Week 2: The Hidden Knowledge of Technology

Read article: "Effectiveness of the Integration of Ict tools and Activities to Foster Awareness as the First Stage to Reach Learning Autonomy " (Ariza & Suárez, 2013).

Karla Diaz

Rate: * * * * * 5

My initial reaction of this article was that even when the use of technology in the classroom facilitates somehow the development of a subject, teachers’ intention is to help students to be aware of what they are learning and how they learn it. I found interesting the fact that for every single task a teacher gives, there is a reason behind it, and that reason is the development to reach learning autonomy. It had happened to me, when I have a task, I unconsciously take control of what I have to do, what I need to search first and how much time I have to dedicate it. Finally, despite of the grade you might have; at the end of your assignment the feeling of reward and self-satisfaction is priceless.  Teachers do not expect the highest score; they expect that students can have a practical experience by using all technological resources, which at the end the main focus is the commitment and attitude of improve their learning.

Reading this article now makes me think about the huge effort a teacher puts to deliver a subject. It is not a matter how teachers plan their lessons, it is a matter that they teach students to be independent and autonomous. This reading has been useful because I have found another term “plethora” which I read it means an excessive amount of something. I still have questions about the relation of this word; however, I will be more than glad to read if someone knows about this term, but if I find the answer, I will share it. 

Week 1: The Importance of CALL

Karla Diaz

Rate: * * * * 4

What surprised me in this article was the term CALL (Computers and Language Learning). I read that this term had been since the 1960’s; however, I had not any idea about what this acronym was about. Computers and language learning has developed the manner of how teachers encourage students to acquire a second language. This article is indeed useful because clarifies the erroneous belief that computers might substitute a teacher. This assumption is considered wrong because according of the current practices and research that several authors have made; the quality of teaching and learning the target language can be approached with the blending of technology.  

Something I want to remember from this article are the advantages of the usage of CALL in the learning process, such as the fun factor to motivate language learning, a cooperative environment stimulating interaction with others, the necessity of apply a corresponding language in computer- assisted discussions, and the benefits of improve the four main skills (reading, listening, speaking and writing). The target language can be reached with the help of software and programs that will enhance a particularly skill. For example, to improve writing skill, there are a variety of programs that helps to correct any misspelling word. Also, to improve speaking and listening, it can be used interactive video programs where the movements of the lips can be watched. This information is helpful to our future learning because as future teachers, it is mandatory been trained in how to use technology and how to apply it into the acquisition of the target language.