Computer Assisted Language Learning: Writing
Introduction
Various methods have been proposed to make teaching more effective and attractive. Online learning is one of the latest additions to the currently practiced delivery methods (Harasim et al., 1995). Besides, the existence of computer these days also helps both students and teachers works become easier. Word processor program in a computer assist to overcome difficulties inherent in writing and there are many websites that able to help users in writing too. Consequently, writing skills can be improved either online or offline.
Online learning method: Writing
Here, I would like to share with you one of the website that I found very useful in order for us to improve our writing skills. This website, http://elc.polyu.edu.hk/cill/writing.htm includes eight topics under the writing section. Among of the topics are materials, referencing, ideas, need analysis, planning and etcetera. Material topic comprise of guides to write memos, email, letters essays, report and so forth. In this topic, you will also be able to use the 85 common errors detector program. Besides using grammar checker in the word processor, you can try using this program as it help you to find and correct some of the common vocabulary problems in student writing too. The instruction about using this program is easy to follow and this program will output your text with the error highlighted, together with comments and explanations to help you solve this problems.
Furthermore, ideas topic provides a site for reading and sharing points on topics that you can used for essays, discussions and presentations. The organizational tools also listed in the ideas topic can be used to help you re-organised lists. For instance, list of topics to put in the essay. Besides, the writing strategies that include suggestions to write a better essay provide pros and cons calculator to help you organize the information. The aim of this program is to help you to decide on issues by calculating the strength of points you type in.
Moreover, other than using this website, blog writing also helps develop students writing skills. Writing blog will help to generate reflection and critical thinking skills among students. Vethamani (2006) in research about ‘Online applications in Language Teacher Education’ proved that, “The trainee teachers’ elaboration on how blogging had facilitated critical thinking also indicates the level of reflection in their blogs.” These trainee teachers said that, more than just expressing their opinions, blog develops their thinking skills, as “there are many references to thinking skill they had to employ in their blogs”. Vethamani (2006). Hence, not only the trainee teachers but also the English Language students can apply blog writing activity in their learning process.
Offline learning method: Writing
In addition, the use of word processor in offline learning also enhance one writing skills. By using word processor, it builds positive attitudes towards writing and motivation can be improved. This is because the students will not hesitate to type multiple drafts, as it is a good strategy to improve writing. Compare than writing it manually, it will make the students feel burden. Besides, word processor is equipped with thesaurus, spelling and grammar checker, track changes and etcetera to assist users in writing process. Consequently, writing quality can be improved.
Conclusion
On the other hand, in Nuraihan and Ainol research regarding online and offline writing course (2006) stated that, “the statistics show that online students did not perform as well as the offline students.” and “Since the online mode required students to be more independent, it is possible that the materials are not detailed or enough for online students.” This is because the module, which originally designed to be delivered in conventional way (face to face), might only suitable for the offline students but it is different with the online students.
Now, it can be seen that it is true writing skill can be enhance via both online and offline learning method. Nevertheless, although there are many resources available online, sometimes it is time consuming in order to find the right material and may be not very relevant to the search topic. As Bright (1990) stated that, “…with instruction and support from the teacher and peers, most students can experience success in writing through the use of a word processor.” This is same for online learning too. Here, the teachers or lecturers need to guide the students so that the use of online learning will be more effective.
References:
Nuraihan Mat Daud & Ainol Mardziah Zubairi. 2006. Online Teaching and Learning in
ELT. Online and Offline Writing Course. Pulau Pinang: Penerbit Universiti Sains
Malaysia.
Introduction
Various methods have been proposed to make teaching more effective and attractive. Online learning is one of the latest additions to the currently practiced delivery methods (Harasim et al., 1995). Besides, the existence of computer these days also helps both students and teachers works become easier. Word processor program in a computer assist to overcome difficulties inherent in writing and there are many websites that able to help users in writing too. Consequently, writing skills can be improved either online or offline.
Online learning method: Writing
Here, I would like to share with you one of the website that I found very useful in order for us to improve our writing skills. This website, http://elc.polyu.edu.hk/cill/writing.htm includes eight topics under the writing section. Among of the topics are materials, referencing, ideas, need analysis, planning and etcetera. Material topic comprise of guides to write memos, email, letters essays, report and so forth. In this topic, you will also be able to use the 85 common errors detector program. Besides using grammar checker in the word processor, you can try using this program as it help you to find and correct some of the common vocabulary problems in student writing too. The instruction about using this program is easy to follow and this program will output your text with the error highlighted, together with comments and explanations to help you solve this problems.
Furthermore, ideas topic provides a site for reading and sharing points on topics that you can used for essays, discussions and presentations. The organizational tools also listed in the ideas topic can be used to help you re-organised lists. For instance, list of topics to put in the essay. Besides, the writing strategies that include suggestions to write a better essay provide pros and cons calculator to help you organize the information. The aim of this program is to help you to decide on issues by calculating the strength of points you type in.
Moreover, other than using this website, blog writing also helps develop students writing skills. Writing blog will help to generate reflection and critical thinking skills among students. Vethamani (2006) in research about ‘Online applications in Language Teacher Education’ proved that, “The trainee teachers’ elaboration on how blogging had facilitated critical thinking also indicates the level of reflection in their blogs.” These trainee teachers said that, more than just expressing their opinions, blog develops their thinking skills, as “there are many references to thinking skill they had to employ in their blogs”. Vethamani (2006). Hence, not only the trainee teachers but also the English Language students can apply blog writing activity in their learning process.
Offline learning method: Writing
In addition, the use of word processor in offline learning also enhance one writing skills. By using word processor, it builds positive attitudes towards writing and motivation can be improved. This is because the students will not hesitate to type multiple drafts, as it is a good strategy to improve writing. Compare than writing it manually, it will make the students feel burden. Besides, word processor is equipped with thesaurus, spelling and grammar checker, track changes and etcetera to assist users in writing process. Consequently, writing quality can be improved.
Conclusion
On the other hand, in Nuraihan and Ainol research regarding online and offline writing course (2006) stated that, “the statistics show that online students did not perform as well as the offline students.” and “Since the online mode required students to be more independent, it is possible that the materials are not detailed or enough for online students.” This is because the module, which originally designed to be delivered in conventional way (face to face), might only suitable for the offline students but it is different with the online students.
Now, it can be seen that it is true writing skill can be enhance via both online and offline learning method. Nevertheless, although there are many resources available online, sometimes it is time consuming in order to find the right material and may be not very relevant to the search topic. As Bright (1990) stated that, “…with instruction and support from the teacher and peers, most students can experience success in writing through the use of a word processor.” This is same for online learning too. Here, the teachers or lecturers need to guide the students so that the use of online learning will be more effective.
References:
Nuraihan Mat Daud & Ainol Mardziah Zubairi. 2006. Online Teaching and Learning in
ELT. Online and Offline Writing Course. Pulau Pinang: Penerbit Universiti Sains
Malaysia.
Simic, M. 1994. Computer Assisted Writing Instruction. Eric Digest. http://www.indiana.edu/~reading/ieo/digests/d97.html viewed on 3 March 2008.
Suhaila Sulong & Ridwan Wahis. 2006. Online Teaching and Learning in ELT. Use of Computer in an ESL Writing Class. Pulau Pinang: Penerbit Universiti Sains Malaysia.
Vethamani, M.E. Online Teaching and Learning in ELT. Blogging and Trainee Teachers'
Professional Development. Pulau Pinang: Penerbit Universiti Sains Malaysia.
Vethamani, M.E. Online Teaching and Learning in ELT. Blogging and Trainee Teachers'
Professional Development. Pulau Pinang: Penerbit Universiti Sains Malaysia.
1 comment:
Very good review and you managed to show me that you've read other sources and information as well. Hope that you enjoy blogging even after the assignment is over. Keep up the good work
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