In-Class Task 1: About Myself

1. My name is Wan Nurul 'Arifah binti Wan Nor. I am from Kubang Kerian, Kota Bharu, Kelantan and right now I am doing degree in TESL programme at UiTM, Shah Alam. My student identification number is 2006146139.

2. When talking about computer skills I would like to honestly rate myself as 'illiterate' because I am not a type of person who loves to be up-to-date with modern ICT gadgets and information. However, it does not mean that I have know nothing about this recent technology tool, or in specific, I think I can categorize myself as at beginner level; where I just know some of the basic things about computer as I have to accomplish my course assignments and sometimes get myself a little space to be a bit familiar with all those features and things. For instances, at least I know how to upload photos and videos on my facebook wall.

3. If I would like to explain my knowledge regarding the computer software and hardware..all that I can say here is about 70 percent 'zero'. I do not really know about the hardware's that are famously used in computer. I did learn about them during my first degree semester but I could not be able to recall them back. However, I do know a little bit (or extremely too narrow) about certain software's such as language translation software and computer antivirus software as all students are used to it.

4. I do not really sure what does it mean by "having experience of learning via computer". But according to my understanding, I think yes, I have experienced it either directly or indirectly because I do online when I need to search for some information and new knowledge such as "online language teaching". However, since it is quite hard to get into such website, like I have to purchase, or become a member of the web..so I just forget it. But, I agree that learning via computer can bring many advantages to its user rather than the disadvantages.

5. Yes, I did incorporate technology in some of my lessons during my practicum teaching especially for literature elements, and speaking and listening skills. I taught Form 2 students and they have to learn a novel entitled, The Phantom of the Opera. It is a very amazing story but since the concept of the story is quite unfamiliar to the students' background knowledge; so by using computer technology such as through showing the students some videos and pictures regarding the story it would really help them a lot in comprehending it. Besides that, I also found that majority of the students were so interested and motivated to learn English when such tools have been incorporated in teaching; if compared to the traditional way of teaching (i.e. using chalk and board).

6. In my opinion, it is really important and necessary for all language teachers to equip themselves with knowledge in IT or technology because it will help them a lot in their teaching and learning activities; as well as achieve the targetted learning outcomes. It does not mean that the traditional way of teaching is no longer relevant to the new generation and has to be put aside, but what I mean here is that it is really worthy to explore new things that can give valuable benefits to our current education achievement. Language teaching usually focused on four main areas which are listening, speaking, reading and writing. I think the students can best learn all these four skills if they are helped with this new technology. As we know, students' development and growth are also much more affected by their environment and most of them already explored about IT by themselves out there. Therefore, it would be meaningful if teachers are able to channel their IT knowledge to learn about language.

7. As future language teacher, I do expect this course to equip me with latest knowledge in IT, especially about language teaching and learning, and at the same time enable me to maximize the use of computer technology in the learning activities.