the education context since the pandemic.

Next, among the group, Najihah and I decided to read Mobile Assisted Vocabulary Learning: Examining the Effects on Students' Vocabulary Enhancement (2019) article. Meanwhile, Yean read Vocabulary Learning Through Mobile Apps: A Phenomenological Inquiry of Student Acceptance and Desired Apps Features article. After reading and analysing the article, I recorded myself critically reviewing it and uploaded it in the Flipgrid as the second element of the assignment.

I found the article that I reviewed contains valuable information as it expands my literature knowledge on the usage of MALL in ESL class. I also watched my groupmates presentation on the articles as I needed to understand them better. It is because, in the third element, we need to synthesise both articles critically.

My friends and I planned another Google Meet and recorded it too. We critically synthesise both articles during this meeting by looking at the similarities, differences, strengths, and gaps. We jotted all our points on Jamboard to refer to them while writing our final report.

Jamboard was something new for me as I had never used it before. One of my groupmates, Yean, introduced it to us and I found it helpful when it comes to collaborative learning after all of us could draw, write, and type our thoughts simultaneously. Through this assignment, I gained knowledge about a new tool. Thanks to my mate!

Finally, after completing all three components, we moved to the final report writing part. We opt for Google Document to finish off our report as all of us can write collaboratively and always check each other's work and add what is necessary if needed.

Through this critical review assignment, I had the opportunity to examine ideas, evaluate them against what I already know, and make decisions about their value. Critical reflection requires synthesising different perspectives to help explain, justify, or challenge what I have encountered in my practice.

Alagammah's first reflection

arithmeticraaji — 2022-01-10 09:51:11 UTC

In my first reflection, I will be sharing on the experiences that I had after the first class of CALL. During pandemic, it was quite difficult for me to cope with the technological tools to conduct online teaching as we were not taught those skills during our teacher training programme. However, after almost a year of teaching online, I was getting used to technological tools that we use in our online teaching. During the first class, when Prof Rahim was explaining on the tools that we will be using for this class, they were quite new for me and I was ready to explore them especially tools and applications that I can use for my future online lessons.
After listening to the explanations and instructions given by Prof it was quite easy for me to learn on how to use those applications. I also made some discussions with my dear classmates. I hope by the end of this course, I will be able to use these applications to ease the process of online teaching.

BAANUPRIYA'S FIRST REFLECTION....

baanupriya — 2022-01-16 02:21:59 UTC

My first reflection will be on what I experienced during my first CALL class with Prof Rahim. Technology has had a tremendous impact on education in the last twenty years. With the development of new technologies, one can say that Second Language Acquisition (SLA) has embraced Computer-Assisted Language Learning (CALL) as a new and useful tool. The different applications and effects of computers in language teaching and learning can be related to the acquisition of a second language, especially with the number of computer applications in a language learning environment. CALL is basically because of the rapid changes taking place in the technology of computers. Almost every day there is a new discovery and advance with regard to computers, for example faster computers and laptops with higher and better capacities (software and hardware). It is obvious that this approach started somewhere and somehow. In our 1^st class there was a task which need to do short introduction video via Flipgrid. From this I’m able to learn how to create a beautiful application to create a video by using different background and so on. I’m able to post my introduction video according the time period.

Secondly, Prof.Rahim briefly explained about upcoming task in Google Platform. And the info regarding the subject, task and assignment was shared over there. This helped me a lot to review back whenever I needed. By learning via online expose me to gained a lot of info in technology and I hope will enjoy all the classes till the end.

BAANUPRIYA'S SECOND REFLECTION

baanupriya — 2022-01-18 07:03:07 UTC

My second reflection will be on the first group task given in this CALL course by Prof Rahim. For this we have to create mind map by using Coggle application. Coggle is an online tool for creating and sharing mind maps. This tool is aimed at helping individuals take notes, brainstorm ideas, visualize connections across concepts, and collaborate with others. Mind map tools help individuals connect ideas, synthesize a large volume of information, explore relationships between concepts, think creatively, and retain information. Coggle provides a collaborative workspace where users can share ideas, solve problems, and communicate complex information. Uses range from education to business to personal creativity.

We required to do reading about an article to complete the Coggle mind map. This is a group activity. My group members are Alagammah, Jo and Dayah. We had a short google meeting before proceed this task. This is because we all new to the application and not familiar using it. Meanwhile. We did discussion regarding the article and so on. This task required us to critically review about the article and prepared a mind-map.

Once we revised about the article, we start work on with Coggle. In my point of view. I felt this application help us comprise all the information accordingly, thanks a lot for our Professor Dr. Rahim to introduce this application.

Heartfully, I want to thank my team mates for in completing the given task. They all very helpful and shared a lot of information throughout the editing session.

Iswarya's fourth reflection

g98458125 — 2022-01-18 18:40:56 UTC

In my fourth Padlet forum, I would like to share my reflection after accomplishing the second group assignment (Website Evaluation). This assignment carries 20% too. I felt it was less complicated than the previous group task as we only had two elements to complete.

My trustworthy team (Yean & Najihah) teamed up with me again to do our best! We started to work on this assignment just after our mid-semester break. As usual, we referred to the instructions given by Prof Rahim in Google Classroom and recorded our Google Meet session.

As I mentioned earlier, this assignment is about website evaluation. As English Language teachers, we always look up materials for teaching and learning online, so we come across many websites. This assignment requires us to choose one website and review it based on Methodological Framework as recommended by Hubbard (2006), which includes six components which are :

a ) Technical Preview

b ) Operational Description

c ) Learner Fit

d ) Teacher Fit

e ) Implementation Schemes

f ) Appropriateness

Thus, this was our first element. We decided to go for Teacherfiera.com as it is very well known for providing interactive teaching and learning materials among primary school teachers.

Even though I am teaching secondary school students, I have used Teacherfiera.com for Remove Class (Peralihan class) when I enter for relief period. I find the materials are pretty fun and interactive for students. So I agreed to review Teacherfiera.com 's website.

Once we have completed our review report, we need to fill up the website evaluation form, which Prof Rahim prepares. There were around 16 questions for us to answer. Me , Yean and Najihah video called in WhatsApp to finish up the report and fill-up the form. Unfortunately, we did not record it; hence we could not attach it to the record book when Dr Rahim requested it. We kept in mind that all discussion counts, no matter if it is formal or informal.

Through this website evaluation, I can explore more in detail Teacherfiera.com 's website. I usually download the materials I need without looking at the other tabs. While making the evaluation, I learned that that website was developed by two talented English teachers, who are also PhD researchers, Madam Wan Zhafirah Binti Wan Zainudin and Mr Abdul Hakim Ali Bin Abdul Aziz. Moreover, apart from teaching and learning materials, they also provide lesson plans, SOW and other valuable documents for teachers.

I realise that website evaluation helps teachers, especially to think from the user's point of view, analyse whether the website screen design is attractive, user-friendly, and allow interaction. It was a valuable experience for me doing this assignment!

Najihah (First Reflection)

g98041302 — 2022-01-19 01:53:33 UTC

For my first reflection, I will share on my experience that I had during my first class with Prof Rahim.

The first online CALL lecture was engaging, and it gave me a new perspective on online learning. Prof. Rahim, gave us an overview of how a CALL course will be run, and we also watched an amazing introductory video about his background, family, and career development.

After that, Prof Rahim assigned us our first task which was make a introductory video by using Flipgrid. To be honest, it was my first time I heard about the application. Luckily, Prof Rahim guided us on how to use it. In my opinion, Flipgrid is a good application for teachers to use in the class especially on online class to get students engage in the lesson as well as enhance students’ technological skills.

Besides that, Prof Rahim shared the medium he will use for our class which is Google Classroom. For me, using this platform is a good idea since it is user friendly and easy to access. In addition, Prof Rahim also created a record book in Google Document for us to keep track on our assignments. As a teacher, I love this idea in using Google Document as a record book. It will be easier for teachers to monitor their students’ progress in completing the task given. I will implement this method for my class in future.

Overall, CALL class gave me a new experience that I never expect before. A lot of things I could gain and learn from this class. I hope I will enjoy the class till the end of the semester.

Najihah (Second Reflection)

g98041302 — 2022-01-19 02:12:14 UTC

My second reflection will be on our first group task is to read on the article "Design for Call and Learning" and summarize it in a mind map form by using Coggle.

A lot of knowledge and new experiences I have gained once accomplished the task. I know a lot about CALL subject when I read the article. When the technologies are developed, same goes to CALL pedagogies. As a teacher, we should equip ourselves with technology skills so that our students are not left behind and always up to date with new technology nowadays.

As it was a group work, my groupmates (Iswarya and Yean) and I had a discussion on the task fulfillment planning and we were motivated to complete the task within the timeframe given. Then, we created a Coggle platform and invited each of us to join by logging in with our Google accounts. Following that, we all began to contribute our ideas to the development of the mind map in Coggle, collaboratively and in real-time.

Based on my experience with Coggle, I am pleased and amazed with the features, which are simple to use and allow me to organise my mind map systematically and collaboratively with other members. We were able to finish the task and distribute the responsibility in a team setting, allowing everyone to submit their ideas at the same time. I especially love the features of the applications, which allow us to update our mind map progress on the go, whenever and wherever we need it. This is advantageous for me since I have been exposed to and adapted to current technology in this new learning and teaching environment.

Overall, Coggle is a very helpful tool in creating mind map as it helps teachers and even students to organize ideas systematically.

Najihah (Third Reflection)

g98041302 — 2022-01-19 04:03:12 UTC

For my third reflection will be on our assignment on Critical Review.

As the task assigned us to work in a group, I teamed up with Iswarya and Yean. For the first task, we need to discuss and choose one theme and two articles provided by Prof in the Google Document. We had discussion on Google Meet and we decided to choose on Theme 1 and the articles are: Mobile Assisted Vocabulary Learning: Examining the Effects on Students' Vocabulary Enhancement (2019) and Vocabulary Learning Through Mobile Apps: A Phenomenological Inquiry of Student Acceptance and Desired Apps Features. The reason we chose this theme as it is related to our situation today where MALL has been used widely during online learning because of Covid-19 pandemic.

After that, Iswarya and I decided to read on first article while Yean read on the second article. After read and analyse the article, I recorded myself and give review on the article by using Flipgrid application. Additionally, I also watched my teammates videos as the third task required us to critically review for both articles.

In completing our third task, we had Google Meet discussion and discussed on the similarities, differences and gaps for both articles. We also use Jambord as our platform in jotting down the points so that it would be easier for us to write our final report.

Overall, this critical review assignment allows us to examine ideas, evaluate them against what we already know, and make decisions about their worth, as well as requires us to synthesise in different perspectives. Besides, I am also satisfied and happy with my teammates as we work as a team and collaboratively exchanging ideas to ensure we complete the task accordingly and within the time frame.

Najihah (Fourth Reflection)

g98041302 — 2022-01-19 10:40:38 UTC

For my fourth reflection will be on our assignment on Website Evaluation.

The assignment required us to work in a group and again, I team up with my best teammates; Iswarya and Yean. This assignment required us to choose one website and review it based on Methodological Framework which includes six components; Technical Preview, Operational Description, Learner Fit, Teacher Fit, Implementation Schemes and Appropriateness.

As there are lots of websites that provides teaching and learning materials, we decided to choose Teacher Fiera website as it is a well-known site among primary English teachers since it provides interactive and interesting materials for teachers to use in the class.

After that, we complete the website evaluation form provided. Then, we divided our part for the report write-up. Working together with my teammates is always a pleasure because they are so helpful and always share ideas.

Overall, through this website evaluation, I have gained lot of knowledge and experience. It is important to create a website that is attractive and user-friendly so that it would be easier for the users to access.

Alagammah's second reflection

arithmeticraaji — 2022-01-22 16:25:18 UTC

In the second reflection, I will be focusing on the very first task given for this course. We were assigned to create a mind map using the application named 'Coggle'. I have never used this application before. Hence, it was something new for me to explore. We were briefed by Prof Rahim on how the application works and the task was explained in detail.

As it was a new application for me, it took sometime for me to study how the mind mapping can be done using this tool. I watched the tutorial on the steps to create the mind map which was really useful while using the tool. I found that 'Coggle' can really fit in many information based on our reading from the article entitled 'Design for CALL and Learning'.

As this was a group work, we divided our part for the reading of the article. Every member of the group put in the information based on our reading into the mind map. Then, we set a day to check on each other's work.

As mentioned earlier, one thing that I loved about this tool is that this mind mapping tool can accommodate many subtopics into branches based on our reading. However, improvements can be done in terms of the customization where only limited access was given for the customization of the mind map. Only paid members are given access to make more customizations.

BAANUPRIYA'S THIRD REFLECTION

baanupriya — 2022-01-23 04:17:06 UTC

My 3rd reflection might be on our task on vital overview because the challenge assigned us to work in a collection, I teamed up with alagammah, jo, and dayah. For the first venture, we need to talk about and choose one topic and two articles supplied by means of Prof inside the Google file. We had a dialogue on Google Meet and we determined to choose topic 1 the article is the purpose we chose this theme as it is related to our state of affairs these days wh online getting to know because of the Covid-19 pandemic. After that, I and alagammah determined to study the primary article while jo and dayah read the second one article. After studying and reading the item, I recorded myself and deliver an assessment of the thing by the use of the Flipgrid application. moreover, I additionally watched my teammate's movies as the challenge required us to severely overview both articles. In finishing our project, we had a Google Meet dialogue and discussed the similarities, variations, and gaps for both articles. common, this important review project lets us study thoughts, examine them against what we already know, and make selections approximately their really worth, as well as requires us to synthesize in exclusive views. besides, I’m also happy and satisfied with my teammates as we work as a group and collaboratively alternate ideas to make certain we complete the mission hence and within the time frame.

BAANUPRIYA'S FOURTH REFLECTION

baanupriya — 2022-01-23 04:43:44 UTC

n my fourth mirrored image, I would really like to proportion my mirrored image after engaging in the second group assignment (internet site evaluation). This task includes 20% too. I felt it became less complicated than the previous organization project as we best had two elements to finish.
My group (Alagammah, Jo, and Dayah) teamed up with me once more to do our best! We commenced to paintings in this challenge just after our mid-semester destroy. As ordinary, we referred to the commands given by way of Prof Rahim in the Google lecture room and recorded our Google Meet consultation.
As I referred to in advance, this venture is ready for website evaluation. As English Language teachers, we continually appear up substances for coaching and mastering online, so we stumble upon many websites. This assignment requires us to pick out one internet site and overview it based on Methodological
as soon as we have completed our overview file, we want to fill up the website evaluation form, which Prof Rahim prepares. There had been around 16 questions for us to reply to. We make google meeting p to complete up the report and top off the form. unluckily, we did not file it; therefore we could not attach it to the document ebook when Dr. Rahim asked it. We stored in mind that each discussion counts, no matter if it's miles formal or informal.
I recognize that internet site evaluation helps teachers, particularly to assume from the user's point of view, analyze whether or not the website screen design is attractive, user-pleasant, and permits interaction. It become a precious revel in for me doing this challenge!

Alagammah's Third Reflection

arithmeticraaji — 2022-01-24 09:15:47 UTC

As for the third reflection, I would like to share on the task which we were required to critically review two articles. For this task, we worked as a team. My team members were Joseph, Hidayah and Baanu. Prof gave us few suggestions on articles which we may want to review. Prior to the selection of the articles, we had a short discussion session with our group members. As we went through the title of the articles, the issue on Covid19 pandemic got our attention as we felt it is something that is in trend for now. We also believed that this topic is something that we could relate with our career.

We paired up to review each article. Both articles were on how the pandemic changed the learning environment and the article mostly discussed on online teaching and learning.
Baanu and I took charge of the article on instructors perceptions and challenges towards online lessons. We were also required to record the outcome of our reading where we shared the extracted important elements present in the research paper. Then, we planned an online meeting to share our reading with the other team members. We discussed on the summary of the article, strengths and weaknesses too. It was an engaging activity as my team members were able to identify and even correct some of the points that I overlooked from the research.

Then, we came up with a written report as required by prof. It was quite easy for us to do the written critically reviewed report as the important elements we already discussed during the Google Meet session. We just refer to the recording and based on that we were able to complete the writeup. Being as a school teacher, this assignment benefited me in a way where I was able to read on how to face and overcome the challenges that are being faced by the educators.

Yean’s First Reflection

2022-01-27 21:49:46 UTC

This entry is to record my experience during and after the first synchronous CALL lesson with Dr Rahim and my classmates. The computer-assisted language learning technology that I have explored, learned and re-learned are UTM e-learning, Google Classroom and Flipgrid.

In the very first CALL lesson, we’re re-introduced to UTM e-learning as official platform for CALL class. In the COVID-19 outbreak, the UTM online learning design has included elements that allow student-centered learning which allow students to actively participate in the learning activity. Other than synchronous live interaction using Webex, UTM e-learning allows task-based online learning for all the courses. On UTM e-learning, instructions for assignments are posted for further actions, submission platforms are found and official announcements are spread. After several lessons, I’ve realized that UTM e-learning is not the primary learning management system used as the online tasks are posted on Google Classroom.

Using Google Classroom (GC) as the learning management system is indeed a brilliant idea. As a primary school teacher who uses GC since the online lessons, I’ve experienced firsthand the benefits of GC. I usually post tasks and materials on Class Task while the Main Page is used for announcements. Dr. Rahim uses the Main Page as to post tasks, materials and submission platform; the posts are arranged according to the dates, the latest and most important ones pinned on top. It never occurred to me that resources can be posted like this but I think it is a good idea to do so as it reminds us the deadlines very clearly. I especially love the idea of using Google Doc for sharing URL links for submission for assignments. However, while I am completing the first task which is to introduce ourselves in different webpages, I found it confusing as I could not keep track of which I have done and which I haven’t. I thought it would be a good idea to post them as Assignments so that we can check our progress in the To-Do tab and marked as done when we turn in the tasks.

From this experience, I have started to see the Google Classroom from the perspective of a student and was able to reflect on what I could do better to ease students’ technicality problems while using GC. I could understand that it is possible to miss out things, therefore gentle reminders can be useful. I also got it that no matter what arrangements a teacher does, a systematic and consistent one is of utmost important. Online learning is a new thing to both teacher and students. There are always new things and interesting things happening. Keeping up with the changes is a challenge but it is definitely a fun experience.

Coming back to the task, creating the introductory video using Flipgird is the most interesting experience in my first CALL lesson. I was a little shy filming myself and posting it for everyone to watch. So, I did a draft of what I wish to talk about before recording. I did several times before I could produce one that I felt satisfied. I wanted to try put the effects and the stickers if I were to do it again for the next time. It was really fun!

In short, Google Classroom and Flipgrid are the tools I’ve reflected this time. I am looking forward to what is to come. I hope that I could learn more about CALL through this subject and improve myself as a technology-savvy teacher.

Yean’s Second Reflection

2022-01-27 21:52:17 UTC

My second reflection will focus on Coggle as a mind-mapping tool. To complete the second task, we need to read an article and present the main points in the selected mind-mapping tool – Coggle. Coggle is a free collaborative online mind-mapping tool that produce structured and hierarchical maps. The information is presented like tree, branching out from the main point to elaborations. Users can enjoy the basic features for free. However, to explore all the features, one need to sign up and subscribe the plans. Allow me to give some reviews after using Coggle. To me, there’s a mixture of pros and cons.

The best thing about Coggle is its collaborative feature. It allows users to work simultaneously on the same piece of work. In this task, I’ve teamed up with Iswarya and Najihah, two lovely girls that I’ve been partnering with since last semester. Working with someone familiar is definitely comfortable, especially when a decent technological tool like Coggle is involved. We’ve read the article together, discussed the points, set up the main branches together, worked on our parts simultaneously and checked each other’s work to make sure that the ideas are presented nicely. Coggle is making collaborative work stress-free.

Next, the branching mind-mapping function of free version Coogle is rather decent. It is a well-functioned tool to present information. However, while it can produce decent informative mind-maps, I think the ease of use is of doubt. I have not gotten an opportunity to try out the paid version so I’m merely commenting about the free one. I’ve so far only seen the branching feature. Also, my attempts to insert pictures to replace words and phrases had failed since I’ve not subscribed to the plans. Although Coggle is collaborative and functional, I think its features are limited.

To me, I prefer a colourful and interactive mind-map. With proper understanding about mind-maps, I think PowerPoint or Google Slides can do what Coggle can do, even better in designing, more accessible since the features are all free, and more user-friendly. Exploring technological tools is certainly fun, but we do not necessarily need a new one to make our work better. Sometimes, using the tools that we are most familiar with can reduce a lot of hustle and bustle, it can also ensure better work quality.

Reflecting from the process of completion of task, I think Iswarya, Najihah and I are making a great team. Everyone plays our parts and managed to complete the task successfully. It’s great to work with them and I am looking forward to more group work like this to come.

Yean’s Third Reflection

2022-01-27 21:55:52 UTC

In this entry, you shall read my journey and experience in completing the Critical Review assignment with my groupmates, Iswarya and Najihah. I will record on the process of completing the critical review, including the tools we’ve used and what we’ve learnt.

For this task, Iswarya, Najihah and I unanimously agreed to pick the theme ‘The Use of Mobile Assisted Language Learning (MALL) in Vocabulary Learning’ because we are interested in looking at and how mobile tools and applications can help in vocabulary learning. Vocabulary learning is a vital part in language learning because they act like bricks to build a house, like the basic element for expression in communication. After discussion, we picked our articles and proceeded to complete the individual review on Flipgrid. After reading and analysing the article, I’ve decided that the most organised way to present my points will be through PowerPoint presentation, put in narrations and recordings, finally export as video. Therefore, the tools that I would like to share with everyone is PowerPoint as a video making tool.

The Microsoft PowerPoint is my most used and most familiar technological tools used in my teaching and learning. Aside from the usual daily teaching aids (PowerPoint slides), I’ve a handful of experience creating short videos using PowerPoint. In my opinion, PowerPoint is a simple tool with limited animation therefore more suitable to create videos of formal contents.

First of all, I loved the features of PowerPoints as it is straightforward and easy to use. There are free attractive templates available online, so no worries for those who are not good designers. If you like to make own designs like I do, you can insert pictures and videos, adjust text boxes, fonts, colours and everything on your own. Also, simple adjustments and animations can be done easily as the tabs and buttons are pretty straightforward and provide description when you hover at the buttons. Designing the content is made easy with the use of this technological tool.

Secondly, to make a video, recording and narration is necessary. Recording and narrating in PowerPoint is super convenient. In just a click, recordings and narrations can be saved and exported as video together with the slides. Better, since the recordings go slide by slide, one need not worry about the occasional NG moments because it can be deleted and redo easily. It can be trimmed, edited and timed to design. There are so many features of PowerPoint to help create a video- recordings and narration is definitely one of them.

For the reflection on the process of completing the critical review, I think it went really smoothly. The CALL technology we’ve utilized are Jamboard, Google Meet and Google Doc. The tool that I would like to promote to everyone is Jamboard. Jamboard is a tech tool that we re-learn when we tried to make a comparison between two articles that we’ve chosen. I think this is a great tool as it is user-friendly, and it allows us to scribble on the board collaboratively to expand our ideas during our Meet discussions. I would definitely try this with my children when opportunity arises in the future.

For the reviewing part, analysing different researchers’ works allow us to learn from the perspective of a evaluators, to see the components of good research articles, the varied ways information could be presented, the theories used and how effective MALL can be in vocabulary learning.

Yean’s Fourth Reflection

2022-01-27 21:59:24 UTC

This reflection will focus on the website evaluation. It’s a group work and so I was delightfully working with Iswarya and Najihah again. Working together with my lovely teammates is wonderful as usual. To complete the task, we are required to pick a website or a software, evaluate it based on a set of criteria, analyse and report based on the Methodological Framework (Hubbard ,2006), which consists six components, namely: Technical Preview, Operational Description, Learner Fit, Teacher Fit, Implementation Schemes and Appropriateness. Discussions are recorded on Google Meet and also done informally from time to time on WhatsApp.

When we first received the task instructions, as Najihah and I are both primary school English language teachers, the very first website that pops out of our mind is TeacherFiera.com and Miss Ash. Especially TeacherFiera.com, it’s one of the most famous and reliable materials and tips sharing platform for the revised KSSR syllabus which covers the Super Minds, Get Smart, English Plus and Academy Star. Surprisingly, Iswarya, who has more experience with older children, knows and utilized the website too. Therefore, unanimously, TeacherFiera.com is selected as the website to be evaluated.

Knowing the website inside out and analysing and evaluating it is different. We usually look at only certain parts of the website which we find specific information but evaluating it require us to explore all the functions and tabs so that we can provide a comprehensive and reliable report. We started out looking at the interface design, the colour contrast and how it is pleasing to eyes and attractive to use. We also checked if it is free to access, if it requires signing up and if it needs any special amenities or advanced bandwidth to access. Those were criteria under the Technical Preview. In Operational Description, we explore the functions of the websites including the tabs and hyperlinks to the activities. We found that the components are relevant and timely and the website can be controlled by any users with basic computer skills. Later, the evaluation also touched on Learner Fit, Teacher Fit, Implementation Schemes and Appropriateness. It provides complete teaching and learning English materials for primary school instructors and students and parents. It is a one-stop source for English language instruction and learning. The conclusion that we have for TeacherFiera.com is positive.

Why do we need to do this? As a teacher, sourcing for relevant, timely and reliable source is important. We might not all be great website designers and content creators but we are gifted the skill of selecting and adapting materials to fit our learners’ proficiency. Being able to evaluate a website enable us to find out the pros and cons of the website and whether or not it should be recommended to the learners and colleagues. With an appropriate aid, teaching and learning using computer or mobile technology can be more meaningful. In short, this assignment provides indeed impactful insights to my teaching career.

Yean's Final Reflection

2022-02-04 06:07:30 UTC

My last Padlet reflection will focus on Wix as the website building tool. Wix is the selected tool assigned to the designation of e-Portfolio and WebQuest. I shall write about my experience in using Wix individually and collaboratively.

I enjoyed writing blogs when I was small and I’ve completed assignment to build a Blogspot to share literature work and publicize activities when completing degree in IPG back then. Therefore, using Blogspot or WordPress to create simple websites to share thoughts is not unfamiliar to me. I was quite confident in completing this task. It was overwhelming at first as it has a lot of different functions and tools, but gradually it became much easier when I started to get used to the features. Allow me to share with everyone a few points that I enjoy and one that I found frustrating while using Wix.

First of all, the ease of use. Wix’s drag-and-drop editor makes it easy for amateur website building as it does not involve any coding. To complete the assignment, there’re dozens of templates and easy tools for beginners like me to build an attractive and informative personal e-portfolio.

Secondly, help and support. Even when one finds it difficult to access the given templates and tools, support can be easily found. The knowledge centre provided on Wix is incredibly useful. Also, I could find YouTube video tutorials online easily.

Lastly, the design flexibility. Wix provides flexible and customizable templates for users to create basic website with own creativity. We can tailor the website exactly how we wish it to be, from colours to widgets, from buttons to interactive features.

The one and only disadvantage that I found, other than the early overwhelming experience, is the loading time. In my time using Wix, I think it requires a rather good and stable Internet connection. The loading time for some features are slow and there were a few times my attempt to save my site became unsuccessful.

Overall, I would rate it 4 over 5. It is the right tool for the right user as it is, most importantly, easily accessible and learnable.

For the process of completing the assignments, I would describe personal e-portfolio as fun while group WebQuest task as challenging. Completing the e-portfolio was a journey exploring and testing the features of Wix. The content is no problem as it consists of all information needed are already completed. Bitter-sweet, overwhelming then interesting. I rather enjoy drafting the content and the making designs. This e-Portfolio might not be the best work amongst all but definitely the best I could do for now.

As of now, while writing this reflection, we are on our way completing the WebQuest. Designing WebQuest is very much challenging as the selection of content based on pupils’ interest and proficiency is essential. It was really challenging, but it was really satisfying when it is finalised at last. This is a group task, collaborating is never a problem since the beginning of the time, so everything was smooth. Hopefully the WebQuest will turn out fine.

The CALL course opens another perspective for us to look into pedagogical skills. Teaching with technology can bring many benefits and ease to teaching and learning. It is definitely worth a try to put into practical use in classrooms.

Najihah (Fifth Reflection)

g98041302 — 2022-02-05 06:34:02 UTC

For my fifth reflection will be on e-portfolio using Wix.

This is my first time using Wix to create e-portfolio. Before, I used blogspot to create my own site since I love to write. Once I learned about Wix, for me Wix is much better than blogspot. This is because Wix is easier to use and have a lot of templates can be choose.

Apart from that, what I love about Wix has interactive features. I can choose any design that I want and can insert media, link and others too. In completing e-portfolio, I am amazed with its features as thing can be done easily and based on my own creativity.

However, when I use Wix I noticed that it make my laptop performance a bit low. When designing Wix, I always faced unstable performance. Some features are slow and it quite frustrating me since I seldom face this problem. Overall, I would rate Wix 4 over 5.

As a conclusion, Wix is a cool and good website for people to use. Teachers can ask their students to use Wix in their teaching and learning sessions as it will make the lesson become more interactive and fun.

Iswarya"s fifth reflection

g98458125 — 2022-02-05 13:12:28 UTC

We have a long way and this is my final reflection upon completing the final task for this CALL course.

Compared to the other assignments, this was my favourite assignment and I was very eager to do it as I love creating websites as it allows me to exhibit my creativity. The fifth assignment carries 40% and there were quite a lot of components as it includes individual and group work.

First I will talk about my individual work. I created an e-portfolio which contains about myself, my reflections, the assignments I have done so far in this course, the resources I used, as well as a little about my postgraduate journey.

I found that completing my e-portfolio form before creating the website in Wix really helped me as it serves as a guideline for me to be on track.

Next is group work. Here I and my all-time trustworthy teammates (Jihah and Yean) worked together to create a Webquest for a lesson. I understood that we need to create a website for educational purposes just like the one we reviewed during the previous assignment. Moreover, this task allows us to apply all the ICT tools we were exposed to throughout the course like Padlet and Flipgrid.

As all three of us are teachers hence it was quite easy for us to think of the activities we wanted to include in the website for the lesson.

As I mentioned earlier, we used Wix to create this website too. I am not really new with Wix as I have experience using it for one of my assignment for Leadership course. However, I learnt something new this time as I never knew that we can invite other to work collaborative to design the website. This feature ease of work as three of need to work together to fulfill our group task.

Moreover, I loved Wix as there are a lot of templates available for the users to use and edit according to their taste.

However, one drawback in Wix is that it make my laptop to hang often even though the internet connection is strong. So it can be annoying at time. But the work we do will always be saved automatically so Wix is still good to be utilized for website creating purpose.

Recently , my school ICT teacher introduced me to Google sites which works similarly like Wix. Initially I thought of using Google sites for this final assignment however we are required to use Wix. Hence, I hope for the upcoming batch Dr Rahim can consider using Google sites apart from Wix.

To conclude, as this is my final reflection, I would like to take this space to thank my teammates whom helped and supported me throughout this course. Najihah and Yean you guys are the best! I would like to thank Dr Rahim who gave us the opportunity to explore different type of websites and software will can be utilized by language teacher in their daily basis. This course not only helped me to gain knowledge about the ICT tools but also about teamwork and time management .

That's all from me. Love, Iswarya <3

BAANUPRIYA RAMADAS"S FIFTH REFLECTION

2022-02-06 00:09:57 UTC

As compared to the opposite assignments, this changed into my favourite challenge and I used to be very eager to do it as I love creating web sites because it lets in me to show off my creativity. The fifth venture carries 40% and there were pretty quiet a few additives as it includes character and group work. First I will speak about my person paintings. I created an e-portfolio which includes approximately me, my reflections, the assignments I have finished up to now on this route, and the resources I used, in addition to a little approximately my postgraduate journey. I discovered that finishing my e-portfolio form before developing the website in Wix clearly helped me as it serves as a tenet for me to be on target. Next are institution paintings. Here I and my all-time trustworthy teammates (Alagammah, Dayah & Jo) worked collectively to create a Webquest for a lesson. I understood that we need to create a website for educational purposes just like the only we reviewed throughout the previous mission. Furthermore, this venture lets in us to use all the ICT gear we were uncovered to during the direction like Padlet and Flipgrid. As I stated earlier, we used Wix to create this website too. I am no longer clearly new with Wix as I’ve revel in the usage of it for one in my entire venture for management path. However, I learnt something new this time as I never knew that we will invite different to paintings collaborative to layout the website. This option eases of labour as 3 of need to work collectively to fulfil our institution mission. Furthermore, I loved Wix as there are a lot of templates available for the customers to use and edit consistent with their flavour. But, one drawback in Wix is that it makes my computer to grasp frequently even though the internet connection is powerful. So it can be annoying at time. But the work we do will constantly be saved mechanically so Wix is still accurate to be utilized for website creating purpose. Recently, my faculty ICT teacher brought me to Google a site which works further like Wix. To start with me concept of using Google web sites for this very last venture however we're required to use Wix. Hence, I am hoping for the upcoming batch Dr Rahim can keep in mind using Google websites other than Wix. To finish, as that is my very last reflection, I would love to take this area to thank my teammates whom helped and supported me at some stage in this course. I would really like to thank Dr Rahim who gave us the possibility to discover different kind of websites and software program will can be utilized by language teacher in their daily foundation. This course now not only helped me to advantage knowledge about the ICT equipment but also approximately teamwork and time control

Alagammah's Fourth Reflection

arithmeticraaji — 2022-02-06 14:18:42 UTC

My fourth reflection is on the Website Evaluation report writeup. Before we decided to choose a website to be reviewed, we opted for a few websites related to educational resources.

After the discussion with the group members, we decided to review Teacher Ash's website. Ashtheteacher.com is a website dedicated to providing primary school teachers, students, and parents with a wealth of English teaching and learning tools. It is a one-stop solution for all things English language-related. Instructors looking for teaching instructions for Malaysia's CEFR-linked primary school curriculum should definitely consider using this website, which is user-friendly and offers a wide range of downloadable teaching and learning resources.

For this website review assignment, we were required to review it based on the (2006) Methodological Framework, which has six components, which are as following:

a ) Technical Preview

b ) Operational Description

c ) Learner Fit

d ) Teacher Fit

e ) Implementation Schemes

f ) Appropriateness

After the completion of this task, I gained more knowledge on the content of educational websites and how they aid the teachers in the creation of interactive lessons. In overall, I find this assignment gave us input on how websites can be reviewed while we as teachers can use the knowledge that we gain to provide more technology based materials for the use of both students and teachers.

I also had a fruitful time completing this assignment with my group members where we had a session of finding the strengths and weaknesses of this website. During that session, I learnt that when we work as a team, the amount of knowledge that we gain is much more higher compared to individual tasks.

Alagammah's Fifth Reflection

arithmeticraaji — 2022-02-06 14:53:46 UTC

In this reflection I will be sharing on the fifth assignment that was given to us. Personally, this was the most challenging assignment for me. I really had difficult time as I was a first time user of the online website maker platform called 'Wix.com'. Initially it was difficult as I faced issues in customizing the widgets and the features of my personal e-portfolio. However, with tutorial video clips shared by Prof, I finally able to work on the e-portfolio assignment.

The second task was creating a 'Webquest' based on a lesson plan that has to be designed to suit the needs of the learners. We worked as a group and decided on the topic for the 'Webquest' and lesson plan. Our topic was on 'sports'. After we planned the lesson, we started customizing the page according to the needs of our lesson plan. It turned out well as what we planned.

Conversely, during the process of completing this task, I had issues in using this website where this website made my laptop often made my laptop hang. It was quite disappointing for me. However, as the progress was autosaved, I somehow manages to restore the contents that I created before that issue happened.

I strongly believe that the knowledge that we gain through this assignment will benefit us one day when technology based lesson will be carried out during online lessons. During the pandemic, I used to teach using online platforms only for one or two stages of my teaching. Through website creators such as Wix.com, I learnt that we can actually plan the whole lesson using a single platform. I hope in future, I will be able to use this interactive teaching tool with my students too.

Hidayah's First Reflection

snhjadzie — 2022-02-06 21:42:44 UTC

Previously, I enrolled in this course during my degree, with Dr. Kew Si Na. I have learnt some CALL technology such as Storyboard, Wix and Google Classroom.

In the first week of CALL class, Prof Rahim introduced the CALL subject. He gives us an overview about this course and we also watched an introductory video about his background.

The first task was assigned in the first week, which we have to create an introductory video by using Flipgrid. Honestly, it was my first time using Flipgrid to record a video. The clear guidance was given by Prof Rahim on how to use Flipgrid.

Besides, Prof Rahim also explained that we will be using Google Classroom as a main platform for this class other than E-learning. He will update the tasks in Google Classroom. In my opinion, Google Classroom helps me to get the information about this class better, in which I can review the tasks & instructions whenever I needed. I hope this course will help me to explore more on the CALL technology, so that I can use them in my teaching later on.

Hidayah's Second Reflection

snhjadzie — 2022-02-06 21:58:03 UTC

In this second reflection, I will explain about the first group task given in this course. We were required to use Coogle to create a mind map. Basically, Coogle is a platform to create an online mind map. I was excited as this was my first time using Coogle.

We were required to read an article and create a mind map. My group members (Joeseph, Alagammah and Baanupriya) and I had a short meeting through Google Meet to discuss on this task. We revised the article and divided into four parts, in which each group member have to extract point from certain part in the article and then transferred the information into the mind map (Coogle).

We were able to complete the task together as my group members were very helpful in explaining some parts that I didn't understand. Also, I want to thank Prof Rahim for introducing Coogle.

Hidayah's Third Reflection

snhjadzie — 2022-02-11 20:43:05 UTC

In the third reflection, I would like to explain about the second group task, in which we were required to do a critical review on the articles related to CALL given by Prof. Rahim. For this task, we decided to divided ourselves into two pairs, in which each pair have to work on each article. I paired with Joeseph for the second article, meanwhile, Alagammah paired with Baanupriya for the first article. We had a short discussion through Google Meet & worked on the write-up using Google Docs.

As both articles were discussing about online teaching and learning, it was quite easy for us to relate because we are facing similar situations in handling online teaching during this pandemic. We also found out that both article have some similarities. In short, by doing this task, I become more aware of the issues and challenges in online teaching.

Hidayah's Fourth Reflection

snhjadzie — 2022-02-11 20:51:32 UTC

In this section, I will share my experience in reviewing website. Our group has decided to choose a website to be reviewed. We chose Ashtheteacher.com website to be reviewed. Basically, this website is an English learning website that is suitable for primary school students. We were required to the website by referring to the six components:
1. Technical Preview
2. Operational Description
3. Learner Fit
4. Teacher Fit
5. Implementation Schemes
6. Appropriateness
This task helped me to improve my knowledge in choosing a suitable teaching materials . Other than that, this is my first time knowing about this website. It is interesting and the content provided also can helped the learners to learn English in a very fun way. My group members and I did the evaluation together and we also created a report for this website review task.

Hidayah's Fifth Reflection

snhjadzie — 2022-02-11 21:00:40 UTC

In the last section, I will share about the next assessment given in this course, which are E-portfolio and Webquest. It was my second time creating a website for this semester. I created an e-portfolio that contains informations about me, assignments for CALL course, reflections and also a website that we created as a group (Webquest).

For the Webquest task, my group members and I discussed to create a website for primary school students. We chose 'Sports' as the theme for our website. We use Wix to create both e-portfolio & webquest. I would say that, it was quite challenging. However, I enjoyed using Wix as I can design my own website using my own creativity. In short, this task exposed me on how to design a rubric for the activities that we included in the webquest.

Sujatha's First Reflection

2022-11-12 16:51:25 UTC

The first class was conducted via Webex meet. There were only two students for this semester, Nisha and myself. Prof Rahim explained the course outline. He introduced us to various mediums to do our tasks. The first task was to record an introduction video on Flipgrid. Doing the recording was a new experience as I've not done such recordings before and this was my first time using Flipgrid. I feel the app was very user-friendly. I was able to make recordings multiple times, edit my background and play to watch my video before uploading it.

The second task was to read an article titled Design for CALL-possible synergy between CALL and design for learning. The main focus of the text was to open up the educational process by reusing and representing current successful educational designs for further sharing and discussion. The author has covered a vast variety of computer-assisted language learning (CALL) designs such as open CALL, Integrated CALL, pedagogy-driven CALL, social CALL, automised CALL and including the new task design and CALL.

We were also assigned to study the mind map that was produced based on the article by the previous students in Coggle. Creating a mind map using Coggle is indeed a great ground to work. It allows us to analyse the text in detail and I realised it will be close to impossible to do a similar task manually on paper. The best thing about the app is, we can work collaboratively on the same ground at different times. Writing a reflection on this Padlet is also very satisfying as I've tried using it many times in group sessions but never completed any tasks due to time constrain and unfamiliarity. Today I could take my own time and I can explore freely. I'm very excited about the upcoming tasks to get familiar with different working grounds.

Ainur's first reflection

2023-01-08 02:44:03 UTC

For the first reflection I will reflect on the tasks or activities that Dr asked us to try out. First, Dr introduced and gave us an overview what area of teaching niche that we will explore. Dr also brief us on to the platform that we will use to communicate and to perform tasks and assignment. The main platform is the Google Classroom which is something that we are all familiar with.

Apart from that, Dr also introduced us to one discussion platform called Flip Grid. I have heard of this platform before but never had a chance to try it out. It is basically allows the teacher and students to record videos straight from the platform. So, I have tried recording my introduction video and it was so easy. I was thrilled because of how easy it is to edit the video. I have tried to edit videos on a platform called Canva but the features were too complicated and confusing. Flip Grid is much better.

In addition, I have done my reading on the article entitled "Design for Call- Possible Synergy Between CALL and Design for Learning". I managed to visualize and differentiate between what is CALL and what is Design for Learning. First, the writer effectively explain the timeline of CALL approaches and understanding over the years. Although, in my opinion there were too many technical terms and branches of the area for this field, I honestly enjoyed reading it as it gives me new perspectives on what does it take to understand teaching and learning in this era. WHat strikes me the most is the understanding the writer tried to bring forth. Which is, we cannot design learning as learning is an experience. However, we can design something for learning. To facilitate the process.

I also spend some time to explore the Coggle application by reading on the mind map produced by previous students. I have heard about Coggle but I did not get a chance to try it out. But looking at the mind map produce by previous students really amazed me. From the mind map itself I can understand the root and link especially between CALL and Design for Learning. For me, Coggle is worth to be explored and this would be a great tool to assist students in understanding a complicate notes or reading especially reading that requires facts and process. Coggle also let us edit the mind map simultaneously with other members and this is and important feature as it gives advantage for students to have a collaborative work process beyond classroom.

Observation on Evaluation of Software (Ainur Zaharah)

2023-01-08 07:16:39 UTC

Website 1 (English-4Kids)

The website evaluation report that I am reviewing is on language learning website called English-4Kids. This website provides young learners aged around 4 to 2 years old with various activities and learning materials of English subject. The materials provided are aimed to honed the 4 language skills among the young learners namely speaking, listening, writing and reading. The activities provided are not only in a form of lessons and activities for lessons, it also encompasses leisure tasks such as language games and interesting trivia. The developer of this website is someone who is passionate on teaching and learning languages.

Website 2 (Storybird)
This website is suitable for kindergarten to 12 year old ESL learners. The main idea of this website is that it allows learners to be the author of their own stories. Learners can use the arts and design form the web to illustrate their stories. Apart form that they can invite others to co author the stories. Teachers and others are abvle to read the stories published and comments on it.

Evaluation Framework

The framework that was used to evaluate the software is using the Hubbard’s Methodological Framework (2015). There are six aspects that need to be considered when we are evaluating a learning software or a learning website. The six aspects are i) technical preview, ii)operational description, iii)teacher fit, iv) learner fit, v)implementation schemes and vi) appropriateness.

Reflection
Based on this evaluation, it can be said that developing a software or application or a website for teaching and learning is not something that can be taken lightly. I would like to draw a parallel difference and similarities between developing conventional teaching and learning materials and the ones in a form of software, application and websites.

The similarities that I have found is that developing and designing learning materials on both conventional and
computer assisted medium requires teachers to take into consideration of the learners' fit. This is important because if students are not able to maneuver their way around the materials or the software, then they will not be able to make good use of it. Especially for learning materials in a form of software, applications or websites, knowing how to get around the sites is crucial as they cannot easily flip another page to look for the other contents that are hidden. Even though from my observation as a secondary school teacher, I would say, students nowadays know their way around the gadgets but as Tachaiyaphum and Hofman (2018) explained that does not mean it can guarantee a hassle free experience for students when they are working with CALL related materials.

Once, I have had an experience developing learning materials for students. Even though it is a conventional learning materials, which is not a CALL related material, I can say that no matter how much useful content that you are putting in the innovation of the material, if the complexity of the material is something the students could not handle, then, students will not be able to exploit the content as much as they should.

Therefore, I am in opinion that to develop CALL materials, teacher or developer should have an understanding on the principles and ideas behind it. It has to take into account to strike a balance between the pedagogy needs, the content as well as. However, developing CALL materials can be different from developing conventional materials in a sense that the design can be cyclic. It is easier for the teachers to expand or re design the site/apps/software from the original ones. For this, reflection after task is important as it is the medium to reevaluate the initial design of the materials.

Apart from this, another matter that I feel is paramount is for developer to take into account the speed taken for the site/apps/software to be functioning. It can be frustrating for students and teachers to be waiting on the buffering sites especially if it is to be used during the period lesson. I would say that this is one of the main reason why teacher opt not to integrate technology during the lesson period. As the period itself is short, most teachers do not want to risk of wasting time waiting for the page to load.

To conclude, evaluating and feedback is immensely important part of CALL materials development. This is because, a good material should be the one that can be adjusted with minimal issue arise.

Sujatha's second reflection

2023-01-09 14:09:46 UTC

The second task was to produce a critical review recording on flipgrid. This time I was already familiar with the functions. I was able to complete the recording in shorter period compare to my first introduction video.

For critical review, I chose a journal titled Instagram as Media in Teaching Writing Recount Text for Senior High School Students. This journal was written by Abdul Basith and Ahmad Syafi’ and has been published in the journal of SALEE: Study of Applied Linguistics and English Education in January 2019. This paper aims to give an overview of the use of Instagram in teaching writing recount text in senior high school students.

Since this paper is a definition paper where the purpose of the writing is to provide information on the selected topic, the authors have defined the meaning of Instagram and recount text by viewing through various authors' lenses. In my opinion, I would say the whole write-up was very insightful and useful. As the world is shrinking by the media, It would be appropriate for educators to use readily available apps to make the teaching approach more appealing to the students. The paper is written in a very straightforward manner. Initially, I had doubts about the implementation as Instagram is an International medium of communication and it would be hard to control or to keep track of the communication. After reading this article I’m convinced and I do agree writing can be taught interestingly.

This is an overview paper, and the examples shared were just a random pick and very limited. For the idea to be proven to work, quantitative or qualitative research should be carried away. The strength of this paper would be the presentation of the idea and the weakness would be limited resources. The author's references were less than 10 and there was no history about the app and more examples would have increased the weight of the idea.

Sujatha's third reflection

2023-01-14 17:54:57 UTC

In my third reflection I would like to share what I have learnt through my observation.
The course mates worked in pair or group and the task was to compare their articles.
They chose Google meet to carry out their discussions. They chose 2 articles to compare which with either on a similar theme or addressing the same issues.

Google Meet (GM) is an extremely handy App to conduct discussions and classes. The multiple features in GM such as screen sharing and jam board are very discussion friendly. This ground is very suitable to conduct meetings and classes. It is also freely available.

After choosing the articles and upon Prof Rahim’s approval, together in the group, they analysed if the articles were relevant, the content was local and the suitability of the issues. They read individually then, they evaluated the authors’ ideas research objectives, questions, instruments, findings and the gap in a group discussion over the Google classroom.

This task taught me to synthesise and analyse a journal paper. The final part of this task is to produce a write-up based on their findings.

Sujatha's Fourth reflection

2023-01-16 07:27:14 UTC

The next task was to evaluate a language-learning software or website or an App and produce a report based on their observation and findings. This was also a group assignment. The course mates used Google Meet as a discussion ground. They went through the questions and then moved on to choosing a website by each sharing their experiences using one of these tools to help in their teaching.

They evaluated the website based on six components, technical review, operational description, learner fit, teacher fit, implementation schemes and appropriateness. The course mates expressed the task as very beneficial to their teaching. There were two websites chosen by the two groups, Ashtheteacher.com and Teacherfiera.com. The websites have been very useful for their teaching for sourcing out teaching materials. Besides, this task gave them an opportunity to explore the entire website which they used to only visit certain tabs and they discovered more useful activities which could be more helpful for their teaching and the learning activities.

Through this observation, I learned about the important components, I should look into in choosing a website for my teaching as well as if I’m creating one in the future.

Sujatha's Fifth reflection

2023-01-16 08:02:10 UTC

The final activity was to create an E-portfolio and a WebQuest on WiX. I have had the experience of using WiX for one of my subjects that required doing an E-portfolio but I have not done WebQuest on WiX. Observing the flow of the task being carried out by the students, it was very interesting and insightful. Starting from drafting the idea to creating the project, step by step with lively engagement, it was easier to understand. I strongly agree when the coursemates said the task was very challenging because creating a website requires a big investment of time and creativity. The coursemates opined completing the E-portfolio prior to WebQuest, was the best way to be on track.

The coursemates mostly enjoyed creating websites on WiX. The features and drag-and-drop functions were user-friendly. However, one common challenge faced by almost everyone was the internet connection. They felt the loading time was longer and there were times they couldn’t save their creations. I am being on the same mind as one of my coursemates Yean, this course CALL has opened another perspective, especially for teachers to look into pedagogical skills.

As the saying goes, in every bad situation there will be something good. Even a dead clock shows the correct time twice a day! The hard times have turned us into tech-savvy teachers. From chalk and talk to website creators. It was indeed a giant leap for us!

The beginning of the pandemic placed us in a situation where the whole world was blindfolded in the dark. It made the teachers sailors of the same boat without a captain! All of us were in search of a solution to reach our students to keep the teaching and learning going. Though technology has been there for more than 20 years, we teachers are a more chalk-and-talk magicians. The pandemic put us all in turmoil, but with access to technology gradually we picked up skills to conduct classes online. That was our baby step, especially for Malaysian teachers. As we were sharing homework on WhatsApp and Telegram, then the birth of Google classroom, zoom, Webex and apps like Quizizz and word wall were some basics that made us all superheroes and magicians again! Thanks to teacherfiera.com and ashtheteacher.com which later gave the confidence to teachers to keep moving forward.

Soon, We reached the end route and there was no other way than upgrading our knowledge and equipping ourselves with sufficient tools. Another critical issue here is our students are becoming better tech-savvy than us! So, for teachers, this course did give a fresh start and hope for a long journey. The sooner we adapt to technology the better we become at imparting knowledge.

I would like to take this opportunity, to thank Prof Rahim for all the prompt responses and his guidance. This is one course in which I gained knowledge that would be an asset for my teaching carrier. The least said and most taught.

Observation on using WIX for e-portfolio and WebQuest Ainur Zaharah)

2023-01-24 11:25:30 UTC

The Webquests I managed to explore are the Act of Kindness for undergraduates, The Power of Music for upper secondary school students and the Gulliver's Travel for the Year 5 students. Apart from the webquests, I managed to look around some of the e-portfolios made by the former students.

WIX is a site where it allows you to build your own page. Weather it is for to build your own filing (e-portfolio) or as teachers, you can use it to create lessons that can elevate activities to be fun and interactive.

I have come across WIX about 2 years ago where I attended professional learning workshop in my school. Another time I tried on WIX was on an assignment I had done before. Now that I have explored and have a look on others, I would say, it is definitely a site that is easy to maneuver around. As I have observed on the software evaluation previously, what I can understand is, CALL materials first and foremost should be easy on the users be it the teachers as well as the learners. As the design of the materials is equally important to attract the students' attention especially, the excitement can be faded down if they feel that it is too troublesome for them to understand how it works.

However, I do feel that a person's understanding on how to get around CALL materials be it in a form of site, apps or softwares, depends on how much exposure he or she received beforehand. I would like to use my experience as a secondary school teacher to illustrate my understanding.

MCO period is a great example on how far would you go to be competent in creating materials online. It was hard initially because you had minimal experienced on creating something online. Over the time, the use of Google Meet alone did not satisfy me. it was our own initiatives to learn from the basic of using the google form, document and sides to learning how to use the Data Studio to keep track of my students attendance and progress. I remember trying very hard to link up data in the google sheet with the data studio. it took around two days to focus on. And it worked.

Another thing that comes up in my mind is that how the CALL and Design for Learning also linked with another learning theory which is quite new and emergence. Connectivism in learning basically explains how learning and knowledge comes together through technological advancement. it is about how, when, and what mediums are used to connect knowledge which will create learning situation.

All in all, in my opinion, teaching and learning in the world of today has becoming fluid and not stagnant anymore. WIX is a great example on how education can be collaborated with technology. As a teacher in this progressive setting, I must say that a web that we consider or deem 'good' should not be under our own classification or our own feeling of favoring from one site/app or another. Teachers should strive to explore and give a CALL materials chance for several try outs before deeming it too difficult or too unmanageable to be used in lessons. Most of us in my experience would give up on the first or second try out of new materials and thus, deciding to stereotype the belief that using technology or CALL materials in classroom is too troublesome.

Reflection on the paper chosen (Ainur Zaharah)

2023-01-24 15:45:58 UTC

The paper I have read is entitled EFL Pre-service Teachers' Perceptions toward the Use of CALL in the English Language Classrooms. This paper was written by Tachiyaphum and Hoffman (2018). From the main finding, it is found that teachers are keen using computer or other technology to make language learning interesting. However, the enthusiasm did not match the competency and the knowledge the teachers have on the CALL knowledge. Despite the courses these pre-service teachers received on CALL related, on going teachers' development on CALL matter should be a continuous efforts both by teachers as well as the school administrators to reinforce teachers' understanding.

I was keen to read this paper as I want to find out the pre-service teacher takes on the CALL matter for language learning. This is because since pre-service teachers are still in their practical phase, it makes them more receptive to technology integrated lessons and materials. In contrast with teachers who are already in service, it can be said that it may be quite tough for some senior teachers to be familiarize in using CALL materials.

In contrast for the pre service teacher, they may be keen on using technology and in favors of using CALL materials in lessons, but having the right idea of what CALL is about can take them far. Rather than just using the materials available, pre-service teacher need to be equipped on how to effectively develop one.

Ainur's Fourth Reflection

2023-01-27 11:56:40 UTC

My fourth reflection is on the Google Meet session I had with my course mate Sujatha. During this meeting there were numbers of matters that we addressed. Since I was the latest or the most new student to enter this course, Sujatha was kind enough to brief me of what is expected for this course.

Then, we went over some of the group work that we are supposed to collaborate on. One of its was to review two papers of the same theme on CALL related issues. At first we would like to review on several CALL material and the mediums used such as the social networking platform. However, we decide to discuss on issues related to educators' beliefs of CALL integrated lessons.

The discussion went on smooth and it was fruitful. The platform that we used which is the Google Meet is the usual platform used by students to attend classes or have a discussion session with groupmates just like we did. Having used Google Meet for various occasion within these 2 years, means that I have seen many improvement on the functions available. For example, the earlier version of Google Meet do not have the breakout room session. Now, with the extension available, we can do so.. This is especially convenient for me as a teacher when I want the students to be discussing on presentation in a group. Nonetheless, I would say the discussion session that I had with Sujatha is beneficial.

Rahmatul Nisha's First Reflection (Introduction)

rahmatulnisha1 — 2023-01-29 12:13:19 UTC

I am taking CALL because I would like to explore more on the use of technology in language learning.

For the first session, we met Prof Rahim via WebEx and he introduced, explained and gave an overview about CALL.

Next, he briefed about our assignments and tasks that need to be completed throughout this semester. I was in awe when he told us that we will be using Google Classroom as our platform of teaching and learning because I have heard about it countless times but I did not get a chance to use it nor explore it before this. From my point of view upon exploring Google classroom, I do strongly agree that it is a platform where information, tasks, materials could be kept and retrieved at anytime which is helpful for both teacher and students.

Then, for our first task, Prof reminded us to explore on Coggle and Flip. It will be my first time using Coggle and Flip. All this while I was not aware that there are some other ways to do mind mapping after reading. I am very much interested in Coggle and I will make sure to use it when I need to mind map my reading materials. As for Flip, videos can be recorded and re-recorded as well. Also, there are many interactive choices that can be include in our video such as different types of text, fun stickers, our own photos / gifs, filters which makes the speaker's face "prettier" and also background in our recorded video.

Finally, I am elated to declare that all these experiences of exploring and using new tools / platforms (Google classroom, Flip, Coogle) can be implemented in my own classroom because it is fun to integrate technology with teaching and learning.

Rahmatul Nisha's Fourth Reflection (Observation on Evaluating Software/Website/Apps)

rahmatulnisha1 — 2023-01-29 15:41:25 UTC

Based on my observations on the evaluation of the software/website/apps, I find that my seniors were aware that teachers will go online to find materials to aid them in their classroom and also materials that are suitable for their students, hence, teachers need to be conscious on the appropriateness, availability, accessibility and lastly the interactiveness of the materials tat they choose to use in their classroom. They used the Methodological Framework as recommended by Hubbard (2006) which includes six components and they are technical preview, operational description, learner fit, teacher fit, implementation schemes and appropriateness.

Here are some useful Software/Website/Apps that my seniors recommended in their assignments:
1) Website - Teacherfiera.com : This website provides interactive teaching and learning materials for primary school teachers. It also provides lesson plans, SOW and valuable documents for primary school teachers to refer to.
2) Website - Ashtheteacher.com : This website provides English teaching and learning tools and it is useful for primary school teacher, students and even parents. Tis website focuses mainly on English language related materials.

To conclude, my seniors also did completed the evaluation form that was prepared by Prof Rahim. The evaluation was about the design (interface) of the platform, user-friendliness (access) and relevant where it will be helpful for the users to access to. So basically all websites that my seniors recommended in their assignments were evaluated where they met up via Google meet or WhatsApp video calls to discuss.

Rahmatul Nisha's Fifth Reflection (Observation on E-Portfolio and WebQuest)

rahmatulnisha1 — 2023-01-29 15:43:54 UTC

I was wondering what is Wix and Webquest?

So I went and watch the YouTube video on WiX tutorial that was shared by Prof Rahim. After watching David Lee, the WiX certified trainer, then I came to realise that WiX is friendly user as it does not involve any codings and you can just simply drag and drop. It is also user friendly as you can navigate it however you that wish. Lastly, you may publish the website that you created for free but, you may also upgrade the domain where you will need to pay WiX. When you pay, WiX will remove their name from your website.

Upon reading Prof Rahim's lecture notes, WebQuest is actually web-based lesson plan which is meant for small groups of students where it can be used as a dynamic activity for students to work in a groups. It can also be accessible to everyone outside of classroom time. It also acts as information management tool for teachers.

My seniors were elated and eager to use WiX as a tools to create their e-portfolios and WebQuest. The reason is, they find it uncomplicated to use WiX as it is user friendly, easily accessible and the platform is free for its users.

The only con that they encountered was it takes time to load and they needed a better internet bandwidth.

In conclusion, by integrating technology in language learning, teachers and students may achieve the unimaginable. It is always fun when computers and language learning are together as in one.

Rahmatul Nisha's Second Reflection (Critical Review recording on Flip)

rahmatulnisha1 — 2023-02-27 07:39:27 UTC

I choose an article titled “CALL IN ENGLISH LANGUAGE TEACHING” for my critical review assignment. The article was written by Dr. Ahmed Benyo. You may click this link to read the article https://www.researchgate.net/publication/351713133_CALL_IN_ENGLISH_LANGUAGE_TEACHING

Reference:
Benyo, Ahmed. (2020). CALL IN ENGLISH LANGUAGE TEACHING. 29. 1390-1395.

QIU TIANYU's first reflection

2024-05-27 08:51:32 UTC

After attending Computer Mediated Communication (CMC) for the first time, I had an initial understanding of the field and was looking forward to what I would be learning in the future.CMC involves interpersonal communication and information exchange through computers and the Internet. At the beginning of the course, the teacher introduced the basic definition and historical background of CMC, which made me realize the importance of CMC in modern society. During the learning process, I gained a deeper understanding of the complexity and diversity of CMC. CMC is ubiquitous in modern society. It is very exciting for me to study this field in a systematic way. I am particularly interested in how to build and maintain relationships through CMC. Although CMC brings a lot of convenience, there are also some challenges such as information overload, privacy issues, and understanding bias due to the non-face-to-face nature of communication. These issues made me think about how to better utilize CMC tools in my daily life. Some of the theories and concepts mentioned in the course brought me back to my own experiences in using email, social media and instant messaging tools. By linking theory to practice, I gained a deeper understanding of these tools.

QIU TIANYU's second reflection

2024-05-27 08:52:16 UTC

After completing my video feedback on the article about Computer Mediated Communication (CMC), I reflected deeply on the process. The following are my thoughts and feelings throughout the preparation, production, and review of the video feedback process, including my understanding of the content, my experience during the production process, my personal feelings, and my future directions for improvement. The article focuses on the definition, characteristics, applications, and impact of CMC on relationships. Through multiple readings, I gained an in-depth understanding of the article's core ideas and arguments. In order to enhance the persuasiveness of the video feedback, I looked up relevant literature and real-life examples to supplement the ideas in the article. Based on my reading and research, I wrote the script for the video feedback to ensure that it was clearly expressed, logically sound, and able to spark the viewer's interest. The whole process from article reading, script writing to video production was challenging, but it also taught me many new skills such as video editing and effective verbalization. Expressing myself in front of the camera was a brand new experience, and I gradually became more confident through repeated practice.

QIU TIANYU's third reflection

2024-05-27 08:53:00 UTC

After completing a personal video critical reading of the article titled "Student Perceptions of Asynchronous Computer-Mediated Communication in Face-to-Face Courses," I reflected deeply on the process. The following are my thoughts and feelings throughout the preparation, production, and review of the video feedback process, including my understanding of the content, my experience during the production process, my personal feelings, and my future directions for improvement. The article focuses on student perceptions and experiences of using Asynchronous Computer-Mediated Communication (ACMC) in face-to-face courses. Through multiple readings, I gained an in-depth understanding of the article's core ideas and arguments. I also briefly described the main points of the article, including the use of ACMC in face-to-face courses, students' feelings and experiences. The article's detailed description of the benefits of ACMC, such as flexibility, convenience, and the potential to promote student-directed learning, was emphasized. The authors' use of data and case studies also enhanced the credibility of the article. I pointed out possible limitations in the article, such as insufficient analysis of the impact of differentiation across student populations and insufficient exploration of long-term effects. The ideas in the original article were supplemented and expanded by introducing additional literature and cases. I could have spent more time on more in-depth research during the data collection and script writing stages to increase the depth and breadth of the feedback. Learn more video editing skills to enhance the professionalism and viewability of the video. Allocate time wisely throughout the production process to avoid compromising the final result due to time constraints.

QIU TIANYU's forth reflection

2024-05-27 08:53:38 UTC

In this group video critical reading, I was primarily responsible for analyzing the differences between two articles on Computer Mediated Communication (CMC). The titles of the two articles are Student Perceptions of Asynchronous Computer-Mediated Communication in Face-to-Face Courses and Unpacking Medium Effects on Social Psychological Processes in Computer-mediated Communication Using the Social Relations Model". Through in-depth reading and comparative analysis of these two articles, I have gained a more comprehensive understanding of the application of CMC in different contexts and its effects on social psychological processes. The following are my reflections on this reading experience. The first article focused on specific applications in educational settings, looking at students' actual experiences with ACMC in face-to-face courses. The second article, on the other hand, focuses on broader psychosocial processes and attempts to reveal the effects of different CMC mediums on these processes. The first article used a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods, collecting data primarily through questionnaires and interviews. The second article used an experimental design to observe the effects of the medium by controlling variables in a more experimental and controlled approach. By comparing and analyzing the two articles, I not only deepened my understanding of CMC, but also improved my critical thinking and comprehensive analysis skills.

QIU TIANYU's fifth reflection

2024-05-27 08:54:09 UTC

After watching a YouTube video on how to create a personal website on Wix, I was primed for website design and construction. The process allowed me to experience the fun and challenge of building a website from scratch. Defined the learning objectives of understanding the basic features of the Wix platform and learning how to create and publish a personal website. Signed up for a Wix account to ensure that I could synchronize my practice with the learning process. Scheduled sufficient time to watch the videos and hands-on practice to ensure in-depth understanding and mastery of each step. The video details the basic functions and interface layout of the Wix platform, including how to choose a template, add elements and publish a website. Learn how to choose a template that suits your needs and make basic customization settings. Through the video guide, I learned how to add elements such as text, images, videos, buttons, and how to adjust their position and size.

PANXIANGTING‘s first refelction

2024-05-28 14:11:04 UTC

Through this study, I have learned what CMC is and the difference between CMC and F2F. The advantages and disadvantages between them, and the practicality.

Regarding the study of CMC, first of all, I know its definition, characteristics, and how to choose, so that I have a deeper understanding of CMC and F2F. Simply put, CMC has the advantage of spanning time and space and is suitable for long-distance off-site cooperation. On the other hand, F2F is more suitable for facing a complex and emotional communication problem, because F2F can reduce a lot of expression misunderstandings and possess timeliness. Therefore, we need to realize that when using CMC as a method, we can enhance the communication effect by adding emoticons or enhancing the sense of interaction through video conferencing, and the language expression must be accurate.

Through this study, I feel the great impact of technological advancement on the way of communication. the convenience and efficiency of CMC enable us to work and live more flexibly in the information age, but I also realize that over-reliance on electronic communication may lead to estrangement of interpersonal relationships and misunderstanding in communication. Therefore, I believe we should enjoy the convenience of technology while emphasizing the value of face-to-face communication. In practical application, I will pay more attention to choosing appropriate communication methods, and flexibly utilize CMC and F2F according to different situations and needs, to enhance work efficiency and maintain good interpersonal relationships at the same time. This course has not only enriched my theoretical knowledge but also benefited me in practical operation. In the future, I will apply these knowledge and skills to my practical work in order to improve the communication effect and work efficiency.

PANXIANGTING‘s reflection

2024-05-28 14:45:15 UTC

This time, it was to further enhance the understanding of CMC. By finding the literature related to it by myself and reading it critically, and then communicating and discussing it with my own group members, I was able to deepen my understanding and learning of CMC, and at the same time practiced the ability to work together directly.

Then about the individual critical reading analysis, I chose the article Manifold code-mixing in computer-mediated communication: the use of English in Dutch youths' informal online writing. This article highlights the dynamic nature of Dutch youths' online language use, demonstrating their creativity and ability to integrate elements of English in their communication by reversing a large number of social media messages and discovering that Dutch youths use a mixture of languages in their daily lives. This article explores the behavioral patterns of CMC in detail and illustrates the complexity of the behavioral and social implications of such communication patterns for users. The phenomenon of code mixing is discussed and it is shown how this phenomenon takes different forms and functions in different communicative contexts. It can be found that the use of English in CMC serves a variety of functions, including making the text more speech-like, comprehensible, playful, expressive, and minimizing. This multifaceted use of English helps to achieve a variety of communicative goals in digital interactions.

Through this article, Dutch adolescents are linguistically adaptive and creative. Their ability to seamlessly integrate English into their communication reflects both linguistic and cultural adaptability. This is also due to the fact that the incorporation of English elements in a larger environment such as CMC helps Dutch youth to express modernity and a sense of belonging to a global digital culture.

LIU XIAYU's first reflection

2024-05-29 05:48:15 UTC

In the Computer Mediated Communication (CMC) course, I began by completing an article review assignment. This assignment required us to analyze and review an academic article in depth. This experience gave me a deeper understanding of research methods and theories in the field of CMC. I learned how to critically read and analyze academic literature and understand the authors' research methods, data analysis, and the logic of their conclusions.

Through this article review, I realized that control of details and logical rigor are crucial in academic research. At the same time, I also improved my writing skills and was able to express my opinions and analysis results more clearly. This assignment not only helped me consolidate my theoretical knowledge, but also laid a solid foundation for my future research work.

LIU XIAYU's second reflection

2024-05-29 05:50:41 UTC

Group discussion is another important part of the CMC program. I learned a lot of teamwork skills through cooperation and communication with my group members. The topic of our group discussion was about the content of the article related to the integration of CMC theory and practice, and each member was responsible for a different part, which was then summarized together for discussion and sharing.

During the group discussion, I learned how to effectively distribute tasks and make sure that each member can play to his or her strengths. At the same time, I also realized the importance of listening and respecting others' viewpoints. During the discussion, we often have different views, but through rational communication and mutual understanding, we are eventually able to reach a consensus and develop a more comprehensive and in-depth view.

LIU XIAYU's third reflection

2024-05-29 05:51:56 UTC

We are currently learning how to make websites using Wix. This is my first attempt to design and make a complete website by myself. Through this practice, I have not only mastered the basic operation and functions of Wix, but also understood some basic principles of website design, such as user experience design, page layout and visual effects.

In the process of making a website, I found a lot of details to pay attention to, such as how to choose the right color matching and how to layout to make the page more beautiful and easy to read. This practice made me realize that website design requires not only skills, but also creativity and careful planning.

LIU XIAYU's fourth reflection

2024-05-29 05:53:21 UTC

Through this course, I have come to realize the importance of combining theoretical knowledge with practical exercises. Article review, group discussion and website production are all different forms of learning, but together they have helped me build a complete knowledge system.

Theoretical learning gave me a systematic understanding of CMC, while practical operation allowed me to apply these theories to specific projects. The problems and challenges I encountered in the practical operation prompted me to constantly reflect and improve, which also enabled me to have a deeper understanding of what I learned and the ability to apply it more flexibly.

LIU XIAYU's fifth reflection

2024-05-29 05:54:18 UTC

Taking an overview of the whole course, I have not only improved my professional knowledge, but also practiced and improved my other comprehensive abilities. Article review has improved my academic reading and writing skills; group discussion has enhanced my teamwork and communication skills; while the production of Wix website has improved my technical skills and creative thinking.

This course has given me a chance to develop my all-roundedness, so that I not only gained theoretical knowledge, but also practiced in practical operation and teamwork. I believe these experiences and skills will have a positive impact on my future study and work.

PAN XIANGTING‘s reflection

2024-05-31 13:52:26 UTC

This time it was about working in groups to select two articles for critical reading. Our group chose the articles Code-Mixing in Computer-Mediated Communication: English Use in Dutch Adolescents' Informal Online Writing and Online Behavioral Taxonomy: A Conceptual Framework for Understanding Behavior in Computer-Assisted Communication. With the group discussion, everyone had their own thinking and understanding and were able to explore CMC from different perspectives, while at the same time being able to push us to learn from each other and deepen our understanding of CMC and the learning process.

HE JIAYI‘s reflection1

2024-06-02 06:29:59 UTC

At the outset of the computer-mediated communication course, I had a rudimentary grasp of the fundamental concepts and theoretical framework of this discipline. The field of computer-mediated communication (CMC) primarily concerns itself with the study of interpersonal communication and information exchange facilitated by computers and the Internet. Through the course of my studies, I came to recognize that there are clear distinctions between CMC and traditional face-to-face communication. These include the absence of non-verbal cues, the separation in time and space, and other factors. Nevertheless, computer-mediated communication (CMC) also possesses distinctive advantages, including the capacity to transcend geographical limitations, facilitate rapid information dissemination, and foster robust interactivity.

HE JIAYI‘s reflection2

2024-06-02 06:32:14 UTC

CMC not only alters the manner in which individuals interact with one another, but also has a significant influence on social interaction and organizational communication. The group assignment examined the influence of CMC on social networks, online communities, and virtual teams. For instance, the use of CMC enables individuals to establish and maintain extensive social relationships with relative ease. However, this convenience may also give rise to challenges such as information overload and concerns about privacy security. For organizations, the use of CMC facilitates enhanced communication efficiency and collaboration. However, it is also essential to consider the impact of cultural differences and the necessity for adjustments to communication strategies. As evidenced by the papers reviewed by our group, students tend to prefer face-to-face communication and teaching methods because they perceive them to be more efficient and conducive to direct feedback.

HE JIAYI‘s relfection3

2024-06-02 06:34:51 UTC

The topic of cross-cultural communication is a significant component of the curriculum in the course on computer-mediated communication (CMC). In the context of globalization, cross-cultural communication has become a crucial aspect of modern communication. Through the process of learning, it has become evident that communication habits and values in different cultural contexts may give rise to misunderstandings and conflicts. Consequently, in cross-cultural CMC, it is imperative to prioritize cultural sensitivity and adaptability, cultivate an appreciation for and comprehension of the nuances between different cultures, and implement flexible communication strategies. In the process of recording my personal reflection video, I observed that students from different language environments and cultural backgrounds exhibited disparate interpretations of the same thing or the same sentence. This divergence in interpretation may give rise to diverse thinking, but it may also lead to misunderstandings. In light of the ongoing process of globalization, the field of computer-mediated communication (CMC) is likely to encounter a greater number of challenges.

HE JIAYI's reflection4

2024-06-02 06:36:34 UTC

The CMC course facilitated a more profound comprehension of the ethical and privacy implications of online communication. During the review of an article, our group engaged in discourse pertaining to data privacy, information security, and network ethics. Through these discussions, I acquired the knowledge necessary to protect my privacy and security in an online environment, as well as the understanding of the ethical standards that must be followed when sharing information. This not only enhanced my awareness of security issues but also prompted me to adopt a more cautious and responsible approach to the use of the Internet and digital tools.

HE JIAYI's reflection5

2024-06-02 06:38:06 UTC

In the contemporary information age, individuals are confronted with a vast array of data on a daily basis. I have acquired the ability to effectively manage information overload. The selective attention theory and information filtering techniques have enabled me to enhance my ability to manage and filter information, thereby improving the efficiency of my work and study. This approach is not limited to academic research but also offers significant benefits in the context of information management in daily life. Furthermore, the continuous advancement of technologies such as artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and augmented reality will result in a more diversified and intelligent development trend for CMC. I anticipate continuing to monitor and investigate novel developments in the field of CMC in my future endeavors, and applying the knowledge I have acquired to address the evolving communication landscape and demands.

PAN XIANGTING‘s reflection4

2024-06-06 16:41:59 UTC

My teacher assigned a task to design and develop a website using Wix software, which made me learn about Wix as a software.

First of all, Wix's software interface is friendly and easy to use for novice users. It provides a large number of templates and drag-and-drop editing features, allowing me to quickly build visually appealing and fully functional websites. Moreover, Wix provides many integrated features such as e-commerce, blogs, and reservation systems, which enable websites to have various professional functions to meet different types of business needs in a short period of time. Therefore, I think Wix is a suitable tool for beginners' website building.

PAN XIANGTING‘s reflection5

2024-06-10 12:31:28 UTC

In the information age, CMC has become an indispensable field of study, and understanding and acquiring knowledge in this field is important for information dissemination in modern society. At the same time, practical skills are also crucial, such as the ability to create websites using the Wix platform. In the course of this study, I not only gained theoretical knowledge but also improved my skills through practical operation. In the process of learning, I first mastered the basic theory of computer-mediated communication (CMC), which not only focuses on how information is delivered technologically but also how it affects social interaction, cultural communication, and personal cognition. CMC not only studies the technical aspects but also explores the construction and development of the network society. Through my studies, I have gained insight into the formation of virtual communities, the characteristics of network culture, and the impact of social media on social relationships. These studies made me realize that the network is not only a platform for information dissemination but also an important place for social interaction and cultural construction. When using Wix to create websites, I especially like its high degree of design freedom. By dragging and dropping components and customizing layouts, I was able to precisely control every detail of the site to achieve the desired design effect. Moreover, Wix provides a rich marketplace of templates and applications, making it easy to personalize and extend the functionality of the site. Overall, this CMC and the experience of using Wix to create a website not only gave me practical skills but also a deeper understanding and more comprehensive knowledge of information dissemination and website construction.

IZLEEN SYAKIRAH'S REFLECTION

Izleensya_ — 2024-06-15 16:01:23 UTC

Computer-Mediated Communication class is one of the classes that I have to take and I have my expectations for this class. Since this is a class that has its relation to technology, I expected that I get to learn new things regarding computers and how communication works through them. Based on the Google Drive that was shared with us at the first class meeting, I knew I would get to experience and explore more about Computer-Mediated Communication (CMC) judging from the tasks and assignments that I need to complete. The first class activity that was given to us was to produce a short introduction video and we had to post it into Flipgrid. It was an eye-opener for me as I got to know my other classmates by watching their videos. From this, I know that I will also get to learn and share my knowledge with them throughout the semester.

IZLEEN SYAKIRAH'S REFLECTION

Izleensya_ — 2024-06-15 16:12:32 UTC

Among the assignments that were given to us, the online discussion entries is the first assignment that I have to complete through Flipgrid. We were given two articles and were told to choose only one article to give our responses. This assignment enlightened me about the theories of Computer-Mediated Communication and it was interesting to get to know the theories from the article. For this assignment, I recorded two different videos to give my responses and express my understanding regarding the two theories which are social presence theory and face-to-face communication versus CMC and also media richness and CMC. From the Flipgrid application, I could also listen to my classmates' responses regarding the other theories. Besides reading the article, it was refreshing to get to know other's opinions and it made my learning session more enjoyable.

IZLEEN SYAKIRAH'S REFLECTION

Izleensya_ — 2024-06-15 16:21:26 UTC

After we are done exploring the theories of CMC, we are given a task to give a critical review based on the articles that we have chosen ourselves. For this assignment, I got to work with my other three groupmates and I was excited as I got to share and also discuss my ideas with them. Me and my groupmates have chosen two articles from the Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication and we have to make a video discussion regarding the two articles and write a critical review paper based on them. This assignment has taught me that teamwork is important for us to achieve mutual agreement and it has also taught me that communication is important for us to understand each other ideas so that we can achieve our objectives to complete this assignment. It was a little bit challenging as all of us had our own opinions and ideas but it was overall a fun experience as I got to make new friends.

IZLEEN SYAKIRAH'S REFLECTION

Izleensya_ — 2024-06-15 16:55:22 UTC

The last assignment for us to complete for this class is the e-portfolio which we have to produce by using Wix.com. As this is an individual assignment, we still have to discuss it as a group so that we can share our ideas and help others on how to design our own e-portfolio. The whole process of editing and designing my own e-portfolio was exciting and I had a fun time designing my e-portfolio. This is because, through this assignment, I get to unleash my creativity and use Wix.com as a platform to expose my identity. The colors, design, fonts used and even the pictures or images that I have included in my e-portfolio were the things that I would consider as my personality. Thus, it was an enjoyable memory for me as I got to sit and ponder about the activities and tasks that I have completed throughout the semester for this class.

IZLEEN SYAKIRAH'S REFLECTION

Izleensya_ — 2024-06-15 17:34:38 UTC

Computer-Mediated Communication class has taught me various new things that have helped me to understand CMC. The theories, critical review papers, and e-portfolio assignments, those activities have left me with the knowledge that I get to carry as my lesson. Throughout the class, I also made new friends as this is my first semester and there are new things that I have learned from them. Aside from my classmates, my lecturer Assoc. Prof Dr. Dr Abdul Rahim has also been a great lecturer guiding us throughout the process of completing the assignments. He has been a big helping hand to each of us and I am beyond grateful to have him as my lecturer. Overall, the experiences and memories that I have gained from this class are unforgettable and I have learned great lessons from it.

2025-06-16 15:55:50 UTC

After participating in the Computer Media Communication (CMC) course for the first time, I gained a preliminary understanding of this field and was full of expectations for the future learning content. CMC is ubiquitous in modern society. It is very exciting for me to be able to study this field systematically. I am particularly interested in how to build and maintain interpersonal relationships through CMC. Although CMC has brought many conveniences, there are also some challenges. These problems prompted me to think about how to make better use of CMC tools in daily life. Some theories and concepts mentioned in the course reminded me of my own experiences of using email, social media and instant messaging tools. By combining theory with practice, I have gained a deeper understanding of these tools.

2025-06-16 16:01:19 UTC

In this class we divided into groups and worked with our group members to complete group work. Our task was to analyse two pieces of literature. Before analysing the literature we had a discussion. Each member of the group expressed his or her opinion. It was very interesting for me to learn in this atmosphere of discussion. At the end of the discussion, we wrote critical essays. The two articles were analysed from various perspectives such as ethical purpose of the study, methodology, and object of the study. This group work increased my ability to critique critical essays.

2025-06-16 16:07:20 UTC

This time the task was to create a web page on my own. It was my first time to create a web page and it was a bit of a challenge for me. In order to make a web page, I looked for a lot of find information on how to make a personal page on other websites. How to place the content that I want to upload on the page. At the same time, during the process of making my webpage, I realised that webpage design also implies the way of communication. Its colours, composition, etc. all imply communication.