Copyright issues

Wow, if you go deep into the copyright issues, it could be very SERIOUS!

This is my first time reading materials about copyright in Hong Kong and I am really far away from the knowledge. Oops ...

From what I've heard in common sense, there is much more that we, as a teacher, should know!

Right after learning more about it, I have gone into my blog and deleted a few links that I have provided in the writings.

Teachers, please see if it helps:
http://www.ipd.gov.hk/eng/intellectual_property/copyright/edu_guide.pdf

The CALL Courseware Evaluation Framework of Hubbard

I am so impressed by the the evaluation framework of Hubbard (1988, pp.69); it is so unique that each complicated detail is so clearly presented in one single chart, provided in the form of a framework from which teachers can develop their own evaluation procedures in any training courses. It really gives a great insight to language teachers on how to evaluate a course with clarity, flexibility and readability.

However, I think it would be quite time-consuming spending on describing each little detail in the tasks of the courseware, rather than just going through a checklist or a list of questions to be answered in a traditional evaluation form. But still, the more time you invest in it, the deeper insight you will get. It is worthy though!

As a fresh one experiencing new technologies in language teaching, I already could see how far behind I am, since quite thorough courseware development has been established in the field...

Reference:
Hubbard, P. (1988). An intergrated framework for CALL courseware evaluation. CALICO Journal, 6(2). 51-72.

"Hot Potatoes" is fun to learn and for learning!

I found it at ease with lots of fun learning how to use the "Hot Potatoes" software for language pedagogy BUT ONLY under the technical supports of Christoph and other classmates. I would like to take this chance to say "thank you so much" to them.

Indeed, I am a computer idiot and always found frustration using computer technology as a mean in my teaching. However, I have to admit that new technologies for language pedagogy is very essential since the world has changed to an IT era.

Although the "Hot Potatoes" has been exposed in the world for a while, this is the first time I heard about it. See, how outdated I am - the one who only likes reading grammar books at home!

Theory-Driven Call & The Development Process

Indeed, the idealistic framework of language pedagogy beginning with descriptions of needs analysis and learning objectives, then learning activities before considering the choice of media, as what Levy (1997) has described, is very familiar and practical to most of the teachers in Hong Kong, due to the contraints of technical supports and lesson time in school. However, I totally agree with Levy that the notion of 'fit' is most valuable.

From the different aspect of views according to the field of CALL (Computer-Assisted Language Learning), the 'fit' between the computer's capabilities and the demands of language pedagogy is as practical and effective as the traditional instructional design that we used to learn to apply in our pedagogy in our generations. Since the wrold has moved to the IT era, I strongly believe that the 'fit' approach would be more essential, and teachers need to move on to advance themselves in such development.

Now, I really admire the langauge educators that have equipped with good IT skills!

Reference:
Theory-Driven CALL and the Development Process by Mike Levy (1997

Educational Family Day with Fun

The Omnimax Show "Sea Monsters: A Prehistoric Adventure":
www.lcsd.gov.hk/CE/Museum/Space/Sitemap/e_index.htm

I visited the Space Theatre in Hong Kong Space Museum for relaxation last Saturday and unbelievably went to a great adventure back to the prehistoric years. With the paleontologists, the journey unveils the secrets of the sea monsters in the past step by step. It is fascinating and educational, and the English voiceover is so easy to follow. Also, teacher's guide of the movie is provided on the Internet for reference:
www.nationalgeographic.com/seamonsters
www.nationalgeographic.com/seamonster/educators/index.html

I would say, it is a wonderful enjoyment for families, and parents can prepare ahead by checking through the teacher's guide before taking the curious children to a wonderful and educational journey. However, caution is advised to the elderly with motion sickness problem - they will find the journey went through on the screen too adventurous!