Last Journal: Reflective Essay 😁

Assalamuaikum and good morning peeps 😊. Happy Sunday everyone and always cheer up. This morning I would like to post my last entry for this semester. I want to speak up my opinions or anything for 13 weeks I studied this subject: Internet Technology For Language  Learning.

Frankly,  I am not a fan of computer technology 😁. When I was registered for this subject last semester I felt helpless for this subject. I have no interest for this subject. For me language student like me do not need to learn any computers business like this. For me computer and technology only for Computer Science students. There is not significant for me to learn this subject (sorry Madam 🙏😂). I showed no interest on it.

When I entered the ICT class for the first time,  I told myself I cannot do that as I did not like this subject. But as it compulsory for me to take this subject,  I just followed the flow. I forced myself to keep on focused and try to accept it little by little. I was hard for me to adapt with it. But I tried been positive and surprisingly I could accept this subject. Even though it took times, I felt grateful for now.

Actually learning about computers and everything regarding to it is quite fun. I felt so thankful for having this subject for this semester. Now after 13 weeks I could see clearly the significant of this subject. Because of this subject now I know a bit about computer tools and programme software,  some history and so on.  I also be able to create a video using Pawtoon, create my own game and many more. Before this I never know the existence of these two software, Powtoon and Smart Builder. I am sure I will never know both of these softwares if I did not learnt this subject. Now I could use it in the future. And also I can improve my skills in computering 😂.


To Madam Azida thank you for your help and guidance 😊. You are the sweetest lecturer ever. Thank you for teaching me this subject and sorry for not performing well in your subject. And sorry also for not liking this subject but I swear now I'm in love with especially doing Smart Builder hehehe 😅. Hopefully I could use all knowledge you gave to me and sorry if I did wrong to you. Thank you for everything Madam Azida 😘💕

Journal 10: Creating Courseware using Smart Builder

Assalamualaikum and good evening everyone 😊. So how was your day?  I hope everyone enjoy their weekends. Tonight I will keep on updating my blog to share my experience. But for this entry I am going to talk about my second assignment which is Courseware. Anyone know what Courseware really is? I believed some of you might know,  some of you might not know it or never heard before,  right? It's okay, let me tell you what is Courseware actually. Courseware is a computer program or other material designed for use in an educational or training course. For example:game.

Before I started to share with you how I managed to complete my second assignment, let me tell you all the requirements:

1. It is a group work (like educational video)

2. All students required to create their own courseware and need to choose one target learners before start creating the courseware. You can choose your own topic.

3. You can use any application or software (suggested to use Smart Builder).

4. Upload your courseware in this blog http://intechelt2.blogspot.my/?m=1

5. You must have written report regarding your courseware and submit it after you have upload your courseware online.

6. You are given few weeks to finish it.

These are the requirements and now let's get started.

Since this is a group work,  I sticked with my previous groupmates, Afiqah and Amni. Like previous assignment, before start doing anything,  a discussion among group members is a must! So we discussed about what topic we going to use for this assignment and who is our target learners. We cannot simply create a courseware without knowing anything about our target learners. After few discussions we decided to choose a topic entitle "Pet's World" and our target learners are Year 2 students.

This is our overview for our courseware 

After have all informations we stared creating our courseware. As been suggested by Madam Azida,  we used Smart Builder application to create it. Here's the link to go Smart Builder

http://www.smartbuilder.com/

Like Pawtoon, this is much more harder. This time we need to create a game!  Our own game! Like seriously? We also did not believed it when Madam Azida assigned us to create a game. We are in a big trouble this time. We are language students and we need to create a game!  That is so impossible to do! But we have no choice. But luckily Madam Azida helped and guided us through out the time on creating this game.

When I think back my first response when I was assigned with this task,  it made my laugh burst out. I was freaking shocked at that time and I cannot accept it. It took few days for me to calm down and start doing this task. Alhamdulilah everything went well and create a game is simple. I am not going to show off or anything but seriously it was easy (when I knew everything). I became addicted to work more on it and I felt something wrong if I would not be able to finish it. As for beginners like us,  it took about 2 weeks for three of us to finish creating our game. Maybe later when I master it, I could finish it in a week. Who knows right?  Seriously you should try create your own game because you will feel satisfy when you publish it online and people keep on playing it. Before I wrap everything, I just want say do not be like me!  Giving up before trying! You should try it first before give up. Once you tried it then you will know your level. So go to this application and create your own game. Do not underestimate yourself!  Be confident and be happy 😍💪

p/s: do click this link to play our game. Enjoy 😬

https://lrs.smartbuilder.com/lrs/lesson/334908303/index.htm

Journal 9: Educational Video using Pawtoon 🎥🎬

Hi and we meet again hehehe 😁. As been mentioned in previous post, I was assigned with two assignments right?  Educational video and courseware. So for this entry I will share with you guys my experience created the educational video from beginning till it's end.

Before I start let me tell you the assignment requirements:

1. This is group assignment.
-Each of group need to have at least three or four members.

2. Every groups are required to create our own education video and publish it in this blog http://intechelt2.blogspot.my/?m=1

3. The duration for the video is not least than a minute and we are free to choose our own topic.

4. The submission date: 2 weeks after received assignment.

Now let's get started.  First thing first, I need to have a group. My group had 3 members only included me. My group members were Afiqah Syazwani and Amni Umairah. After that,  we discussed what topic we wanted to use before creating our video. As we have freedom to choose our own topic,  we decided to use topic that related to three of us. We loved to hike so we decided to use that topic. After narrow down it bit more,  we came out with the title for our video which was "Steps on Hiking for Beginners".

To be honest both my groupmates and I have no idea how to create this educational video.  Even though Madam Azida did guided all of us using Pawtoon,  yet we still did not know how to do it. All this time we only use Power Point for any presentation and use Movie Maker to create any videos. But this time we need to use Pawtoon. We did heard about this software before but we never used it. But since this assignment required us to use it, then had no choice.

After we gathered all the informations about our topic,  we started to use Pawtoon. It was hard for three of us because we knew nothing about it. Slowly we tried to explore it,  and it was not easy like using Power Point. We need to try and error to make sure we able to finish this task.

Day-by-day we managed to use it much more better. We already knew a little bit how to put images and texts,  how to do actions and motions,  how to put audios and musics and etc. We felt very excited to explore more. And Alhamdulilah we could see our progress on this video went smooth. And we managed to finish it by time.

From this experience, I could say it was fun. Even though it was hard at first,  but at the end you will find it more exciting than you expected. Because of this assignment I am be able to explore more and gain more knowledge. Pawtoon is much more interesting from Power Point by the way. In there,  you could create anything you want based on your sketch and ideas. So, I do recommended you guys to use this Powtoon software because it really exciting. I will make sure you would not regret once you try it. Don't miss and try it now. Good luck peeps 😍

P/s: click this link if you want to watch our humble educational video. Enjoy! 😎

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=30O1w81v9iU

Journal 8: Assignments 😂

Assalamuaikum and good evening everyone. Its been a while since my last update, am I right?  It almost a month I guess. I'm sorry. I really wanted to update my blog,  but I have no time to do that as I have tons of assignments need to be done. But Alhamdulilah, now I'm totally free and I will share with you guys what I did last few weeks.

As all of you know, my last chapter for this subject, (Internet Technology for Language Learning) is Podcast. As soon as my classmates and I done with that final chapter, Madam Azida assigned us with assignments. The first assignment is to create an educational video using Pawtoon. Then after finish with the educational video, we are required to create our own courseware using an application called Smart Builder. Later in my next post I will share with you guys what Pawtoon and Smart Builder are all about. Till we meet again. XOXO 😘😘😘

This is Pawtoon  

This is Smart Builder application

Journal 7: Using Podcast and Digital Storytelling for Language Learning

Hello again! Since today is Sunday I think it is the most suitable time for me to update my blog. It's already week 8 and the pressure is on. But its okay as everything will end soon and I cannot wait for it hehe. So let's start our entry for tonight with entitle "Using Podcast and Digital Storytelling for Language Learning". Ever heard about Podcast? Anyone? Yes? No? Its okay let me tell you what is podcast, okay peeps?

In simple explanation Podcast could be considered as any kind of audio or video that used internet to upload it online. Its is like a storytelling, songs, tips, tutorials, book reviews and etc. Anyone can listen to that audio or video and the most interesting part is it can be downloaded to a computer and mobile devices like MP3 player. Why its called Podcast? Its a combination of words iPod and broadcast.

If you read again my title for this entry, I am sure some of you might wonder what is relations between Podcast and Language Learning. Some might ask, "is it possible to use podcast in language learning" or "how does it work with language learning". Its okay to have that kind of thoughts because used to have it at first stage. But after Madam Azida told me everything only then I see the relationship between these two.

There are two main use of podcast in learning language which are to let students listen to existing podcasts and encourage students to create their own podcasts. For existing podcasts, students could use them for their studies because podcasts come in variety of levels and topics. It is like materials that students use for their self study and many more.To have your own podcast you need to have a recorded audio then upload it to your favourite podcast medium like Youtube, iTunes, SoundCloud and Blog.

Here is my podcast. Do click the link :)
For your information I uploaded my podcast on SoundCloud. Enjoy 😊

https://soundcloud.com/alyaa-saad-297355623/the-dog-and-the-bone

Journal 6: Instructional Courseware Design

Hello peeps and good evening :). It's been a week since my last entry. So today I decided to update more about my journey in my ICT class with my lovely lecturer, Madam Azida. Last two weeks we learnt two new things and I found it very interesting as I never knew about it even I am 22 years old now. What a pathetic! But since I knew a bit of it I feel so excited to share it this entry. Sit tight and enjoy your reading peeps!

Before I start, let me ask you a question, okay? Do you know what is Instructional Courseware Design? Anyone? Me? Nah. I know some of you might know and some might not like me. And maybe this is your first time heard this "Instructional Courseware Design", am I right? So let me tell you what is ICD really is. 

According to Madam Azida, Instructional Courseware Design is something like application that widely used in education field to help the teachers to make it lesson more efficient, effective and appealing. Since it is an instructional, it it an instruction of knowledge that the teachers you to give to the students but in more effective ways. Furthermore, it really put students as priority as before this instructional thing is designed, the teachers required to figure out the needs of their students, defining the learning objectives and creating something or ideas to achieve the objectives of the lesson. And most important thing is it combined Mixed Behaviourist and Constructivist learning theory. I know some of you still does not get my point yet. As ex TESL student, I could say that Instructional Courseware Design actually something similar to teacher's lesson plan. Before you enter the class, you must have your lesson plan to make sure your lesson for that day is achievable or not. Same goes to Instructional Courseware Design. 

In 1960-2006, PLATO was invented. PLATO or Programmed Logic for Automated Teaching Operations was the first computer assisted instruction system. It actually similar to CALL that we used for this era as it could teach any course using it. PLATO was on of the example of application that used instruction in lesson. Before, this PLATO was invented a framework was created to make sure instructional coursework run smoothly. For this application, a framework called ADDIE was designed. ADDIE are the steps that used when constructing an instructional coursework. It consists of Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation and Evaluation.

Courseware or Instructional Courseware Design actually works as supporter to a lesson not to complete the lesson. It is like a guide book for teachers to make sure the lesson is well-organized in order to achieve the objectives. Any situations like inside or outside the lesson could use this method.

I guess this is for now and stay tuned as many more interesting topic will be updated soon. Goodbye :)

Journal 5: Computer Mediated Communication and ESL

Hi and good evening everyone. Tonight I would like to share with you guys new topic about CMC. If any of you did followed me from my first entry, you would notice that I did mentioned this topic back then in my second entry. I only told what is CMC and some examples of it. But do not worry, tonight I would tell more about it from A-Z. Enjoy your reading peeps!

Any form of communication or interaction between two or more people via separate computers through network connection called as Computer Mediated Communication. Social medias like Whatssap, Twitter, Instagram, Email, Skype and many more are the examples of CMC that people nowadays always uses in their daily life. CMC not only use to communicate but also for education purpose.

In late 1980s and 1990s CMS was widely used for education. It started when a Communicative CALL was introduced to the world. During that time, the uses of Forum and Emails became widespread and long-distance education was increased. People used this CMC for distance teachings and learning as it was convenient for them.

CMC have two types of communication: Asynchronous CMC and Synchronous CMC.


1. Asynchronous CMC
    - communication is not synchronized
    - when someone sent a message, it takes time time for the recipient to reply the message. It take time for them to reply it.
    - Emails, Message Boards, Forums and Discussion, Blogs and etc are the examples of                            Asynchronous CMC

2. Synchronous CMC
    - communication is synchronized
    - when someone sent a message, it takes to time to get reply. The recipient will reply it instantly as the sender do not have to wait any longer to get reply.
    - Internet chat rooms, Whatsapps, Yahoo Messenger, Skype and etc are the examples of                         Synchronous CMC

As been mentioned above, CMC also used for education purpose as it allows long-distance learning. Both teacher and students be able to communicate with each other even they are in different locations. When using CMC you do not have to walk to class but the learning is still on. Video conferencing, E-tutoring and E-lectures are the most popular examples of CMC in education field.

To wrap up everything, I could say that CMC is awesome and  on behalf of universities students I would say we need it in our education system! It very convenient for both teachers and students as it easy to use, save your times, save your energy and many more. With that, thank you :)

Journal 4: Search Engine and Online Database

Do you know what is Search Engine and Online Database? I also did not know what are these two things really are. When Madam Azida asked my classmates and I, all of us could not answered it as most of use never heard these terms before. Actually, Search Engine is a web tool that allows users to enter keywords and find information on websites contained in its database. Google or Yahoo are the examples of Search Engine. It uses software that collects data from Web to include in its database and not forget to mention every search engine has its own database.  There are four parts of a Search Engine included Database, Web-Crawlers, User Interface and Information Retrieval System.

1.

Database- a storage where all indexed webpages are stored.

2.

Web-Crawlers- an automated program or bot

3.

User Interface- a user-friendly app/site/page where users may input query and search results are presented.

4.

Information Retrieval System- a system used to match the user's query to indexed webpages found in database.

In addition, Search Engine was designed to search for a specific area where its database only for specific field like Google Scholar, Education World, Art cyclopedia and Pipl.com .


After the class ended, only then I knew what is Search Engine really is. I had been using it for years but never aware about it not even a second. From my understanding, Search Engine is Google. When me or all of use wanted to get information about something, we use Google or any other software to find it. It where Search Engine plays it role. It actually the one who helped all humankind in this world to find information. Without this Search Engine thing, I believed it hard to get info. I think that all for this time. Wait for my next entry and goodbye everyone :)

Journal 3: Evolution of CALL

After learnt about the introduction of CALL, Madam Azida continued the lesson with the Evolution of CALL. This time we need to learn more and more about how did this CALL thing grew up from its beginning till now. There were lot of things we need to explore in order for us to understand how it really happened. For your information, this CALL evolution had 3 different progressions which were Behaviouristic CALL, Communicative CALL and Integrated CALL.

As all of us know, CALL acts as a tool in language learning. According to history, a theory called Behaviouristic CALL was developed in 1960s especially for Audio-Lingual method. It consisted repetitive drill and practice.This method really suited for language learning because it help the learners to master their pronouncitions. By using this method, learners are encourage to keep on repetiting the exercises provided until they master it. One of the example that use this method was  Stanford Project (1960s).

Second progression in CALL evolution known as Communicative CALL. Communicative CALL could be defined as a tool that focused more on language usage rather than grammar. It was developed between 1970s-1980s as it concepts allowed the learners to have their own utterances on word. It was designed to help the learners to utter any words naturally without worrying the grammatical errors. By doing this kind of thing, it will let the learners to enjoy their learning as they do not have to worry doing any mistakes. In this situation, computer holds three important roles which are computer as tutor, computer as stimuli and computer as a tool. Computer works as a tutor as it gives guidance but does not judge learners. For instance, Pronunciation Coach and Rosetta Stone. On the other hand, computer as stimulus when it train learner to solve problem by themselves. Learners will be expose to open discussion, writing and critical thinking where it requires them to have problem solving skills. Last but not least, computer as a tool is when learners are encourage to use generic software like Word Processor, Excel Spreadsheet and Publisher to upgrade the language.


Integrated CALL was the last progression in CALL evolution. It used the integration of real-world into CALL. This evolution started when a CD-ROM was widely used to store the materials for learning. This method used internet to work on. Until now learners will use internet for CALL in their studies especially in language learning.

For this lesson, I  could say that it is important to know the evolution of CALL. Know it progression from time to time so that we could appreciate more. I just wanted to say that CALL is most eligible tool for learners especially language learners because it easy to use and suits well.

Hot Potatoes is one the software that consider as CALL software.

Journal 2: Introduction to CALL / Computer Assistant Language Learning

Hi and hello everyone. It's been a week since my last post. I'm quite busy with my classes and now is the only time I have to update my blog. Tonight I wanted to share what I had learnt last week. Last week my friends and I learnt two new things which were CALL and Search Engine & Online Database.

I have heard about this CALL thing during my diploma time and I did used it in my class during that time. Its actually works as a tool for learning session. We use internet and technology for learning purpose. Even though, I used to use this thing frankly I am not the expert. I only knew how to used it but not the background or history of it. So, last week on Monday my lecturer Madam Azidatun taught all of us about CALL from A to Z. We narrowed it down to know more about it.

CALL or Computer Assistant Language Learning did help in studies especially for students like me. Before this I only knew a bit of it but after I learnt it I found so many new things in CALL. The history of CALL, CALL's programs, Progression of CALL and so on. From my lectures last week I could tell you that CALL's programs consists of CALL specific software, Generic software, Web-Based Learning software, and Computer Mediated Communication. I also learnt about what a computer can and cannot do and also the role of computer.

The CALL's program like CALL specific software actually a program that been designed in specifically for language learning. For instance, the exercises in web-based, ELT-software, Games. In other hand, Generic software is actually a program and applications for general purpose. Even it only for purpose it also for language teaching and learning. Microsoft Word, Power Point and so on are the applications that considered as Generic software. Besides that, Web-Based Learning software include online dictionary, online encyclopedias, magazines, newspaper, blogs and etc. The stuffs that found in the internet that could use as a tool for learning language called Web-Based Learning software. In addition, any websites that designed for online communication called Computer Mediated Communication. There are two types of communication; synchronous and asynchronous. Synchronous as the communication has no time delayed. It will responds right at the moment. For example like Instant Messaging and Online chat. But for asynchronous it has time delayed. The communication takes time to respond. Common examples are Email, Discussion forum and Message boards.

So, this are some knowledge that I have learnt last week. I know some of you already know about all this stuff but I felt so excited to share what I have learnt in my ICT class. I wanted to spread all the knowledge so that many people could get the benefits. I really hope in my next class I cloud learn more about computer and technology.

Journal Entry 1 : Blogging 😍💕

As this semester begins, it is compulsory for me to take a subject that related to computer stuffs. This subject best known as Interent Technologies for Language Learning (ESP6013). Madam Azidatul is going to teach my class this subject for this semester. She' s so cute and kind-hearted lecturer. I hope sheat could help me to pass this subject with flying colours as I know I have zero knowledge about computer especially. I really hope Madam Azidatul would help me throughout this semester. Madam please guide me 😊😍.

To be honest, since I have no knowledge about computer and all things I do not feel any interest in this subject. I found it very hard to learn this subject as I know nothing. I do not like do something that I do not what to do. It such a wasting of time. But I tried to convince myself that I can do it as Madam Azidatul had promised that she could help us steps by steps. I felt so relieved to hear it.

So in the first class for this ICT subject, Madam Azidatul told us about the Courseworks for this subject. For this subject there is not final exam and everything depends on courseworks. It is quiet tough but I know I can do it!

Last Monday, Madam Azidatul taugh my friends and I on how to create a blog. Our own blogs! This is one of our assessment where we need to keep updating our blog with our weekly journal about this ICT subject. In our blog, we could share our opinions, suggestions, ideas, notes and everything regarding to our subject. It is just like a diary! I love write a dairy 😊. Actually created a blog was not that hard and it brough so much fun. I could share anything I like to my blog. Even at first I found it so hard to create a blog, but it not really that hard. I just need to explore more and more and be patient and seriously it worth it. So now, I already had my own blog and I will keep updating my lessons, notes and all things about this ICT class in my blog weekly. Hopefully my blog would give such a big benefits to all readers as I feel honoured to share all the knowledge. With that, I ended my entry for this time.

With love, Alyaa

                This is my blog. Do visit my blog 😊 

            https://alyaasaad343.blogspot.my/?m=1