Overall Reflection

Alhamdulillah praise to Allah SWT now we have come to the final post of our blog which is the overall reflection. Million of thanks to our lecturer Dr Rozina for the guidance, love and passion in teaching us. May Allah shower His bless upon our beloved Dr. Rozina. Truthfully, at first we thought that this assignment that she asks us to do will be burdensome and tiring. However, after we managed to complete all of the assignments, we realized that the reason why she wants us to do this blog is she wants us to understand better about what we have learnt in class. In addition, in the end of this project we managed to instill the Islamization of Knowledge not only in the courses that we took but also in the current issues that happened around us.



We also agree that by submitting the assignments online, it do help us to save our time and money as well. Plus, it is an excellence way to share the knowledge and information not only for our classmates but also to the readers outside there.

Through this project, we also realized that teamwork is essential in completing the task.This task really tested our ability to cooperate in finishing the task given and try to grasp the essence of the subject within stipulated time.  We learn that one should bear the responsibility not only as a student but also as a slave of Allah. As Allah mention in the first ayah, Iqra (read).

Last but not least, in the end of this blog project, we realized that we as Muslim students, studying Western and Secular course have the obligation to be able to bring out the best of both worlds. As mention in the benefits of CALL in learning language, students will be able to gain higher order thinking whereby they must filter and synthesize the knowledge and information that they gathered before they agree and follow the knowledge.

Reflection: Forensic Linguistics

Dear reader, in today’s class we have learnt about an interesting branch of applied linguistics which is forensic Linguistics. Forensic Linguistics is as a study that analyzes and measures the language in context with crime, judicial procedure or disputes in law, including preparation and giving of written and oral evidences.

As we learn about it, we found that Forensic Linguistics is interesting yet challenging. In the end of the class, we discover that language can also be one of the medium in crime solving.

Reflection: Concordancer

Dear reader, now we move on to concordance which is also part of Corpus Linguistics. What is a concordancer? A concordancer is a piece of software, either installed on a computer or accessed through a website, which can be used to search, access and analyse language from a corpus. They can be particularly useful in exploring the relationships between words and can give us very accurate information about the way language is authentically used.

How can a concordancer benefits us?

•We can check that the uses and collocations of words we are teaching are the most frequent, up to date and correct.

•We can find authentic examples to demonstrate and reinforce the language we are teaching.

•We can use them to create our own worksheets based on authentic materials.

If you want to try a concordancer, you can visit this link:

http://www/Papyr.com/applets/concordancer

Reflection: Corpus Linguistics

Assalamualaikum w.b.t…hello reader! How are you? We hope that you are in the pink of health and showered by the blessings of Allah SWT. Dear reader, do you know what corpus linguistics is? In today’s class, Dr Rozina gives a lecture about what corpus linguistics is all about. A corpus is a collection of samples of a language as used in real life, in writing and/or speech. The importance of corpora to language study is aligned to the importance of empirical data.

What Corpus Linguistics Does

·         Enables the study of wider patterns and collocation of words.

• Facilitates the study of the second language. Study of the second language with the use of natural language allows the students to get a better “feeling” for the language and learn the language like it is used in real rather than “invented” situations.
  

What Corpus Linguistics Does Not

• Does not explain why. The study of corpora tells us what and how happened but it does not tell us why the frequency of a particular word has increased over time for instance.
• Does not represent the entire language

To summarize, Corpus Linguistics helps the students to learn more about the language. J It is also helps us to understand the meaning of the Al-Quran better. It is important to note that Al-Quran is a book of wisdom and guidance to the real path. In order to become a better Muslim, one should learn and try to understand the real meaning behind the beautiful ayah in Al-Quran J

Reflection 6: What is Computer Mediated Communication?

CMC or Computer Mediated Communication is defined as any communicative transaction that occurs through the use of two or more networked computers. While the term has traditionally referred to those communications that occur via computer-mediated formats (e.g., instant messages, e-mails, chat rooms), it has also been applied to other forms of text-based interaction such as text messaging.

CMC can be divided into synchronous and asynchronous modes. In synchronous communications all participants are online at the same time (e.g. IRC), while asynchronous communications occurs with time constraints. (e.g. email). People choose asynchronous communication like email for delayed, controlled and longer messages. They also prefer email for negative emotion as they are distant from the receiver ("shielding" effect). On the other hand, people prefer synchronous communication like IM for immediate good news. They also use it because they can multitask while talking.

The other side of Computer Mediated Communication.

Social networking within communities can have a profound effect on the way our lives play out. There will be evidence shown that adolescents’ interacting on social networks can lead to negative and unrestrained behavior in online communities which impacts their future and communities in a harmful way. The effect of social networks impacting communities globally has become apparent in the last 10 years as social networks begin, expand and in some cases end. Exploring the social world online has led to many adolescents exhibiting uncontrolled and unscrupulous online behavior. The increase in inappropriate disclosure of personal information and content on social networking sites has highlighted the need for conscientious parental guidance and adolescent awareness of the long term effects of online communications. Statistics from a range of sources suggest social networking among teenagers can have a negative effect when used without caution and restraint and can undermine their future prospects.

Communications occurring via mediated communication can stimulate online self-disclosure. According to this theory of hyper-personal communication (Walther, 1996) via computer-mediated-communication (CMC), it is typically characterized by reduced visual, auditory, and contextual cues (e.g. social status cues). A consequence of these reduced cues is that CMC users become less concerned about how others perceive them and feel fewer inhibitions in disclosing intimate information (Valkenbury and Peter, 2009). Therefore, adolescents communicating online feel free to contextualize their emotions without thought to how people associated in their network will perceive it. The issue of interest brought out by this theory is information teenagers disclose in their online life, how is it affecting their face-to-face communication with peers and influencing their future.

Reflection 5: The Benefits of CALL in Language Skills LSRWG

Questions:

(i). How can teachers/learners use technological  resources to support learning objectives?
CALL can contribute to enhancing a learner's language grasp on several different levels as it acts both as a tutor and a tool. As a tutor, CALL assumes the role of a teacher for the students, thus . While as a tool, CALL works as an aid for the teacher in a learning environment. For example, using a CALL program, language learners can work at their own pace. They can spend more time on topics they find difficult. And this makes the learner feel in control of their learning progress, thus stimulating a satisfaction for them that increases motivation.

(ii). To what extent do these resources enhance learning?
Using CALL programs, language learners have more personal control over their cognitive load during a lesson hence, thus enriching their learning process more.

Reflection 4: The Benefits Of CALL in Language Skills

In this era of digital, many works are effectively done with the help of computer. CALL in learning language skills benefits the students in many ways. It will shape the students in becoming a creative thinker whereby CALL helps the students to enhance their higher order thinking skills and create the students to become independent learners, better in recalling information and improve students’ self-concept.

 Higher order thinking skills
By using computer as tools, student can get access a lot of information.  For example, when studying Literature, there will be a lot of information provided on the internet. The students have to filter and synthesize the information in order to verify which one is the most reliable information. The process of filtering and synthesizing sharpen students’ mind to become a creative and critical thinker.

Independent Learners
CALL in learning language will shape the students to become independent learners. For example, they will use the search engines available in order to gather the information needed. Furthermore, CALL also benefits the long distance learners because they will use computer a lot in order to interact with their group members, classmates and lecturers as well.

Better Recall
The computer as well as the internet provides a lot of illustrated information for the learners. According to the research, illustration helps learners’ memory in recalling the information that they have read. Moreover in learning subject, the students need some stimulation in order to grasp the essence of the subject.

Improvement of Self-Concept
By using CALL in learning language skills, it will helps the students to improve their self-concept whereby they will become more confident and independent in accomplishing the task given. In addition, it will also help the students in developing their computer skills. Unlimited network will shapes the students to become more open-minded because they will share their ideas and compare it with others’ on the internet.

To conclude, by using CALL in learning language skills, students will be able to improve their self in many ways. The students will become more creative and critical in learning the language and they also can improve their self-concept and method in learning.

Reflection 3: Islamization of Knowledge

 

' Proclaim! (Read) in the name of your Lord and Cherisher, Who created,...' Surah Al-Alaq 96:1


Seeking knowledge is obligatory upon every Muslim as the first ayah revealed to our beloved Prophet Muhammad s.a.w in Surah Al-Alaq/ Iqra which means proclaim or read.  There is a hadith from al-Tarmidhi which emphasizes the importance of seeking knowledge;

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: "Seeking knowledge in (the company of others) for an hour in the night is better than spending the whole night in prayer." - Al-Tirmidhi, Hadith 91

According to the hadith above it is crystal clear that seeking knowledge is vital upon every Muslim. In every subject or course that we learn in school, college or university, we as a Muslim should look the extract of the subject from both perspectives which are from Western view and later on we have to understand the subject from Islamic perspective. As in today's challenging world, one should hold onto the teaching of Islam and should have a lot of knowledge not only about worldly matter but also akhirah. As a good Muslim, one should filter the information that he get in order to confirm the reliability of the information. In short, with knowledge, one can be one step closer to Allah S.W.T

Reflection 2: E-Portfolio

           
          E-portfolio is a digitized collection of artifacts, including demonstrations, resources, and accomplishments that represent an individual, group, community, organization, or institution. This collection can be comprised of text-based, graphic, or multimedia elements archived on a Web site or another electronic media. E-portfolios can also be defined as personalized, Web-based collections of work, responses to work, and reflections that are used to demonstrate key skills and accomplishments for a variety of contexts and time periods.

          An e-portfolio is more than a simple collection, however; it can also serve as an administrative tool to manage and organize work created with different applications and control that can see or discuss the work. The benefits of an e-portfolio typically derive from the exchange of ideas and feedback between the author and those who view and interact with the e-portfolio. In addition, the author’s personal reflection on the work inside an e-portfolio helps create a meaningful learning experience.

          Below are the examples of e-portfolio: 

 

Reflection 1: The History of CALL

 

     As computers have become a widespread learning tool in schools, the necessity for computer literacy has also become obvious. Hence this has spark an interest in language teachers too also start using the new technologies as their pedagogical approach tool in their teaching methods. CALL thus has provided an incredible boost in offering a wide variety of educational programs, resources, multimedia software programs and computer software tutorials (grammar drills, vocabulary, listening and pronunciation exercises etc).

     The first field of CALL has straddled since the 1960's and the 1970's and it underwent through three important phases; the Behaviorist phase, the Communicative phase and the Integrative phase. The Behaviorist CALL was implemented in the 1960's and the 1970's, so as  proposed by B.F. Skinner in (1957), Behaviorist Call emphasizes behaviorist learning methods where the computer is seen as a mechanical tutor to the learner and alongside creating an environment that stimulates the learning process. The principal use of Behaviorist Call is the drill and practice methodology. For Behaviorist, they believe that the learners are passive; the learners will only acquire new information in a structured environment that will stimulate them. In other words, the learners should be stimulated again and again in order for them to acquire new information and this comes in form of: dialogues and pattern drills, grammar translation, audio-lingual teaching and etc.

     Communicative CALL (multimedia) however is more process oriented than product oriented; more interested in knowing, 'How did they acquire the (example) grammar?, than, 'Did they acquire grammar? Yes or no'. Seeing that Communicative CALL encourages learners to their own learning discovery (learner-centered approach), Communicative CALL programs provides skill practice in a non-drill format; language games, reading and text reconstruction. For example in spelling and grammar exercises, instead of giving them the rules, the learners should also know how to use the rules and thus produce their own sentences and utterances. In this phase, the computer is still used as a mechanical tool but it gives the learners their own choices, control and interaction in order for them to make their own environment to stimulate their learning process.

     In the current Integrative CALL (Internet) phase by Warshaver (1996), technology based multimedia computer is integrated in the learning process. It is a task-based, a content-based and a project-based Integrative CALL method that combines text, graphic, sound, animation and video in a learner-learner interaction learning environment. Computer are used only as a tool for interactive communication for the learners. For example, learners can interact with other native language learners via international or local network by accessing virtual chatrooms (Skype, Facebook etc).

    To conclude, CALL suggests that the computer can serve a variety of uses for language teaching and learning. It can be a mechanical tutor which offers language drills and skill practice, a stimulus for discussion and interaction, and  a tool for writing and research. And with the advent of the Internet, it can also be a medium of global communication for the learners to interact with other native learners, and also as an easy-access library filled with limitless sources and materials.