So, I've just had that epiphany that all graduate students have when they've realized how much work they've signed up for with classes, work, and other personal obligations. Compared to this time last year, i'm not having a panic attack and i'm visibly calm, I think. In times like these, I remember my friend and colleague Thea, who is teaching in Kuwait atm. Breath...... Jesse, Breath..... lol
The class today is just a sampling of what is to come and I am very excited to begin this journey as we continue to learn not only about CALL, but of ESL in general. I like the fact that this class only has nine people in it, most of whom I know. This will definately lower my "affective filter".
But, what I'm really excited about is the fact that this class has a lot to do with my APP topic, which happens to be about listening comprehension in a CALL based environment. Cool, right? Enough for me. :)
I have high hopes that this class will add valuable information to my research and reading that I will be commencing quite shortly, just after my head returns from Costa Rica..... Yes, I'm still in summer mode!
I'm not surprised that the D2L journals are back. I don't mind them, really. I enjoy typing and I can pretty much state my opinion and get feedback on my thoughts. Think of it as a mental peer review every week. I'm very anxious to see the details for the big projects in this class. I'm hoping that I can coordinate my research for this class, with the research I am doing for my APP. Please!!!!!!!!
Until then class,
- Jesse a.k.a. Kimchiwaygook..... don't ask.
It will be really interesting to see the connection between different ways of using CALL and teaching listening comprehension. I think a big part of the "comprehension" comes from being able to negotiate meaning, a lot of that done through extra-linguistic means. How does CALL compensate for that?
ReplyDeleteI'm excited to hear about your perspectives in class as your APP topic is related to mine.
What is your topic, James? To be honest my opinions regarding my topic are few and quite vague. I honestly don't know a whole lot and that is why I'm excited to see the views of various researchers. I'm also going to observe several professors who teach in the GLL to see what they do regarding this area of interest. I'm curious as to what the results will be.
ReplyDeleteAbout my thoughts, I think that listening comprehension can actually be taught better using CALL-classroom due to the plethora of resrouces out there in which students can use to communicate to enhance their language at all levels. One thing that comes to my mind is how effective are CALL-resources at the beginning level of language instruction? Are there varying levels of comprehensability? I hope to find these out, although my research isn't really pertaining to levels of language teaching.
Hi Jesse! I was a bit overwhelmed as well seeing all the assignments listed before us! But, I think we can all work though it together. I also like how small our class is. All of you seem like a close-knit group that is very welcoming. That's great that this class goes so well with your APP topic! I am very interesting in to see how you connect listening comprehension and CALL. Maybe, the tool you use for our technology tool demonstration could deal with that area. I would like to hear more sometime on your Costa Rica adventure :) It sounds like it was a great time.
ReplyDeleteI have never had to keep a blog for a class before, but I have to agree that I am liking the idea right away.
Jesse I think, you are very luck. When Esther was talking about CALL on Thursday I remebered that we did our research project on CALL last semester. I have come to realize that technology is rapidly advancing in to our daily lives as teachers and students and I believe that the more we learn about it the better. It was a little overwhelming to learn about many things at a go, but it is worth doing.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the comments everyone!
ReplyDeleteMandy - Costa Rica was wickedly exciting! Add me on facebook so you can look at my pics! I've just begun researching my topic and am looking for comparisons in traditional listening teaching methods and how they correlate in CALL-based classes. I think the results will be surprising.
Dira - I think that to study CALL in and of itself, you have to accept the premise that you will never know everything. It's impossible. With the advent of the internet and various language learning programs, not even the most advanced professional in the field of CALL/SLA or TESL would know the answer to most or every question that comes up in class. For me, listening is my own little niche in the world of technology that I hope to become a semi-expert in by the time i'm finished researching. :)
"Dira - I think that to study CALL in and of itself, you have to accept the premise that you will never know everything. It's impossible. With the advent of the internet and various language learning programs, not even the most advanced professional in the field of CALL/SLA or TESL would know the answer to most or every question that comes up in class."
ReplyDeleteWell said.
I understand that Jesse. I got tons of things to do this year (contrast to last year), and thank God I am doing my Portfolio. I hope you could gain some useful insights while observing other professor's online class.
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