Reflection on Week 12 Reading

I think no one will doubt that computer-based testing is much more convenient for the test designers to run a test when compared with a paper-and-pencil based test. Different test setters can do the test at the same but not necessarily at the same place. With the aid of computer program, it can generate the real time reporting showing the marks of the test takers. However, there are some constraints when running a computer-based test. For instance, many test setters set the paper based on a paper-and-pencil one so there might be no big difference in terms of the design of the test and the test type may be restricted to MC, gap-filling or matching. The computer cannot make personal judgment so open-ended questions might not appear in a computer-based test.

Reflection on Learning Management Systems (LMS)

I do agree that most often learning takes place accidentally. In other words, learning takes place even though we do not notice it. With LMS, learners can select specialized tools to achieve learning goals and learning takes place instantly as it provides a place for content interaction.

Reflection on Week 10 Reading-revised

I think I made a mistake before. When we pair up students, we should choose 2 students learning different languages as their second language. In our context, we can pair up a student with Cantonese as their first language and English as their second language, with another student learning English as their first language and Cantonese their second. In this way, they can exchange their ideas in both languages.

Reflection on Week 10 Reading: Learner Autonomy and Tandem Learning

I quite like the idea of tandem learning. By practicing it, two learners of complementary L1 – L2 combinations are brought in a pair. In our context, we can bring any 2 students in a pair as their first language is Cantonese and second language English. Through CALL program, they will learn from each other through interactions via email, msn or video-conferencing. I think it is definitely possible in Hong Kong and students can learn in a more relaxing way.

Reflection on Week 9 Reading: Practical Considerations For Multimedia Courseware Development: An EFL IVD Experience

I think the project mentioned in the article is very meaningful and useful and the IVD system could help students learn their language better. Without internalizing the linguistic forms of a language, learners of it could hardly master it well. Like what is mentioned in the article, Hong Kong language teachers face a lot of problems in schools. It gives rise to the need of the CALL programme.

I am in favour of CALL, especially when learners are learning in their leisure time. With IVD, learners can learn through an authentic environment since video is recorded and incorporated into the programme. When learners learn a language from this kind of programme, they can acquire it by imitating speech acts, pronunciation, stress and intonation in a life-like scenario. As a result, the language is internalized and learners know how to use it in authentic situations.

Reflection on Hong Kong’s Amended Copyright Law

I think it is sensible for the teachers or educationalists to copy a short clip of a film as a teaching aid. I always make use of songs and video clips to arouse students’ interest when I address a problem, especially a current issue. Being granted the use of copyright, I can design my teaching materials more flexibly.

It is also fair for the students to use a small portion of a copyright work in their project with acknowledgement of the source of work. However, many pupils in Hong Kong do not know much about it and just copy and paste the whole passage from the web. The school should teach what students should do in order not to infringe copyright.

Besides songs and films, I always adopt news article in my teaching. I have to record the title of the articles I have used and my colleagues tell the publishers at a regular interval. I think it is very convenient for the teachers to make use of the hand-on information in their daily teaching.