Implementing CALL in the Malaysian Secondary Classroom

If you had the chance would you utilize ICT (CALL) in your teaching?

If I had the chance, I would love to utilize ICT (CALL) in my teaching.

How do you think it would help (or would not help) your students to learn English?

I think that my students would be more motivated to learn English. Other than that, it will be much easier for them to look up for unfamiliar words using the online dictionary. (Not many students want to carry a heavy dictionary to school. But whenever I brought in some dictionaries into class, they always use it.) I might also want to make use of the many ESL websites for my classroom as I believe that my students will very much enjoy them. It would be something more enjoyable compared to the black and white text book we use in school. Some websites also comes with audio and video.

What do you think are the advantages and disadvantages of implementing CALL in the Malaysian schools?

The advantages would be unlimited source for teaching and learning. The computer itself is a great motivator to the students. Topics can be up-to-date! The colourful screen,animations,audios and videos is the bonus! If teachers use hot potatoes to create exercise, then teachers do not have to go through the hassle of marking as students can see the correct answers on-the-spot!

The disadvantages would be classroom control. When students got their hands on the computers, it will not be easy to control them. Not only that, the computer laboratory itself might be giving a hard time to the teacher. The LCD projector might choose that particular time to not functioning properly. The internet connection might be disrupted due to thunderstorm or upgrade process by the internet service provider and what not.

What are the barriers in implementing CALL in the Malaysian classroom?

The barriers in implementing CALL in the Malaysian classroom are the facilities available in the school and the teachers' computer skill/knowledge.

Please also include any other comments/thoughts/ideas on this topic

Implementing CALL in the Malaysian Secondary Classroom could have been a success just like any other country, if only our teachers have the right knowledge of ICT and if the facilities in school is available for such learning process.

Lesson Plan

Level : Intermediate - Form 4

Time : 45 minutes

Aims : To practice speaking by comparing two products and using descriptive words.

Technical requirements: At least two students per computer or maximum of four.

Preparation:

1. Web page : http://www.stitchylizard.com/Buzlight_Products.html

2. Web page : http://www.freefoto.com/preview/11-12-64?ffid=11-12-64

Procedure:

1. Teacher asks students to list out some descriptive words which they know. (e.g attractive, handsome, elegant, natural etc)

2. Students then are required to view both websites to see the unique version of a product and its original version.

unique version of the product

buZdice

original version of the product

dice

3. Teacher and students talk about the differences between the two products.

4. In pairs(or group), students then will do their own research to find one product and its unique version.

5. Students then present their findings in front of the class by using descriptive words while comparing the two products.

6. The audience are free to enquire about the products being presented. (since it is a speaking class)

Follow-up activity :

Students are to write a short compare and contrast essay on the presented products.