Reflection on Week 12 - Technology in testing : the present and the future

With the advancement of computer and Internet technology, various Computer-Based Tests (CBT) have been developed to facilitate the application of language test. Amongst all, perhaps the most popular one may be the CBT TOEFL and GMAT, which are very familiar to HK students, as well as to students in other locations all over the world.

The fast development of CBT is obviously due to its advantages in terms of large data base, convenience in management, instant feedback and probably apparent low cost. However, the public still have some reservation on how accurately these CBTs represent the true language ability of students, as most of the CBTs are assessed in the form of multiple choice questions. As time goes on, more and more sophisticated CBTs will be developed which allow further tests on writing and speaking abilities, but still subject to certain limitations. Nevertheless CBT will continue to develop but its validity and authority may subject to criticism until there comes a consensus in the whole society that such computer-based tests can represent one's language ability at large, even not thoroughly.

Reflection on Week 11 - Learning Management Systems

In the field of education in particular in e-learning, a formal Learning Management System (LMS) always plays an important role. As in CityU, we have got Blackboard and other associated management programmes like AIMS to assist our learning through internet and to facilitate our communication with fellow students and others.

As mentioned in the article, sometimes it is found that the provision of LMS does not mean a complete success or entire efficiency in learning, since some mode of learning is achieved informally via trial-and-error or causal chatting with others. In fact, it is not surprised to find that some students who are not active in class but will be very enthusiastic after class, either in sports activities or social activities. This demonstrates the fact that a formal learning environment, including a formal LMS may not be suitable for every student. Alternatively, sometimes it is advantageous to allow certain flexibility or creativity for students to develop their own learning mode, which will motivate and enhance their incentive in learning.

All in all, there is no perfect LMS that could resolve all learning problems, and a continuous improvement is needed to cope with the ever changing environment especially the e-learning by internet, to suit the learning needs of students nowadays.

Reflection on Week 10 - Learner Autonomy and Tandem Learning

In this article, the author describes three approaches in learning autonomy; namely individual cognitive, social interactive and experimental participatory perspective. Then the author introduces tandem learning which is somewhat a new idea to me, probably because I am not a teacher or engaged in the field of education. Nevertheless, the principle and practice of tandem learning may not be suitable for every student, unless the learner has acquired sufficient learner autonomy.

As pointed out in the article and by many classmates, the success of tandem learning approach may rely on many factors such as the personal characters of the learners, a suitable partner with common interest and goals, a favourable learning topic and environment etc. All these may affect the success of tandem learning. Also, it is not easy to reflect the learning process unless the communications between partners is closely monitored by the teacher, which in practice is difficult. All in all, tandem learning provides students an opportunity to motive greater participation and incentive in their learning which should be promoted and encouraged in pursuing their learning career.

Reflection on Week 9 - Multimedia courseward development : an EFL IVD experience

In this article, a detailed description and experience are given by the author in developing a new CALL courseware from the very beginning stage up to final stage with the end product. Obviously, the whole development process is a difficult and tedious task. But in order to meet the current trend in language teaching and to maximise the utility of computer technology, it is inevitable for the education authority and schools to place more resources in this aspect and to carry out further researches.

As time goes on and computer skills become part of the life, in particular for those teenager students who are adapted and very familiar to learn under a computer environment, it can be foreseen that more and more CALL multimedia / IVD materials will be available in the market, and become an important stream in language teaching in the near future.