1. Word Games:
Reading and writing skills, Creativity and production.
2. Randall’s ESL Cyber Listening Lab:
Reading skills, Listening skills, Inquiry and problem-solving.
3. Time for kids:
Reading and writing skills, Communication and collaboration, Creativity and production, Content-based Instruction.
4. The Virtual Insectary:
Reading skills, Inquiry and problem-solving.
5. NASA for kids:
Reading and writing skills, Listening skills, Communication and collaboration, Creativity and production, Content-based Instruction.
6. Blackboard:
CLT classroom, Reading and writing skills, Communication and collaboration.
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Sunday, June 24, 2007
My favorite 3 English learning weblogs
My favorite 3 English learning weblogs:
1. The English Blog:
This weblog provides perfect and abundant resources for English learning. It has different categories for English learning. Also some video clips are provided. Besides, the links are very useful and professional. It’s updated very fast. Each posting can help learners a lot with an interesting way.
2. English Learning @ HWSH:
It focuses on high school English learning, providing useful and complete information about the English learning and also the information of collages. Besides English, it also informs views something about the entrance of collages in Taiwan. I think it is suitable for younger students in high school and they also accept this kind of learning easily.
3. 貓誌:
The blogger classifies the ability trainings of learners and provide different resources for them. The design is very clear and is easily to get used to. But there’s no writing training. It is something incomplete about this blog.
1. The English Blog:
This weblog provides perfect and abundant resources for English learning. It has different categories for English learning. Also some video clips are provided. Besides, the links are very useful and professional. It’s updated very fast. Each posting can help learners a lot with an interesting way.
2. English Learning @ HWSH:
It focuses on high school English learning, providing useful and complete information about the English learning and also the information of collages. Besides English, it also informs views something about the entrance of collages in Taiwan. I think it is suitable for younger students in high school and they also accept this kind of learning easily.
3. 貓誌:
The blogger classifies the ability trainings of learners and provide different resources for them. The design is very clear and is easily to get used to. But there’s no writing training. It is something incomplete about this blog.
Friday, June 15, 2007
Blogging experience
I think it is just great to have my own blog and to edit it for class’s use. I will make learning more personal and related to me since the space is just designed for me. I can put my picture and my self-introduction there and some labels to classify the postings. It’s fun to set up the titles of each features so that I can personalize them instead of following the rules.
As to the postings of learning, I feel some kind of accomplishment when there are more and more postings I edit. It’s all originated from my own thinking and learning, so it is quite nice to see the “growing” of my blog. Most of my postings are talking about the evaluation of the websites from “Call Essential,” some lab class discussions or reflections, and some class discussion or assignment.
I gain the enjoyment and learning from exploring those self-selected websites because they all have some materials or abundant content of learning. I played all the types of word games, browsed some listening training activity instruction, and any other materials which can facilitate learning in a way. Most of those websites are well-organized and also attractive with beautiful layouts so that I can just enjoy in them even if I just simply scan and skim them at first.
Lab experience is sometimes great but sometimes frustrating. After three lab classes, all I felt first was dizzy because it really hurts for my eyes to stick to the computer screen for three hours. However, I still learned something for sure from lab activities, like SchMooze and Hot potatoes. SchMooze is quite interesting but I still think that its layout is out of fashion. But the idea is well-designed since learners can have their own role to play and to try to accomplish the goals. Sometimes learners can even meet some people and make friends. As to Hot potatoes, I think it’s convenient and easy. Most important of all, it can facilitate the understanding of some reading. Like what we did in the class, we chose one article as the material and set up the tests by Hot potatoes. Still, we did some discussion or assignments in lab time, just like making some charts to analyze the discussion of certain terms. Sometimes we tried a lot and took a lot of time to find out the way to accomplish something. It’s all by our own so somehow I feel great when it is done.
To sum up, owning a blog for materials of learning is fantastic, like a presentation and practice of my learning, to make it visible there.
As to the postings of learning, I feel some kind of accomplishment when there are more and more postings I edit. It’s all originated from my own thinking and learning, so it is quite nice to see the “growing” of my blog. Most of my postings are talking about the evaluation of the websites from “Call Essential,” some lab class discussions or reflections, and some class discussion or assignment.
I gain the enjoyment and learning from exploring those self-selected websites because they all have some materials or abundant content of learning. I played all the types of word games, browsed some listening training activity instruction, and any other materials which can facilitate learning in a way. Most of those websites are well-organized and also attractive with beautiful layouts so that I can just enjoy in them even if I just simply scan and skim them at first.
Lab experience is sometimes great but sometimes frustrating. After three lab classes, all I felt first was dizzy because it really hurts for my eyes to stick to the computer screen for three hours. However, I still learned something for sure from lab activities, like SchMooze and Hot potatoes. SchMooze is quite interesting but I still think that its layout is out of fashion. But the idea is well-designed since learners can have their own role to play and to try to accomplish the goals. Sometimes learners can even meet some people and make friends. As to Hot potatoes, I think it’s convenient and easy. Most important of all, it can facilitate the understanding of some reading. Like what we did in the class, we chose one article as the material and set up the tests by Hot potatoes. Still, we did some discussion or assignments in lab time, just like making some charts to analyze the discussion of certain terms. Sometimes we tried a lot and took a lot of time to find out the way to accomplish something. It’s all by our own so somehow I feel great when it is done.
To sum up, owning a blog for materials of learning is fantastic, like a presentation and practice of my learning, to make it visible there.
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
complement of Lab3: Hot Potato experience
We finally made it! I take charge of “cloze,” “Match,” and “Quiz.”
And I found it’s quite easy and convenient to set up some tests for learning. We did those tests according to the news article we chose from CNN so that they can practice the vocabularies and see if they really understand that article. Those are all simple tests but actually facilitate the learning by checking if learners themselves understand it or not.
So I thin k it is really a great scaffold to help in learning.
Besides, we have to make all the tests together to create a basic index for this assignment.
Therefore, we made an index by ourselves since we learned something when doing the WebQuest.
Finally, it came out
and we’re so glad that we made something we took as a difficult work at first.
And I found it’s quite easy and convenient to set up some tests for learning. We did those tests according to the news article we chose from CNN so that they can practice the vocabularies and see if they really understand that article. Those are all simple tests but actually facilitate the learning by checking if learners themselves understand it or not.
So I thin k it is really a great scaffold to help in learning.
Besides, we have to make all the tests together to create a basic index for this assignment.
Therefore, we made an index by ourselves since we learned something when doing the WebQuest.
Finally, it came out
and we’re so glad that we made something we took as a difficult work at first.
class discussion about PBL/PBL/IBL
From this concise chart, we can see take problem-based learning as a concept which gives us a general direction to decide what do want to know. Then, we can go for the project-based learning. It means that once we have a concept in our mind, we can design a project to do some research about our concept. In other words, project-based learning can be an activity for us to put our concept into practice. As for inquiry-based learning, it’s a kind of approach to facilitate our project. That is, by using inquiry-based learning, our project would be much more convincing and promising.
(By Vercy,Cherrie,Abby,Christina)
class discussion about weblog
1. Discuss principles for designing English teaching and learning weblogs with team members
Our group thinks that the principles of an English learning weblog should be the use of “multimedia”, the “links” of wide range of information, a platform for posting and receiving “comments” from other participants, and a way to “evaluate” the effectiveness of their learning.Compared to the traditional classroom learning, English learning weblog has the characteristics of online learning, which provides more time and space for learners to think, offers hypertexts for learners to absorb more information if they want, works with multimedia contents to attract learners’ attention.Besides, using the form of weblog, learners can receive immediate articles from that English learning weblog through “RSS.”For example, when an English learner gets into a weblog, he/she will browse a lot of online articles with links and multimedia contents to learn English. Then, he/she is allowed to post his/her personal opinions there, he/she can even give the response to other postings, certainly, he/she can receive the feedback for other participants, so that the learning process involves a kind of interaction of knowledge, instead of just one-way input for a learner. Finally, after learning from the weblog, he/she can receive the updated information from that weblog immediately in their personal blogs.
2. Discuss criteria for evaluating ESL/EFL weblogs with team members.
Multimedia :
This is a very basic and important component for a weblog because students can find the most appropriate way of learning. That is, the weblog provide various media to facilitate students’ English learning. If there is no multimedia in a weblog, then, it just has a few differences between those traditional learning materials.
Comments :
To judge whether a weblog is good or not, we can take a careful look at the comments from the visitors. These feedback can provide more objective views of the weblog. In other words, we can also know the advantages and disadvantages of this weblog. Besides, comments can inspire the designer of the weblog to make his or her weblog better.
Information links(hypertext) :
The greatest difference between traditional learning materials is that hypertext can make student’s reading much more efficient. Students do not have to flip through many books to obtain knowledge. They just have to click on the links, than, they can explore as many as other websites or weblogs they want.
Quizzes/ Tasks :
It’s very important for an English learning weblog to have such criteria. In that way, students could have the opportunities to check what they have learned. Most importantly, by taking some quizzes or tasks, students can get to know what else they need to put more emphasis on.
By Abby, Vercy, Cherrie, Christina
Our group thinks that the principles of an English learning weblog should be the use of “multimedia”, the “links” of wide range of information, a platform for posting and receiving “comments” from other participants, and a way to “evaluate” the effectiveness of their learning.Compared to the traditional classroom learning, English learning weblog has the characteristics of online learning, which provides more time and space for learners to think, offers hypertexts for learners to absorb more information if they want, works with multimedia contents to attract learners’ attention.Besides, using the form of weblog, learners can receive immediate articles from that English learning weblog through “RSS.”For example, when an English learner gets into a weblog, he/she will browse a lot of online articles with links and multimedia contents to learn English. Then, he/she is allowed to post his/her personal opinions there, he/she can even give the response to other postings, certainly, he/she can receive the feedback for other participants, so that the learning process involves a kind of interaction of knowledge, instead of just one-way input for a learner. Finally, after learning from the weblog, he/she can receive the updated information from that weblog immediately in their personal blogs.
2. Discuss criteria for evaluating ESL/EFL weblogs with team members.
Multimedia :
This is a very basic and important component for a weblog because students can find the most appropriate way of learning. That is, the weblog provide various media to facilitate students’ English learning. If there is no multimedia in a weblog, then, it just has a few differences between those traditional learning materials.
Comments :
To judge whether a weblog is good or not, we can take a careful look at the comments from the visitors. These feedback can provide more objective views of the weblog. In other words, we can also know the advantages and disadvantages of this weblog. Besides, comments can inspire the designer of the weblog to make his or her weblog better.
Information links(hypertext) :
The greatest difference between traditional learning materials is that hypertext can make student’s reading much more efficient. Students do not have to flip through many books to obtain knowledge. They just have to click on the links, than, they can explore as many as other websites or weblogs they want.
Quizzes/ Tasks :
It’s very important for an English learning weblog to have such criteria. In that way, students could have the opportunities to check what they have learned. Most importantly, by taking some quizzes or tasks, students can get to know what else they need to put more emphasis on.
By Abby, Vercy, Cherrie, Christina
Sunday, June 10, 2007
BlackBoard (ch 4)
Chapter 4 talks about “Communication and Collaboration,”
offering some websites for this subject, just like BB system, Msn messenger,
yahoo groups, etc. We students are all familiar with these,
so I just pick up one. That is, blackboard system.
Goal:
Blackboard (also know as BB) is a software company, whose product can provide learners with a space to raise their discussion in reaching the function of communication and collaboration. It’s like an online conference, which can be the platform of different topics to be discussed in different forums. It might be the practice of e-learning. Learners can learn anywhere and anytime. This Company develops with software applications and related services to thousands of education institutions in the world.
Presentation:
I’m not talking about the official website of BB, but my authentic experience in using it in reality. First, basically, it offers the guideline for the key features and functionality. There are also a place for announcements from the classes we choose, a calendar of one’s own to mark out the personal events of learning, a place for courses links, and quick tutorials for learners to understand more about this tutorial system.
In each course section, there are “announcement,” “course information,” “staff information,” “course documents,” “assignments,” “communication,” “discussion board,” “external links” and “tools.” The function is just like the name. However, I want to mention about “discussion board” because it fits the subject of this chapter. This is made for learners to have a platform to express or respond the ideas of one issue.
Appropriateness:
This system, out of question, is suitable for every learner to learn everything. After all, it is designed to help the class in the school.
Outcomes:
In my opinion and according to my experiences, BB is just a system with a format to help learning so that the learning can be more flexible and available. Therefore, it probably should be use with extra content according different courses.
Evaluation:
The evaluation, of course, should depend on the interaction of the classmates, tutors, and the teacher, especially in “discussion board.” In there, learners are expected to have a great interaction and feedback from others. That is the evaluation for learners themselves.
Notes:
I’ve used it for a long time since I got into NCU. I think BB is great because it can offer a space for students to catch more beside classes. I can discuss with other people there, notice the announcement of the teacher, and download the documents in class so that we can facilitate the learning more. It has some short points, but it is great enough for me.
Goal:
Blackboard (also know as BB) is a software company, whose product can provide learners with a space to raise their discussion in reaching the function of communication and collaboration. It’s like an online conference, which can be the platform of different topics to be discussed in different forums. It might be the practice of e-learning. Learners can learn anywhere and anytime. This Company develops with software applications and related services to thousands of education institutions in the world.
Presentation:
I’m not talking about the official website of BB, but my authentic experience in using it in reality. First, basically, it offers the guideline for the key features and functionality. There are also a place for announcements from the classes we choose, a calendar of one’s own to mark out the personal events of learning, a place for courses links, and quick tutorials for learners to understand more about this tutorial system.
In each course section, there are “announcement,” “course information,” “staff information,” “course documents,” “assignments,” “communication,” “discussion board,” “external links” and “tools.” The function is just like the name. However, I want to mention about “discussion board” because it fits the subject of this chapter. This is made for learners to have a platform to express or respond the ideas of one issue.
Appropriateness:
This system, out of question, is suitable for every learner to learn everything. After all, it is designed to help the class in the school.
Outcomes:
In my opinion and according to my experiences, BB is just a system with a format to help learning so that the learning can be more flexible and available. Therefore, it probably should be use with extra content according different courses.
Evaluation:
The evaluation, of course, should depend on the interaction of the classmates, tutors, and the teacher, especially in “discussion board.” In there, learners are expected to have a great interaction and feedback from others. That is the evaluation for learners themselves.
Notes:
I’ve used it for a long time since I got into NCU. I think BB is great because it can offer a space for students to catch more beside classes. I can discuss with other people there, notice the announcement of the teacher, and download the documents in class so that we can facilitate the learning more. It has some short points, but it is great enough for me.
Thursday, June 7, 2007
NASA for kids (ch 7)
As everybody knows, NASA is The National Aeronautics and Space Administration, responsible for the nation's public space program.
This NASA's public Web Portal offers users with multiple paths to information. And of course, NASA sets up a specific section for kids with access to thousands of resources. It can be educational, entertaining, and appropriate for children.
Presentation:
Presentation:
It is very complete with introduction, guideline for parents, teachers, and children, links to other related websites. As to the main content, there are “Games,” “Art & Stories,” “Activities,” “Kid’s club.”
“Games” surely attract kids’ attention. From this, kids can learn something about astrology knowledge by playing those interesting games. “
Art & Stories” provides pictures or drawings with different topics, which can give kids the visual enjoyment.
“Activities” teaches several simple experiments for kids to do it on their own. “Kid’s club” offers five levels to play some games or testing, which can evaluate their learning from this website.
Besides, this website includes some cool stuff for kids to adventure, like video showing, or Q and A. there are even some news for kids to update their cognition about NASA or astrology.
Appropriateness:
Appropriateness:
I think each of the section is appropriate for any kid to experience the astrology adventure. Kids can see the news, play the games, accomplish some experiments, and have several evaluation tests according to the level. This website facilitates kids to understand something seemed difficult to them. And it is complete enough to give kids a whole learning to a specific subject.
Outcomes:
I believe that it is quite useful for teachers or parents to let the kids learn something. Therefore, this website can offer the content-based learning with a wonderful content. It will be perfect if it is used to help the science class.
Evaluation:
Outcomes:
I believe that it is quite useful for teachers or parents to let the kids learn something. Therefore, this website can offer the content-based learning with a wonderful content. It will be perfect if it is used to help the science class.
Evaluation:
In the part of “Kid’s club,” there are several tests or games for kids to evaluate themselves. The topic and the level are different. There are just simple words like “correct” or “try again” to remind or mark the performance. But I think it’s enough for kids.
Notes:
I really like this website for its beautiful format and design and its wonderful and complete content. By experiencing it, kids not only learn to gain more understanding about the subject, but also polish their language ability at the same time.
Tuesday, June 5, 2007
scripts for broadcasting
Hello, everyone I am abby,
I am vercy.
Today we are going to discuss the article from the CNN Website about Consumption with a conscience.
First paragraph says Shopping is big business throughout the globe,
but how much is actually being consumed responsibly?
Oh, so does the topic talk about the responsibility of consumption?
Yeah it is obvious to understand. Let’s move on.
This month on Art of Life,
Wait, wait, wait, what is art of life?
A program belonging to CNN talks about lifestyle.
Oh oh I see
And then it says that we meet the people, products and charities that can help you make positive changes.
Here are some examples to explain how we make a choice from purchasing the commodities that can help in responsible consuming.
First one isTwo worlds apartFrom Brazil's shantytowns to the catwalks of New York, we discover how one designer's social work is connecting these two very different worlds.
What do you mean by shantytowns?
Let’s check this word on the online dictionary…s h a n t y t o w n…
here’s the result. a city district inhabited by people living in huts and shanties.
But what exactly is shanty?
Okay I’m so sorry. Shanty means small crude shelter used as a dwelling, okay?Okay! let’s continue
Carlos Miele's powerful social conscience is just as strong as his fashion sense. Through his luxurious creations, he's giving a lot back to his native country. From From..uh….uh…what’s the pronunciation?
Let me see, oh, Rio de Janeiro to Sao Paulo
Yes , from them,we meet the women and children who are benefiting.Oh!!! Here’s a video link for us to see this program. Here’s one part of this program talking about how Carlos Miele's designs help shantytowns in Brazil
But we can’t be so selfish to enjoy it without you participants because you can’t see this clip on air, hahahahah, so~~rry
Let’s continue
Okay The second paragraph isGreen with styleGone are the days of choosing a 4 x 4 for its off-road capabilities alone. Monita Rajpal gets behind the wheel of the Lexus RX to test drive the world's first luxury hybrid vehicle.
I like lexus!!!
Oh, so what?
I just express my feelings!!
Okay whatever.
Its engine uses both petrol and electricity. It's kinder to the environment but how does it perform? We find out.
Find out what?
Well, I don’t know either.
Whatever.It’s my turn.
The third example saysSeeing beauty in the unwanted
Yes, I know, it’s 3 R! reduce, reuse, and recycle!
Smart girl! You’re right.
Thank you
For Dutch designer Piet Hein Eek there is no such thing as waste.
Seeing beauty in the unwanted, he uses discarded material from scrapyards
Wait! I’m wondering about the meaning of scrapyards.
Ok I’ll check it. S c r a p y a r d...
Well, scrap is just the trash or junk. So scrapyard is a yard to put trash there.
He uses the trash to make high-end furniture.
We find out how he's transforming recycled materials into unique designs in a slick re-purposing of junk.
Here’s also the video for this example. And we’ll skip that.
Okay and The final example is Rock in the name of charity
Art of Life is at London's famous concert arena the Royal Albert Hall where three top British musicians, including the Kaiser Chiefs, are rocking this venue in the name of charity.
What is the Royal Albert Hall?
Okey, I will check on wikipedia.
The Royal Albert Hall of Arts and Sciences is an arts venue dedicated to Queen Victoria's husband and consort, Prince Albert. It is situated in the South Kensington area of LondonOKAY?
YES, I got it!
Roger Daltrey, of the rock band The Who, set up these gigs for the Teenage Cancer Trust seven years ago where bands donate their time, and fans donate money to this worthy cause. and also a video we’ll still skip.
So these examples all explain how we can mix the consumption into conscience to make this world better!
Ya! Class dismissed! WOO~~WOW!
I am vercy.
Today we are going to discuss the article from the CNN Website about Consumption with a conscience.
First paragraph says Shopping is big business throughout the globe,
but how much is actually being consumed responsibly?
Oh, so does the topic talk about the responsibility of consumption?
Yeah it is obvious to understand. Let’s move on.
This month on Art of Life,
Wait, wait, wait, what is art of life?
A program belonging to CNN talks about lifestyle.
Oh oh I see
And then it says that we meet the people, products and charities that can help you make positive changes.
Here are some examples to explain how we make a choice from purchasing the commodities that can help in responsible consuming.
First one isTwo worlds apartFrom Brazil's shantytowns to the catwalks of New York, we discover how one designer's social work is connecting these two very different worlds.
What do you mean by shantytowns?
Let’s check this word on the online dictionary…s h a n t y t o w n…
here’s the result. a city district inhabited by people living in huts and shanties.
But what exactly is shanty?
Okay I’m so sorry. Shanty means small crude shelter used as a dwelling, okay?Okay! let’s continue
Carlos Miele's powerful social conscience is just as strong as his fashion sense. Through his luxurious creations, he's giving a lot back to his native country. From From..uh….uh…what’s the pronunciation?
Let me see, oh, Rio de Janeiro to Sao Paulo
Yes , from them,we meet the women and children who are benefiting.Oh!!! Here’s a video link for us to see this program. Here’s one part of this program talking about how Carlos Miele's designs help shantytowns in Brazil
But we can’t be so selfish to enjoy it without you participants because you can’t see this clip on air, hahahahah, so~~rry
Let’s continue
Okay The second paragraph isGreen with styleGone are the days of choosing a 4 x 4 for its off-road capabilities alone. Monita Rajpal gets behind the wheel of the Lexus RX to test drive the world's first luxury hybrid vehicle.
I like lexus!!!
Oh, so what?
I just express my feelings!!
Okay whatever.
Its engine uses both petrol and electricity. It's kinder to the environment but how does it perform? We find out.
Find out what?
Well, I don’t know either.
Whatever.It’s my turn.
The third example saysSeeing beauty in the unwanted
Yes, I know, it’s 3 R! reduce, reuse, and recycle!
Smart girl! You’re right.
Thank you
For Dutch designer Piet Hein Eek there is no such thing as waste.
Seeing beauty in the unwanted, he uses discarded material from scrapyards
Wait! I’m wondering about the meaning of scrapyards.
Ok I’ll check it. S c r a p y a r d...
Well, scrap is just the trash or junk. So scrapyard is a yard to put trash there.
He uses the trash to make high-end furniture.
We find out how he's transforming recycled materials into unique designs in a slick re-purposing of junk.
Here’s also the video for this example. And we’ll skip that.
Okay and The final example is Rock in the name of charity
Art of Life is at London's famous concert arena the Royal Albert Hall where three top British musicians, including the Kaiser Chiefs, are rocking this venue in the name of charity.
What is the Royal Albert Hall?
Okey, I will check on wikipedia.
The Royal Albert Hall of Arts and Sciences is an arts venue dedicated to Queen Victoria's husband and consort, Prince Albert. It is situated in the South Kensington area of LondonOKAY?
YES, I got it!
Roger Daltrey, of the rock band The Who, set up these gigs for the Teenage Cancer Trust seven years ago where bands donate their time, and fans donate money to this worthy cause. and also a video we’ll still skip.
So these examples all explain how we can mix the consumption into conscience to make this world better!
Ya! Class dismissed! WOO~~WOW!
Lab 3: Broadcasting and Hot Potato
This time in the lab is not as easy as the first time, but also not as hard as the second time. Firstly, we have to form a group of only two people and find a news article from CNN or U.S.A today website. The news article is for us to discuss and record it. We have to discuss it like a radio DJ on the air, talking like hosts in “Studio Classroom.” It’s really fun because we can play like a host behind the scene and talk as if there are many listeners sitting besides the radio.
Abby and I pick an article about the connection between luxury and conscience. This article reminds us that there are several ways to be responsible for our living environment while we are consuming. We can buy a car with little damage of pollution, or we can support the rock band, donating the money and enjoy the concert at the same time in a name of charity. We can also use something used to create a new recycled one. Therefore, the conscience takes the responsibility of consumption. I really like this issue, which is educational and also useful.
Then, we spent some time to create some talks in an atmosphere of radio show. We added some humor or experience element in the talking, and also explain the unfamiliar words.
In the end, we record it several times. It’s really hard to be a radio host, because you have to speak like you never design it beforehand and also fluid enough. Abby and I didn’t do it very well; however, I think it’s an interesting lab experience.
Due to the time limitation, we didn’t have much time to do the “Hot Potato work,” we just try it several times. It’s a kind of software for teachers to set up some word plays. The test can be designed in a fun way. But the limitation is not easy to handle because we have to buy it and log in, or we can’t execute some extra services. It’s really a pity!
Lab 2: schmooze
To be honest, this time I really got nothing but frustration. In this time in the lab, we spent almost three hours to figure out how “schmooze” works. Since it is set up as a small online college, of course, we should learn to run it ourselves. However, it’s not that easy to understand. I think the most important factor is the format, which is kind of old and makes me dizzy.
At first, I can’t even understand how to move in the campus till I got the information of each function. Then, I knew that we have to learn to enjoy the process of learning by following the instruction or orders. In this class, we had three objectives to do. And I didn’t accomplish anyone of them. I could almost get it but there are still some complicated factors bothering me.
However, what I enjoyed from it is that I like the role playing. In schmooze, we suppose to be a role that we can set for ourselves. Then, we can meet some unexpected people from other countries and have some great interaction with them. I believe it’s probably one of the characteristics of schmooze. The areas in schmooze, like cafeteria, library, and student union, are something we are quite familiar with as a college student. Therefore, I think the experience is authentic and real for us to go around the campus and do some talking and actions with other people.
Though I didn’t reach the goals, but I indeed experienced something from it. I met people, no matter they are real or set in schmooze, and had great interaction. I think the idea of schmooze is great, because the learning process is just like a game, but I suggest the format can be better if it uses colorful picture and 3D environment. That will make the participants more comfortable there and also more like the reality.
Friday, June 1, 2007
News broadcasting discussion
News link: http://edition.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/europe/04/27/aol.april.show/
10-15 interesting or key words and their English definitions using an online dictionary (cite sources):
Consumption: the act of consuming something
Conscience: motivation deriving logically from ethical or moral principles that govern a person's thoughts and actions
Charity: an activity or gift that benefits the public at large
Shantytown: a city district inhabited by people living in huts and shanties
Shanty: small crude shelter used as a dwelling
Catwalk: narrow platform extending out into an auditorium; "models displayed clothes on a catwalk at the fashion show")
Benefit: something that aids or promotes well-being; "for the benefit of all"
Luxury: wealth as evidenced by sumptuous living
Discard: throw or cast away; "Put away your worries")
Scrap: worthless material that is to be disposed of
Recycle: use again after processing; "We must recycle the cardboard boxes"
Donate: give to a charity or good cause
5-7 comprehension questions and answers:
1. Oh, so does the topic talk about the responsibility of consumption?
Yeah it is obvious to understand.
2. Wait, wait, wait, what is art of life?
A program belonging to CNN talks about lifestyle.
3. What do you mean by shantytowns?
Let’s check this word on the online dictionary…s h a n t y t o w n…here’s the result. a city district inhabited by people living in huts and shanties.
But what exactly is shanty?
Okay I’m so sorry. Shanty means small crude shelter used as a dwelling, okay?
Okay!
4. From..uh….uh…what’s the pronunciation?
Let me see, oh, Rio de Janeiro to Sao Paulo
5. Find out what?
Well, I don’t know either.
6. Wait! I’m wondering about the meaning of scrapyards.
Ok I’ll check it. S c r a p y a r d
Well, scrap is just the trash or junk. So scrapyard is a yard to put trash there.
7. What is the Royal Albert Hall?
Okay, I will check on Wikipedia. The Royal Albert Hall of Arts and Sciences is an arts venue dedicated to Queen Victoria's husband and consort, Prince Albert. It is situated in the South Kensington area of London, okay?
Okay, I got it!
A 5-sentence summary:
This article talks about we consumers should be responsible for this world when consuming something. There are four examples of how those people use their conscience to make their products or activities. “Two worlds apart” describes a designer gives something back to his country with his creative social work. “Green with style” describes the example of Lexus to be made with concern of environment. “Seeing beauty in the unwanted” talks about recreation that uses unwanted materials. “Rock in the name of charity” says that a band can hold a concert to raise money with charity.
10-15 interesting or key words and their English definitions using an online dictionary (cite sources):
Consumption: the act of consuming something
Conscience: motivation deriving logically from ethical or moral principles that govern a person's thoughts and actions
Charity: an activity or gift that benefits the public at large
Shantytown: a city district inhabited by people living in huts and shanties
Shanty: small crude shelter used as a dwelling
Catwalk: narrow platform extending out into an auditorium; "models displayed clothes on a catwalk at the fashion show")
Benefit: something that aids or promotes well-being; "for the benefit of all"
Luxury: wealth as evidenced by sumptuous living
Discard: throw or cast away; "Put away your worries")
Scrap: worthless material that is to be disposed of
Recycle: use again after processing; "We must recycle the cardboard boxes"
Donate: give to a charity or good cause
5-7 comprehension questions and answers:
1. Oh, so does the topic talk about the responsibility of consumption?
Yeah it is obvious to understand.
2. Wait, wait, wait, what is art of life?
A program belonging to CNN talks about lifestyle.
3. What do you mean by shantytowns?
Let’s check this word on the online dictionary…s h a n t y t o w n…here’s the result. a city district inhabited by people living in huts and shanties.
But what exactly is shanty?
Okay I’m so sorry. Shanty means small crude shelter used as a dwelling, okay?
Okay!
4. From..uh….uh…what’s the pronunciation?
Let me see, oh, Rio de Janeiro to Sao Paulo
5. Find out what?
Well, I don’t know either.
6. Wait! I’m wondering about the meaning of scrapyards.
Ok I’ll check it. S c r a p y a r d
Well, scrap is just the trash or junk. So scrapyard is a yard to put trash there.
7. What is the Royal Albert Hall?
Okay, I will check on Wikipedia. The Royal Albert Hall of Arts and Sciences is an arts venue dedicated to Queen Victoria's husband and consort, Prince Albert. It is situated in the South Kensington area of London, okay?
Okay, I got it!
A 5-sentence summary:
This article talks about we consumers should be responsible for this world when consuming something. There are four examples of how those people use their conscience to make their products or activities. “Two worlds apart” describes a designer gives something back to his country with his creative social work. “Green with style” describes the example of Lexus to be made with concern of environment. “Seeing beauty in the unwanted” talks about recreation that uses unwanted materials. “Rock in the name of charity” says that a band can hold a concert to raise money with charity.
Monday, May 21, 2007
The Virtual Insectary (ch 6)
The Virtual InsectaryGoal:
The website is made for people who are interested in insects. Like an insect zoo, this is a unique place to study and observe a few insects with pictures and the information of them.
Presentation:
This website provides images of some common insects, and also includes information on the foods which they eat as well as the habitats where they can be found. There are many pictures of insects which can be chosen by the learners. And the individual page offers the information and the knowledge of the insects with hyper links of the key words.
Appropriateness:
Here the learners can get the information they want to know more about the insects they are interested with. However, the quantity of information seems not enough because it just offers the brief introduction. The usage of words is also simple. Therefore, I think it just can facilitate the problem-based learning as an information provider instead of an independent website for learners to learn.
Outcomes:
I think this website, as I mentioned before, is a place to facilitate the learning; therefore, if it works individually, the effect won’t be great. So, I think this website should be viewed with an intention and other documents to be at hand to enlarge the knowing.
Evaluation:
There’s no place for the learners to interact or to do some activities. It’s what I think of the pitiful part about it. It’s too simple and easy with little content in it. Learners can only use it when there’s a problem-solving project to do. Of course, there’s no feedback if there’s no activity for viewer to click and play with.
Notes:
It’s a website mentioned in the example of chapter 6. Thus, it’s not a really good website to browse through initially. It is just a kind of dictionary of insects. People can just view it with eyes instead of involving in this website with games and activities.
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
Understand the Weblog
What is the weblog?
I think weblog (or blog) is a kind of informal or personal website with chronological order.
What are some popular English learning weblogs?
Like “English Learning @ HWSH” and “The English Blog”
What can the weblog do compared to the traditional English learning website?
If the English learning website is in the form of “blog,” I think, the information can be updated soon according to the date with the content of multimedia and hyper links in the articles. Besides, a blog can leave the space for learners do some interaction together according to one particular issue or article. The most important one is that blogs have the function of RSS, allowing learners to get the immediate learning information in their personal blog.
What is RSS/ permalinks/ traceback?
1. RSS is a function for blog users to update the information they want form lots of blogs. RSS provides a way to frequently update the digital content if people want. It’s a kind of convenient sharing.
2. Permalinks is “Permanent Link.” It’s like a permanent tag for a blogging entry even to the individual comment, remaining unchanged.
3. Traceback is a function that bloggers can see when anyone links to the blog.
How can team blog functions (e.g., comments, moderation, traceback, and pingback) support English reading and writing?
These functions can help learners to create a platform with space for interaction of opinions so that they can get response and feedback from each other in learning and with links that can easily be used in responding. Through these functions, the English learners can exchange the ideas by reading and writing.
How can multimedia presentation (e.g., pictures, and videos, and audio) support English listening and speaking?
The multimedia contents provide the visual and auditory effects on the learners. These contents can enhance the listening ability in a more interesting way. As to speaking, I think it just enhance the accent if learners.
I think weblog (or blog) is a kind of informal or personal website with chronological order.
What are some popular English learning weblogs?
Like “English Learning @ HWSH” and “The English Blog”
What can the weblog do compared to the traditional English learning website?
If the English learning website is in the form of “blog,” I think, the information can be updated soon according to the date with the content of multimedia and hyper links in the articles. Besides, a blog can leave the space for learners do some interaction together according to one particular issue or article. The most important one is that blogs have the function of RSS, allowing learners to get the immediate learning information in their personal blog.
What is RSS/ permalinks/ traceback?
1. RSS is a function for blog users to update the information they want form lots of blogs. RSS provides a way to frequently update the digital content if people want. It’s a kind of convenient sharing.
2. Permalinks is “Permanent Link.” It’s like a permanent tag for a blogging entry even to the individual comment, remaining unchanged.
3. Traceback is a function that bloggers can see when anyone links to the blog.
How can team blog functions (e.g., comments, moderation, traceback, and pingback) support English reading and writing?
These functions can help learners to create a platform with space for interaction of opinions so that they can get response and feedback from each other in learning and with links that can easily be used in responding. Through these functions, the English learners can exchange the ideas by reading and writing.
How can multimedia presentation (e.g., pictures, and videos, and audio) support English listening and speaking?
The multimedia contents provide the visual and auditory effects on the learners. These contents can enhance the listening ability in a more interesting way. As to speaking, I think it just enhance the accent if learners.
Thursday, May 3, 2007
Time for kids(ch 5)
Goal: The website is for a weekly classroom news magazine that motivates kids to read. The issues cover a wide range of real-world topics kids love to learn about. The website also provides the materials.
Presentation: There are sections for k 1-6 learners, including Worksheets, Mini-lessons, Graphic Organizers, the news part, and the small games.
“Worksheets” is a kind of teaching resources for parents or teachers to have some materials to teach.
“Mini-lessons” includes lots of activity instructions. Each lesson provides the questions as the pretext, then the activity and the part for kids to think. The last is the advices for extensive learning.
“Graphic organizers” is also the teaching resources, providing some graphic papers for kids to fill up the graphic papers with thinking.
The news part provides articles with the related activity sheets and materials for download.
The games are related to the reading and questions and information behind are provided at the same time.
Appropriateness: I think it’s more like to provide scaffolds for teachers or parents to use in their teaching. The focus of this website is still the magazine, but there are still materials for reading and activities. Learners can use those materials in learning which fits their degrees. Especially the mini-lessons part, I think it can provide a complete learning process.
Outcomes: I think the website can be used independently, and it can also be used with the magazine to enlarge the range of learning so that the learning can be more complete and integrated.
Evaluation: The games part for learning includes the questions and the answers with more information below. After the learners answer the question, the correct answer and feedback words will show up with more information about the topic, then, the learner can go on to the next question.
Notes: Though the website is made for the magazine, I believe there’s still the scaffold for people to help themselves in learning. Like the readings, is made for kids with the topics they may have interest in, and the Worksheets, Mini-lessons, and Graphic Organizers, are all the useful and interesting resources in language learning. Although it is not organized as a whole, the materials are still great and convenient to help kids in learning.
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
Randall’s ESL Cyber Listening Lab(Ch 3)
Goal:
a website with a lot of material of listening training
Presentation:
Presentation:
There are sections for:
General Listening Quizzes (easy/medium/difficult),
Listening Quizzes for Academic Purposes (medium/difficult/very difficult), 20-Minute ESL Vocabulary Lessons (medium),
Language Learning and Life Tips (medium),
Long Conversations with RealVideo (easy/medium/difficult).
These sections, like the names, are designed for the people with different purposes and needs. Each section can provide lots of resources for learners to train the listening ability. Besides, it also has the differences about the degrees from easy to very difficult. The learners can mainly choose what they want to train and what degree that fits their own ability. And, there’s also the quizzes section and post-listening exercises in each listening page. Still, this website provides other related websites for learning.
Appropriateness:
General Listening Quizzes (easy/medium/difficult),
Listening Quizzes for Academic Purposes (medium/difficult/very difficult), 20-Minute ESL Vocabulary Lessons (medium),
Language Learning and Life Tips (medium),
Long Conversations with RealVideo (easy/medium/difficult).
These sections, like the names, are designed for the people with different purposes and needs. Each section can provide lots of resources for learners to train the listening ability. Besides, it also has the differences about the degrees from easy to very difficult. The learners can mainly choose what they want to train and what degree that fits their own ability. And, there’s also the quizzes section and post-listening exercises in each listening page. Still, this website provides other related websites for learning.
Appropriateness:
The learners can easily use Windows media or RealPlayer to have an English listening, then, they can do the quizzes and have a check. They can listen to it several times of they want. In the end, it scaffolds the learning with an opening activity called post-listening exercises, that learners can choose to do or not.
Outcomes:
Outcomes:
The learners can have a purely listening training, but they can also enlarge the learning with the post-listening exercise part. This part can give learner a direction for what to do to go further with the topic. Therefore, there are a lot of documents and resources for them to do with. I think the outcome is pretty great for learners not to limit the learning with only listening and quizzes.
Evaluation:
Evaluation:
After the listening, the quizzes part is for learners to check if they understand the content or not. The system will give learners a score and the correction. Learners can choose to listen to the content again or not. After that, the page offers the post-listening exercises but there’s no feedback so that the learner have to do it actively by their own.
Notes:
I think it’s a great and fantastic website for listening training. It provides lots of topics and degrees to choose from. And the website offers the other websites for listening. It’s quite complete. The listening content won’t be too long and the degree fits the content very much. The quizzes can let learners do with their comprehension and spelling. The post-listening exercise is the section that I admire most, because this is designed especially and individually for that content. It’s not just about the content. It goes further with exercise directions for learners to learn with other language skills. It’s a wonderful job for listening training!
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Online learning activity (Ch2)
Some games for the players to practice the word spelling.
Presentation:
Presentation:
There are night games: Cryptoquote, Multi popword, Eight letters, Multi eight letters, Difinetime, Popword, Storyman, Word search, Codeword.
Cryptoquote is for players to uncover the codes of one quotation by selecting the alphabets for each code. There are different quotations changing day after day.
Multi popword is for players to drag the letters-which are next to each other-to create a word. The longer the word is, the more the point you will get.
Eight letters, as the name, players have to reconstruct the eight letters into some meaningful words in a limited time. The longer the word is, the better point you will get.
Multi eight letters is just like the previous one, but players have to compete with other players.
Definetime has four choices for players to define the meaning of the words it gives.
Popword is like Multi popword, but when players are creating the words, some letters are falling down at the same time so that if one letter reaches the top, the game will be over.
Storyman has lots of topics to choose from and players have to reconstruct the words related to the topic in a limited time.
Wordsearch also has the topics but use different ways for people to play with. Players have to drag the adjacent letters to create all the words in the bar.
Codeword is like the word guessing. Players try hard to guess the five letters to create a meaningful word, and the system will inform the situation of the selected letters and their positions each time.
Appropriateness:
Cryptoquote is for players to uncover the codes of one quotation by selecting the alphabets for each code. There are different quotations changing day after day.
Multi popword is for players to drag the letters-which are next to each other-to create a word. The longer the word is, the more the point you will get.
Eight letters, as the name, players have to reconstruct the eight letters into some meaningful words in a limited time. The longer the word is, the better point you will get.
Multi eight letters is just like the previous one, but players have to compete with other players.
Definetime has four choices for players to define the meaning of the words it gives.
Popword is like Multi popword, but when players are creating the words, some letters are falling down at the same time so that if one letter reaches the top, the game will be over.
Storyman has lots of topics to choose from and players have to reconstruct the words related to the topic in a limited time.
Wordsearch also has the topics but use different ways for people to play with. Players have to drag the adjacent letters to create all the words in the bar.
Codeword is like the word guessing. Players try hard to guess the five letters to create a meaningful word, and the system will inform the situation of the selected letters and their positions each time.
Appropriateness:
Cryptoquote, Storyman and Wordsearch are more suitable for the native speakers or the sophisticated EFL learners, because those games involve something about the culture or life, like classical quotation, fictions, movies, etc. However, the rest is nice for the learners who just want to increase the competence of spelling.
Outcomes:
Outcomes:
I think there’s no additional document helpful for the learners.
Evaluation:
Evaluation:
None. But correct answers can be found immediately in each game.
Notes:
Notes:
Quite interesting. Especially Cryptoquote and Storyman, Cryptoquote provides lots of quotations with its origins, which can help learners to understand more beyond the language itself. Storyman also can let the learner pick the different topics, like Lord of the Rings, Greek mythology, and Beatles songs, etc.
However, the degree of the words or the answer is basically difficult for the EFL learners. Take me for example, sometimes I even feel nervous and frustrated due to the limited time, and in Storyman, I can’t even offer most of the correct answers.
But I think those night games are just for fun. I can’t judge it as a wonderful learning webpage, but indeed it is really interesting to play with the words and knowledge. As to the function, I think the sense of interest is deeper than what learners absorb from the games.
Sunday, March 25, 2007
class on 3/23 in the lab.
Yes, happiness was my feelings that day.
At first, I was really nervous that my computer doesn’t equip with IE, but it was fine to use kkman, anyway.
Then, we began to give feedback for our classmates on BB, I think it’s a good way to read carefully about what others said and to try to give the response of my own thought. After all, it’s kind of nice to give and also receive feedback of the posting.
The second step, we had to put the notes of our group on Blogger with the use of front page. In fact, it was my first time to use front page to edit things and it was surprising that the usage is quite easy. Once I thought if I had to create a web page, I had to be really good at program designing, some codes or whatever seems far from me. And now I found it’s not. I just have to click and the software will create the codes for me. But I know there must be something more difficult about this software. I think I’ll try if there’s a chance.
However, the difficult part was that we couldn’t put the chart on Blogger because it’s too complicated. We tried a lot of times and a lot of ways, like scanning the original scripts or minimizing the chart, because we thought only the chart can express our notes clearly and directly. In the end, we made it by drawing the chart by PowerPoint, making it in the form of the picture by 小畫家, and then inserting it by Blogger editor. I was glad we finally did it by combining different software.
In the last part of the class, we went to the Tapped-in and created our offices. We went through everyone’s office to ensure that we can use it understandingly and well. It was fun and it reminded me of the times when I went to the chat room ever day in junior high. In the end, we had to discuss the final project with the group members in the online office. It was weird that we sat so closely but had to talk to each other on line, but it was interesting, too. Considering about the challenge and the interest, our group decided to do the option 2. I was surprised because we all thought we would do the first one because it’s easier and more familiar for us. However, after the discussion, we thought that we had to give it a try, to do something different so that we may learn something we don’t know yet. And the sense of the accomplishment would be great if we challenge ourselves.
Therefore, initially, we wanted to a web for the younger learners and the concept is “children book” with games, pictures, drawing, etc. I hope we could make the project fantastically and overcome the difficulties, just like “the chart problem!” We said, “We’re together!”
Friday, March 16, 2007
Vercy wants to introduce herself!!!!!
Let me speak frankly, no one can understand me by just few words or sentences I make. One is that lies are everywhere, and the other one is that, well, I’m hard to get.Anyway, I have to introduce myself here so I’m doing it right now.
The name is Vercy.
and "Hi!"
I’m 20 years old, born on 6/22, yes, sensitive “Cancer.”Optimistic and out-going. But sometimes I’ll drag myself into a pathetic situation and feel bad for no reason, but it’s a routine, and I believe everyone does.
Now I’m studying in the English department in NCU, TW. I’m proud of what I major even if it’s not what I suppose to do in the future, because studying in literature makes me feel a lot and see a lot. I can notice more through the words and construct a world belonging to myself.
I often think a lot about anything around me, but this habit doesn’t depress me or stop me from going on and on. So I really like myself. What is it called? Confidence? Maybe. But I really like to cry, not because I’m weak. I just like the feeling when tears falling through my face. I think that’s cool, really. But I scarcely do so when I know it will add the wrinkles on my face. See? That is me. I can be sort of sensational but also realistic at the same time. Weird creature.
Oh! I said too much nonsense, but I think that is the truly “me” when I prepare nothing to say but just say something.
Well, it’s done, but I hope you like me and the story still goes. Never end.
About English learning, to be honest, I know not much.
As an English-major student in collage, I have my strategies in learning Emglish.
However, in high school, what we know about learning English is
"effort, effort and effort." But now, I know that beside effort, we can have a lot
of resources to learn English. like using some online forum or websites, or some great English weblogs. Though it is a English learning blog, it is just a blog
which records my learning. I'm not that good to teach just depending on these
posting. However, I think it's great to know another way to learn, not only English.
Friday, March 2, 2007
Thursday, March 1, 2007
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