Importance of CALL evaluation and Hot Potatoes software

1. Why do you think evaluation of CALL courseware, websites, materials etc important?

• In my opinion, evaluation of CALL courseware, websites, materials etc is important because by doing the evaluation, the user or the teacher will be able to determine the suitability and the effectiveness of the materials to their students.
• By doing the evaluation, the user and especially the teacher will know whether the materials suitable for the students' level of competence, age level, etc and eventually have a basic assumption of the possible outcomes when using the materials (e.g new vocabulary).
  
• In terms of effectiveness, the user or the teacher will be able to see changes or progress of the learner at the end of the CALL lesson, in which students must be able to demonstrate understanding, acquire new knowledge and able to use the language outside the classroom.
  

2. How do you think Hot Potatoes JCloze may help your students learn English?

• Personally, I found Hot Potatoes is a very useful software for teachers especially in doing exercises for students. I really enjoy myself using it for the first time. Undoubtedly, it is beneficial for teachers as well as the students.
• Hot Potatoes JCloze may help the students to learn English better with the help of its unique features such as having the clues/hint for the students to fill in the blanks. If the student is confused of what to be filled in the blanks, the hint will give a little help, and by having this the student will know what is required for the answer. For example, if the hint says the answer needed is an article, therefore the students should fill in the blanks with a, an and the. ;-)
  

Exercise using Microsoft Word

In-Class Task 1

• My name is Noor Zaleha bt. Azahar. Born on 26 July 1987, I was third out of 5 siblings. Alhamdulillah, thank to Allah, I am now in the final semester of my Bachelor of Education TESL in UiTM Shah Alam.


• Computer skills rating?? Hmm... I should say intermediate level. I know how to use some of the computer's programs but still looking forward to learn new skills and to use new softwares and programs.


• As for knowledge about computer software and hardware, I know how to use Microsoft Office's programs including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher. I use Download Accelerator Manager to download programs, files, etc. Other softwares including Winamp, Windows Media Player, Cyberlink Power DVD, GOM Player, Adobe Reader, Flash Player, Quicktime, Java and others. Basic hardware skills - thumb drive, CD, DVD, CPU, monitor and others.


• Yes, I use the computer most of the time especially for educational purposes. I browse the net to search for new information and to look for materials for references, assignments and others. I also use the computer to learn interactive educational lesson such as Malaysian school's literature lesson.


• Yes, I did try incorporating technologies in some of my lessons during my practicum. I played videos and songs in the class. Sometimes the lesson was a success and the students enjoyed the lesson very much but sometimes it was a failure due to classroom condition, students' behavior and unexpected encounters during the lesson.


• In my opinion, the use of computer/technology in language teaching is an excellent way to vary the teaching techniques especially in teaching English language. Undoubtedly, computer/technology offers a wide range of materials and interesting activities that can be utilized for language teaching.


• I expect to get the best grade in this course, hopefully A but most importantly I expect this course will help me to improve my knowledge about computer skills and software so that I can use the knowledge to create interesting lesson and be a creative teacher in the future.