A Case Report of Computer Basics for EFL Teachers

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A Case Report of Computer Basics for EFL Teachers
Xu Xin Beijing Foreign Studies University June,
2006
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The course Computer Basics for EFL Teachers, as
part of an MA in English Education Program, is
designated for EFL teacher education in China. It
is an eight-week course with 16 hours on lecture
and 8 hours on tutorial.
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Introduction to the development of CALL

• Behavioristic CALL
• Communicative CALL
• Integrative CALL

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Questions about CALL

• What is the role of computer in ELT?
• What is the role of EFL teachers?
• Should EFL teachers become computer experts?
• What software can EFL teachers introduce into
  ELT?

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Q1 What is the role of computer in ELT?

• Computer will never replace teachers.
• Computer is a tool, of itself incapable of
  action. (Ahmad et al, 19852)

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Q2 What is the role of EFL teachers?

• An EFL teacher will change from a traditional
  know-it-all authoritarian to a facilitator or a
  guide in ELT.
• Teachers who use computers will replace teachers
  who do not. (Clifford, 19985)

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Q3 Should an EFL teacher become a computer
expert?

• An EFL teacher is required to have
• a certain level of competency in the use of
  computers
• an understanding of the dynamics of a CALL
  classroom
• a commitment to the continuous use of CALL in the
  language classroom. (Lee, 2001)
• Teachers, who are not familiar and at ease with
  the use of computers, need to be trained before
  they step into the multimedia language laboratory
  with their students. (Lee, 2001)

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Q4 What software can EFL teachers integrate into
ELT?

• With a wide range of commercial software
  programs available to language teachers,
  selecting those that best suit the needs of the
  students has become a challenging task.(Lee,
  2001)

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Objectives of the course

• giving EFL teachers a chance to learn and
  practice general purpose software which will be
  helpful in their future ELT process
• integrating ELT practice with IT technology
  through a task-based approach
• helping EFL teachers change their attitude toward
  the application of IT in ELT
• Helping EFL teachers develop an innovative
  perspective on ELT

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General purpose software introduced in this course

• Microsoft Word
• Adobe Acrobat
• Microsoft Excel
• Microsoft Access
• Cool Edit Pro
• Adobe Photoshop
• Adobe Premiere
• Authorware
• Dreamweaver

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Introducing general purpose software for EFL
teachers

• Applications of Word processing in ELT lesson
  planning, vocabulary teaching, and writing
  teaching
• Applications of Spreadsheets in ELT statistics
  in ELT and teaching portfolio establishment
• Applications of Database in ELT teaching
  resources gathering and information retrieval
• Applications of Multimedia in ELT Classroom
  presentation and AV resource processing,
  courseware development
• Applications of WWW in ELT teaching platform
  construction
• An introduction to Corpus Linguistics.

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Word Processing for ELT

• It enhances a learners self-perception as a
  real writer.
• It brings student writing in line with accepted
  standards for communication and publishing.
• It is easier for learners to share their work
  with others.
• It provides powerful tools for students to do
  word research.

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Correcting essays electronically
Raw text
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Correcting essays electronically
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Correcting essays electronically
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Writing in line with academic standard
Raw text
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Writing in line with academic standard
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Writing in line with academic standard
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Spreadsheets for ELT

• They are faster than manual analysis and
  calculator-based analysis.
• They offer greater flexibility as users change
  entries and immediately view the results.
• They allow for graphical displays, copy-and-paste
  editing, and formula revisions as necessary.

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Straightforward data analysis
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Straightforward data analysis
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Straightforward data analysis
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Multimedia for ELT

• Multimedia allows for student ownership of their
  learning. Students can express themselves through
  a variety of means, with the potential for
  creativity being boundless. (Claudia 2003)

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Application of images in ELT
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Application of audio in ELT
Raw audio file
Finished audio file
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Application of AV in ELT
Teachers lecture
Students presentation
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Courseware for ELT

• The courseware has been customized to
  anticipate faculty and student needs, and have
  various interactive features built in to allow
  collaboration. They also include testing
  features, and course management components like
  class lists and gradebooks. (http//www.google.c
  om/search?quseofcoursewarehlzh-CNnewwindow1
  rlsGGLD2CGGLD3A2005-392CGGLD3Azh-CN)

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Using courseware for self-assessment
Intensive Reading self-test
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Characteristics of the course

• Paper free
• Team work
• Creativity and initiatives are encouraged
• Integration of technology into ELT practice

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The End