Life in Quarantine - The Breakdown

A pandemic outbreak, happen once in every 100 years, hit right in the spot of my youth heart. By the time I'm writing this, it's been more than 70 days of quarantine. Crazy number, isn't it? While the number of quarantine days is increasing, the number of people contracting the virus each day has never been stepping lower. All the prayers and best wishes go to them. 

My days at home? No great moment. I'm a type of person who is always looking for a chance to go outside. Before the pandemic outbreak, it was a must to "lepak mamak" with my friends (5-10 people at a time) from evening to early morning. Deep inside my heart, I miss them so much. But with this pandemic getting crazier day by day, the hope of going back into that norm is almost to none. Weird world, changes human in a blink of an eye, without warning. 

Getting out from bed at afternoon, turn on my PC, do some assignment, have some entertainment, play some PUBG Mobile, and sleep in the early morning. It is sick. Thank God I'm staying at home with my family around me. Seeing them everyday is great thing. Now, my prayers go to my friends that's far from home. God's willing, we will see the better day. 

Hold tight. This ride is a crazy ride. We are going to go through this together. No people will be left behind. This fight is hard, but winnable. For the front liners, stay strong. You are the real heroes, stronger than Man of Steel, taller than the Hulk, and wiser than the Dark Knight. Loves and wishes go to you guys. Thank you.

Instructional Design

Instructional design is the mixes of behaviourist and constructivist learning theory. It consists of figuring out the needs of the learning, defining the learning objectives and creating some intervention to achieve objectives. It can defined as,

"a systematic process that is employed to develop education and training programs in a consistent and reliable fashion." - (Reiser, Dempsey, 2017)

&

"It may be thought of as a framework for developing modules or lessons." - (Merrill, Drake, Lacy, Pratt, 1996)

Instructional design also related to CALL as it involves creating computer courseware for learning. However, it acts as a supplement or support to lesson not as a complete replacement. It involves in creation of syllabus, planning of lesson, material selection and adaptation and planning of implementation and intervention.

ADDIE model is a framework for the development of instructional coursework

It involves:

• analysis - identifies the objectives, learners level and needs
• design - identify and develop plans & strategies targeted to achieve the project goals
• development - create & assemble content & assets based on the blueprint in the design phase
• implementation - develop procedures for the implementation of the courseware
• evaluation - evaluate impact of the software

Podcast: Uncle Review - Chicken Burgers Edition - Azhar, Abu, Adam

Podcast

For this week we've been introduced to a new application called podcast. Technically it is not something new as we've used and heard about it before.
Podcast is an audio and/or video file that can be broadcasted via the internet. It also can be downloaded to a computer or mobile device. The term 'podcast' comes from iPod and broadcast.

Podcast is useful for language leaner as students can:

• listen to existing podcasts
• create their own podcasts 

The best thing about podcast is it is super easy to produce. Basically you only need a voice recorder which is already in your smartphone and that's all. Well you also need an idea, duh. And if you want to make it extra you can edit it using audacity or any online audio editor like Bandlab.

Then, you can upload it on any online channel like YouTube, iTunes, SoundCloud or even blog. Personally, I love to listen to podcast on Spotify.

Computer Mediated Communication (CMC)

On our previous class, we have been introduced to CMC. CMC is an acronym for Computer Mediated Communication. This topic is closely related to topic CALL as it is a part of CALL.
CMC is form of communication or interaction between two or more people via separate computers through network connection. There are two types of CMC:

1. Synchronous 
2. Asynchronous

CMC in education started in the late 80's and 90's with the introduction of communicative CALL. It became widespread with the use of e-mail and forums. In fact, Internet Chat Rooms in the mid 90s allowed direct communications which allows synchronous CMC. In addition, CMC is implemented for long-distance teaching/learning in the late 2000s. Synchronous communications allow teacher teacher and learner to interact without being in the same location. It can be conducted through video conferencing and e-tutoring. Plus, e-lectures also become popular as short courses are available over the internet.

CMC aids in computer-supported collaborative learning. This is due to the ability of computer to enhance peer interactions and group work. Not only discussion but also collaborative production of works and problem solving. The examples are:

We can found many advantages of CMC like:

• no distance barrier
• mitigates time as a barrier
• makes collaborations much easier
• social influences and detriments are reduced or eliminated

However, there are also drawbacks that can be found such as:

• inhibitions related to the use of technology
• problems with access to technology
• lack of socio-emotional and non-verbal cue
• lack of real human contact

Web Appication: Powtoon

Computer Assisted Language Learning (CALL)

On our last class, we have learned about CALL.
And I don't mean calling somebody on the phone or calling your friend from across the room.
CALL is an acronym for Computer Assisted Language Learning.
The topic is about how it is sound. Computer is used as an assistant in learning language. There are various types of CALL:

• CALL-specific software (online, CD)
• Web-based learning materials (website, blogs)
• Generic software (presentation software, spreadsheet)
• Computer-mediated communication (synchronous & asynchronus chat)

CALL is not something new, it has been used back in the 60s and has been improvised according to the latest technology.

Progression of CALL is as below:

Behaviourist        ➩         Communicative        ➩          Integrative 

	Behaviouristic	Communicative	Integrative
Characteristics	Based on behaviourist  learning theory Audio-lingual method The computer is the ultimate teachers aid Aimed to transfer textbooks and worksheets to computer based application	·       1970s - 1980s ·        Focused on language > perfect grammar ·       Teaches grammar implicitly rather than explicitly ·       Allows students to generate their own original utterance ·       Creates an environment where the usage of language becomes natural ·       Computer as tutor: -       Language games, text reconstructions, paced reading, pronunciation practice -       Students have more control, choice and interaction in answering -       Computer gives guidance but does not judge students -       E.g – Pronunciation Coach, Rosetta Stone ·       Computer as Stimulus -       stimulate student discussions, writing and critical thinking -       designed to train problem solving skills -       Games designed around the concept of ESL or critical thinking ·       Computer as a Tool -       the use of generic software as tools for language learning -       empowers students to use and understand the language -       E.g – Word Processor, Excel Spreadsheets and Publisher	The integration of real-world materials into CALL Began with the use of CD-ROMs to store large amounts of authentic media that can be used as materials Became popular with the development of high speed internet and widely accessible hypermedia Hypermedia: -       Non-linear medium of information that can include texts, audio and graphical media -       Includes both interactive and non-interactive media ·       The Internet and CALL -       Used for a variety of purpose -       Role of the English Language -       Learners are not only recipients but also communicators and creators
Advantages	·       Repetitive ·       Immediate feedback ·       Students can work at their own pace outside the classroom ·        Efficient record keeping	·       cheap and widely available ·        Emphasises on active student performance ·       Greater student involvement ·       Learning experience becomes much more authentic & entertaining
Criticisms	·       Theory based on on Operant Conditioning by B.F. Skinner (associated to the training of animals) ·       CALL activities should be built on intrinsic motivation and foster interactivity ·       Students are passive responders, not initiators		•             Quality of the authentic material varies between creators •             Not tailor-made for ESL •             Interactions over CMC may be authentic but prone to human mistakes