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Yaffa's comment
Dear Majeda.
Your lesson summary is indeed throriugh. I believe that integrating computers in the Enlglish language classroom is essential and has almost become a "must". Obviously, it should be complimentary and not the ultimate medium. However, teachers should take the advatage of it and use it wisely. For example with the instruction of new vocab. taught through the computers, this should be integrated and 'recycled' again and again. - Yaffa

Raz-kids.com
I forgot to say that this site, The "Raz-kids.com" site, is the winner of a 2009 Teachers' Choice Award for the family, and was a 2009 CODIE award finalist! Moreover, you can get a free 7-day trial!

Raz-kids.com
Dear Majeda!
Thanks for your thorough lesson summary! As you may know I work with pupils on a one to one level and as such I can differentiate my teaching easily! As a matter of fact, dealing with heterogeneity in class was always one of my biggest challenges, since it is so obvious that each and every kid deserves to get tailored sized education. While working on a one to one level I discovered a site with leveled readers, called "readinga-z.com". It has endless amounts of leveled readers available from the very first alphabet lessons to more intricate and complex texts, and is a nice example of closed software. "Readinga-z.com" is part of a series of an educational website called "Learninga-z.com" which yields another site called "Raz-kids.com": an excellent site for reading on-line. On this site pupils can read according to their level, receive pronunciation and vocabulary help and record their reading, while teachers can follow up on their activities. The only problem I found is the fact that it costs a bit of money, but the cost is relatively low considering the fact that it buys differentiated reading instruction for all. In my eyes, "Raz-Kids.com" makes the most out of the potentially powerful but actually underused medium. You can get acquainted with the site by using the following link: [[ http://www.raz-kids.com/]]/

Nour's reflection
Thanks Majeda for the clear summary. I agree with Manal that teaching through computers should not be an ultimate medium. Teachers can compensate what computers do not provide by the choice of tasks in the classroom. even when using computer programs teachers should choose what really interest their students and take into account the learning benifits. I used to choose internet sites for my daughter to use but she didn't always like what I chose. I thin it will be benificial if teacher checked what works with a sample group of the class or people in the studens' age.

Good summary-Anat Shoseyov
Dear Madjeda
you wrote a clear and organized summary which contains everything. I wish to add some information about a software I use in class to practice reading and listening skills: it is called ABC kiDS (There is also an Internet site under this name but they charge you).

Manal Khalaila
Dear Majeda,
Thank you for you summary.
I know that using computers in the classroom may be problematic for some teachers, as many mentioned in the last session. However, I think that teachers can take advantage of the positive aspects of computers, like motivating learners to read and write English, and compensate for what they think computers lack. For example, if a teacher sees that computer tasks are plain drilling tasks, the teacher can let the students perform these tasks and then the teacher can design a more communicative task for the learner to do in class without the use of computers. I don't think that we should look at the issue as all or nothing. I think that integrating computers can be a beneficial experience for both the teacher and pupil. Teachers can choose simple tasks they can handle and pupils would still love it.

Lesson Summary
Lesson Summary CALL session 3
Summarized by Majeda Hallak
What problems do we encounter when trying to use technology?
According to the literature the problems we encounter when using CALL are the following:
1)Hardware
· Purchasing is expensive
· Choosing the right computers
· Where to keep them
· To have somebody constantly looking after them, they tend break down or have problems.
· Maintenance can be quite expensive
2) Software
· It costs money
· The quality is not always that great, and you have a very wide selection, which actually makes finding the right product much more difficult.
· What kind of software to buy
· Integrating the software into the curriculum is an issue. How do we make it a regular part of teaching?
· How to use it efficiently
· Software is not always user friendly for teachers nor for students.
3) Teachers
Teachers' training is certainly an issue. Many teachers don't know how to use computers properly. Very often we discover there is a covert (hidden) opposition. On the part of teachers; they don't come out and say “I don't like computers” or “I refuse to use computers”. On the contrary, teachers say they would use computers but they find excuses. Also they don't want to make the effort because they are afraid of them.
The overt opposition is relatively easy to deal with. Teachers are overworked, thus there is lack of motivation because integrating computer technology into the curriculum means extra work.
4) Pupils
· Concerning personal issues there are many differences between pupils.
· Financial problems. Some pupils don't have computers so teachers can't ask them to write emails.
· There are differences in ability and weak students might feel frustrated.
· Students have different learning styles. Some students really learn well with computers and some do not.
Computer in Education Today
There exist different types of use for computers:
1)'closed' software
Where the computers ask questions and they expect a specific answer. They also give feedback like: "Yes you are right" or "No you are wrong"
For example: the sentence " The doctor her patient."
Students are expected to add the verb “examines” to reinforce the use of present simple.
Closed software is used mainly for vocabulary and grammar review because there are closed questions and answers.
Pedagogically speaking closed software is based on behaviorism and on structural approach to second language acquisition which bases language acquisition on the learning of structures and grammar; making vocabulary secondary. This approach was prevalent in the sixties and the early seventies.
The advantages of closed software
· It is suitable for drilling. It can make the drills, which tend to be boring, a little bit more interesting by using colors, music and pictures.
· It gives feedback
· It can be varied
The disadvantages of using closed software
· There's only one correct answer e.g. The past simple of “go” is “went”.
· Students are limited in their answer.
· They don't generate their own thoughts and abilities.
· They are not creative.
· The computers don't explain why this answer is right
· They accept only one answer.
· Students have no opportunity to elaborate and express an opinion.
2) Open software
It gives the task, data, learning environment and doesn't expect specific answers. For example: CD ROMs with all sort of information on them.
In CALL in language teaching we might use stimulation, problem solving activities and so on. Pupils are expected to construct their knowledge. Pedagogically speaking it is based on cognitive psychology and on the constructivist approach where students are expected to structure their own knowledge.
The advantages of open software
· it's very often an attractive use of multimedia
· its flexibility.
· The teacher sets the aim and assesses the product.
The disadvantages of open software
· It's simply a lot of work when teachers check and assess.
3) Data bases
Here we don't do a task, as the data base is simply a source of information. For example: The Britannica, Encarta and so on. In CALL in language teaching this provides the opportunity for authentic task. The computer provides the data and the teacher assigns the authentic task like a corpus.
The advantages of data bases
· They provides the data
· They are attractive because of the use of multimedia
· They provide the pupils with rich and dependable data.
· They are flexible and you can do whatever you like with them.
The disadvantages of using data bases
· The level may be too high for language learners
· We don't always find what we need.
· The data base we get might not be suitable for all pupils
4) Computer applications
These provide a working environment like office and its tools like word, power point, excel. In CALL in language teaching they provide an opportunity for authentic tasks, just like a data base.
The advantages of computer applications
· You have maximum flexibility, you can do anything you like projects
· They improve writing abilities and thinking abilities as well.
The Disadvantages of compute applications
· Not all pupils are skilled in all applications
· There might be big differences between pupils’ approach or ability
· There might be technical problems.
5) The Internet
This is basically a way of accessing information quickly, easily and cheaply anywhere anytime.
The advantages of the internet
· Its diversity; you can go virtually anywhere and do anything
· It is really "cool", as the kids like to say
· It has positive connotations
· Pupils like to work online
The disadvantages of the internet
· Students may misuse it
· It is not always a reliable source of information
· It is hard for a teacher to manage the class
6) Learning communities (computer mediated communication-CMC)
It is what brings people together like emails, chat, forums, ICQ, face book, illuminated sessions, and video conferencing and so on.
In CALL in language teaching this might provide an opportunity for authentic social interaction either in writing or in speaking.
Pedagogically it is based on the communicative approach and on the humanistic approach to second language acquisition which emphasizes the relationships between people.
The advantages of learning communities
· It allows social interaction anytime anyplace
The disadvantages of learning communities
· You do not know the people you are talking to
· There is the element of mystery
Computer in TEFL (in the four skills)
1) Writing
Using word processor in teaching EFL
2) Writing and Editing – using word processors
Students write their assignments by hand and the teachers do most of the editing. Then teachers make their students rewrite them with their corrections incorporated. As a result students see it as a punishment and they do not take responsibility and they expect the teachers to take responsibility.
When teachers use word processor, editing becomes natural and quicker.
Research shows that when using word processor, the students editing skills improve. Also they become more creative and they do not worry about making mistakes. Research also shows that the students dare to try and write.
3) Presentation
It is much nicer to present completed assignments to the pupils or to the teacher when the assignments are written neatly and correctly, using pictures and colors which make them more impressive.
4) Listening and Speaking
Students can listen to YouTube
Teachers can encourage their students to record themselves and hand it to their teachers.
5) Reading
Teachers can teach reading skills through:
· Sequencing
· Separating texts and doing things with them.
· Summary techniques
· Reading online stories like http://www.starfall.com/ and http://learnenglishkids.britishcouncil.org/en/short-stories

Lesson summary of January, 16
Lesson Summary CALL session 3
Summarized by Majeda Hallak

What problems do we encounter when trying to use technology?
According to the literature the problems we encounter when using CALL are the following:

1)Hardware
• Purchasing is expensive
• Choosing the right computers
• Where to keep them
• To have somebody constantly looking after them, they tend break down or have problems.
• Maintenance can be quite expensive

2) Software
• It costs money
• The quality is not always that great, and you have a very wide selection, which actually makes finding the right product much more difficult.
• What kind of software to buy
• Integrating the software into the curriculum is an issue. How do we make it a regular part of teaching?
• How to use it efficiently
• Software is not always user friendly for teachers nor for students.

3) Teachers
Teachers' training is certainly an issue. Many teachers don't know how to use computers properly. Very often we discover there is a covert (hidden) opposition. On the part of teachers; they don't come out and say “I don't like computers” or “I refuse to use computers”. On the contrary, teachers say they would use computers but they find excuses. Also they don't want to make the effort because they are afraid of them.
The overt opposition is relatively easy to deal with. Teachers are overworked, thus there is lack of motivation because integrating computer technology into the curriculum means extra work.

4) Pupils
• Concerning personal issues there are many differences between pupils.
• Financial problems. Some pupils don't have computers so teachers can't ask them to write emails.
• There are differences in ability and weak students might feel frustrated.
• Students have different learning styles. Some students really learn well with computers and some do not.


Computer in Education Today

There exist different types of use for computers:

1)'closed' software
Where the computers ask questions and they expect a specific answer. They also give feedback like: "Yes you are right" or "No you are wrong"
For example: the sentence " The doctor her patient."
Students are expected to add the verb “examines” to reinforce the use of present simple.
Closed software is used mainly for vocabulary and grammar review because there are closed questions and answers.
Pedagogically speaking closed software is based on behaviorism and on structural approach to second language acquisition which bases language acquisition on the learning of structures and grammar; making vocabulary secondary. This approach was prevalent in the sixties and the early seventies.

The advantages of closed software
• It is suitable for drilling. It can make the drills, which tend to be boring, a little bit more interesting by using colors, music and pictures.
• It gives feedback
• It can be varied

The disadvantages of using closed software
• There's only one correct answer e.g. The past simple of “go” is “went”.
• Students are limited in their answer.
• They don't generate their own thoughts and abilities.
• They are not creative.
• The computers don't explain why this answer is right
• They accept only one answer.
• Students have no opportunity to elaborate and express an opinion.

2) Open software
It gives the task, data, learning environment and doesn't expect specific answers. For example: CD ROMs with all sort of information on them.
In CALL in language teaching we might use stimulation, problem solving activities and so on. Pupils are expected to construct their knowledge. Pedagogically speaking it is based on cognitive psychology and on the constructivist approach where students are expected to structure their own knowledge.

The advantages of open software
• it's very often an attractive use of multimedia
• its flexibility.
• The teacher sets the aim and assesses the product.

The disadvantages of open software
• It's simply a lot of work when teachers check and assess.




3) Data bases
Here we don't do a task, as the data base is simply a source of information. For example: The Britannica, Encarta and so on. In CALL in language teaching this provides the opportunity for authentic task. The computer provides the data and the teacher assigns the authentic task like a corpus.

The advantages of data bases
• They provides the data
• They are attractive because of the use of multimedia
• They provide the pupils with rich and dependable data.
• They are flexible and you can do whatever you like with them.

The disadvantages of using data bases
• The level may be too high for language learners
• We don't always find what we need.
• The data base we get might not be suitable for all pupils

4) Computer applications
These provide a working environment like office and its tools like word, power point, excel. In CALL in language teaching they provide an opportunity for authentic tasks, just like a data base.

The advantages of computer applications
• You have maximum flexibility, you can do anything you like projects
• They improve writing abilities and thinking abilities as well.

The Disadvantages of compute applications
• Not all pupils are skilled in all applications
• There might be big differences between pupils’ approach or ability
• There might be technical problems.

5) The Internet
This is basically a way of accessing information quickly, easily and cheaply anywhere anytime.

The advantages of the internet
• Its diversity; you can go virtually anywhere and do anything
• It is really "cool", as the kids like to say
• It has positive connotations
• Pupils like to work online

The disadvantages of the internet
• Students may misuse it
• It is not always a reliable source of information
• It is hard for a teacher to manage the class

6) Learning communities (computer mediated communication-CMC)
It is what brings people together like emails, chat, forums, ICQ, face book, illuminated sessions, and video conferencing and so on.
In CALL in language teaching this might provide an opportunity for authentic social interaction either in writing or in speaking.
Pedagogically it is based on the communicative approach and on the humanistic approach to second language acquisition which emphasizes the relationships between people.

The advantages of learning communities
• It allows social interaction anytime anyplace

The disadvantages of learning communities
• You do not know the people you are talking to
• There is the element of mystery


Computer in TEFL (in the four skills)

1) Writing
Using word processor in teaching EFL

2) Writing and Editing – using word processors
Students write their assignments by hand and the teachers do most of the editing. Then teachers make their students rewrite them with their corrections incorporated. As a result students see it as a punishment and they do not take responsibility and they expect the teachers to take responsibility.
When teachers use word processor, editing becomes natural and quicker.
Research shows that when using word processor, the students editing skills improve. Also they become more creative and they do not worry about making mistakes. Research also shows that the students dare to try and write.

3) Presentation
It is much nicer to present completed assignments to the pupils or to the teacher when the assignments are written neatly and correctly, using pictures and colors which make them more impressive.

4) Listening and Speaking
Students can listen to YouTube
Teachers can encourage their students to record themselves and hand it to their teachers.

5) Reading
Teachers can teach reading skills through:
• Sequencing
• Separating texts and doing things with them.
• Summary techniques
• Reading online stories like http://www.starfall.com/ and http://learnenglishkids.britishcouncil.org/en/short-stories