REFLECTION ON BLOG

BY SHARIFAH SHAKINAH

This blog had helped me in reflect on every chapter I've learned. Through reflection, I feel that it promotes the free flow of expressing oneself and understanding the true meaning of certain subjects. I certainly hope that this blog will help others too. Now, every chapter that we've learned is not a mere chapter but the significance of this subject could be applied to our life as a Muslims.

This blog also helped us in strengthening our group bond as after every chapter we will sit together and discuss on what we have understood and gained in that particular chapter. This blog has helped us in expressing opinions and it also help us in being patience as to reflect and ponder might take time and requires commitment from each and every members. This blogs also teaches us to work together efficiently as a group and not individually. I realised that this is the same setting that I'll face in my career phase, hence the experience of working in a group will help a lot in the future.

Not only that it helps me in improving myself, I am also inspired to help others after spending time in pouring all the information needed for a student to master morphology by using CALL. I believe that this blog can help students in understanding Morphology better by reading our research in corpus linguistic that touched on the usage of reductions. In fact, teachers can also benefited from this blog as we had posted lesson plan on how to teach speaking skills using CALL. 

Blog is all about sharing, and this blog had made me experience the true feeling of happiness in sharing our knowledge with others. This blog has helped us so much in understanding Morphology more. Not only that, our knowledge about Islam grows together as we were required to reflect on each assignment that we were given. I believe that students should use blog as a medium to grow together with friends with the same passion and interest they are in.

As a Muslim, this blog had made me realised that this is one of the medium where a person can became a dai'e and also a helper to others. Whenever knowledge is shared, all of us can improve together. I really hope that this blog will benefit a lot of other students and friends that had spent time reading it.

This also shows that we as Muslim can be a dynamic Muslim where we find new ways in doing da'wah and spreading goodness to others.


BY NURSYAHIRAH SAIFUL


After the completion of this blog, indeed I would say I have learned so many things. They are inclined towards the matters that are related to time itself, you and your group members’ contributions and participations towards the works given, and the solutions on how to handle conflicts. As for the works assigned and by having the necessity to do the reflection on each lesson learned in class and the reflection of all the assignments and to put them on the blog, it is undeniable that I feel so pleased as I get to learn about the area in CALL, the existing subject that I have learned in previous semester which is MORPHOLOGY, I struggle and learn on how to use BLOG ( in all honesty, I have never had a blog before and now I become so skillful at it ), and altogether I get the chance to expose, to reflect my ideas about any of the subjects I am reflecting through the use of computers. I love this subject very much and I would want to congratulate myself and my group members for making all of these works possible. A special gratitude, thanks, goes out to Dr. Rozina for her kind commitment in assisting us throughout this semester. Thank you very much. It has been full of great moments in this class indeed, as we have received innumerable input, various knowledge and numerous advantages from different disciplines. All praises be to Allah S.W.T.



BY AKMYR SYAHAR AZWAR

Praise to Allah, throughout this semester of taking the subject of Computer Application in Language Studies has introduced and presented us to the methods of teaching and learning English using applications in the computers. All over the semester, we were taught to use various possible approaches and procedures such as using corpus, software, concordancer, online journal, internet blogging and many others to assist us in finalizing our assignments and presentations. We are more conscious of the significance of computer applications in language learning and teaching in the sense that we found many applications that are helpful and useful for educational institution. We could say that the task given by Dr. Rozina is rather challenging for us to accomplish, however, we take it as a test in our life surely since it provide a lot of advantages for us in the present modern life and also in the future, obviously. Overall, we actually enjoy working together as a group where we learned the significance of teamwork, tolerance, and cooperation among group members, the four of us. Finally, we would like to express our gratitude and to thank our lecturer, Dr Rozina for her generous commitment and supervision in guiding us through the semester. Alhamdulillah and Thank You.



By Amiza 'Izzati Zulkefley

When the creation of this blog commences, I was overly confident in thinking that we would finish it in a blink of an eye, as I have owned several blogs before. What I did not know however, that this is the only blog (in my experience) that requires so much discussion with high-order thinking, in producing ideas of our own. To even create a post would require a lot of energy and time. But Alhamdulillah, Allah s.w.t. has granted me with three hard-working groupmates that are willing to go beyond to achieve the impossible.

Since we were given the task to reflect on the lessons and assignments that we received, weblog is a perfect platform to do so, as it gives us many space and medium to share. Even sharing our knowledge to others is a great lesson of its own. In reflecting our lessons, I realized that there is more room for me to improve myself. All it takes is perseverance and blessings from Allah s.w.t. I also discovered that negative thoughts and negative people will bring you down if you let them; therefore in order to achieve success, I must learn to ignore negativity around me and have faith in myself. 

I have learned a lot from this course throughout the semester; I learned that technology is a great tool to gain knowledge and if I used it wisely in pursuing the right path, I can succeed. InshaAllah.

ISLAMIC AWARENESS

BY NURSYAHIRAH SAIFUL

It has been almost 5 years since I have been in this university and I do realize now that I have gained a lot of inspiring Islamic information from the lectures I have attended to. I have learned many things here and those are things like; the sense of humanity, your relationship with the only one Creator, to have an absolute faith in the existence of Allah and the Day of Judgment, what you should do, what should you forbid as a Muslim and many more. Truth is, I gradually push, force myself to be a good Muslim because I am so aware that this life is just temporary and death may come upon you at any moment. No one knows when they are going to meet their Creator, and because I wish to be a better Muslima, I feel the necessity to improve myself (self-improvement) slowly starting from this moment, now on. This makes me feel special as I am surrounded by Allah’s mercy. On top of that, I feel the obligation to keep on researching more about Islam so that again, I can feel and get close to Allah S.W.T. Other than that, I often greet Muslim brothers or sisters with Salam instead of saying Hi like I used to say before, (due to the UIA environment where most people greet each other by giving Salam and subsequently I also get affected and thus, apply it in daily lives when meeting people). I become so used to utter Alhamdulillah at most times (also because of the awareness I have gotten from the surrounding), I become so sensitive about people, I can get pity towards anyone very easily, and without any hesitation I always feel the necessity to help others who are in need. I learn to be moderate in all dimensions of my life as well. Nevertheless, I know that I am not a perfect Muslim woman just yet, but I am sure that as time passes by, I am going to make sure everything is done in accordance to what is prescribed in the QURAN and SUNNAH, the main guidance, the way of life for mankind in leading a proper, God-pleasing life.

“And be moderate in your pace, and lower your voice; for the harshest of sounds without doubt is the braying of the ass.”  (31:19)

Abu Hurairah  narrated that When this verse was revealed, "Whoever does evil will be required for it" (4:123), and when this was conveyed to the Muslims they were greatly perturbed. Thereupon Allâh's Messenger r said: “Be moderate and stand firm in trouble that falls to the lot of a Muslim (as that) is an expiation for him; even stumbling on the path or the pricking of a thorn (are an expiation for him).”   (Muslim 6243)

BY AKMYR SYAHAR AZWAR

Years in IIUM have taught me uncountable lessons about the reality of life. In my opinion, IIUM is somehow different from other universities as it holds the hope of Muslim everywhere around the world. After all, IIUM was one of a kind with a very general name of IIU. I myself once said that I’ll never enter UIA because I have absolute zero knowledge about Arabic. Being a student from a normal secondary school, not even a religious school, IIUM is not the first university to come up to my mind. I would even joke about entering IIUM. And yet here I am, preparing an assignment for my last semester. Only when I’m enrolled here I learn that English is used both as its medium of instruction and the language of its administration. Also, there is a lot of focus on the Islamic civilization and the Muslim Ummah in terms of syllabus in courses offered. It blends harmoniously modern and professional disciplines with traditional values and moral virtues. It’s a wonderful experience in the sense that it give me lots of memories, from good and bad, from friendship to relationship and also from nobody to somebody. I really enjoy my day life as IIUM student.

BY SHARIFAH SHAKINAH

IIUM has given me a new perspective in life. Not only I learned a lot here, I also grow as a person. To be in such a beautiful environment where every step i take here is a step closer in knowing my Creator. IIUM is filled with religious talk and 'tazkirah' where I could feed my sinful soul. Boys and girls are not allowed to mingle freely without boundaries. Hence, IIUM environement make us girls feel safe, which is something I love.

              Here, I learned that every one is indeed under Allah's mercy and help. Sometimes, when I feel that life gets too overwhelming, I remembered how lucky I am to be here. Not many students had the chance to experience what I've experienced being an IIUM students. Here, every lesson is filled with Islamic perspective which allowes me to learn about Islam deeper and use it in my life. I've learned that the act of gaining knowledge is not only for this world, but to gain barakah in the here after. Studying here in IIUM push me to be a sincere student, where the knowledge I seek is not for the sake of grade only.

            I love seeing people from different country come together and be friends with one another. IIUM had given me the chance to know people from all around the world and broaden my horizon. I've also managed to get the chance in joining charity club here in IIUM and now I've became more grateful as there are many unfortunate people out there that needed our help. Hence, all the knowledge that I'd gained here will be one day be used in helping others InsyaAllah. I'm so grateful that Allah has made me the chosen one to be one of IIUM student. This is a responsibility that I'll not take lightly and will try to fulfill as much as I'm able to do so.


By Amiza 'Izzati Zulkefley

The end of my journey in IIUM is almost here, as this course (among others) walks me through to the graduation day. I have to admit that the things I have gone through since Day 1 until today, have taught me many things on life in general.

I learned that the challenges are mere tests from Allah s.w.t. to strengthen myself for the days to come. I also learned that people come and go-- specifically negative people-- while family, friends and God have my back all the time. I explored many things, from foreign foods to staying up all night finishing assignments. I ventured into things that I have never dreamed doing, and I do not regret a second of it.

In all honesty, I committed mistakes that I am not proud of. But through these things I discovered true friends, lessons that worth a lifetime and beautiful things about my Deen. I am grateful to Allah s.w.t. for the experiences and obstacles that He had put me through, and also for the Strength He had given and the people around me He had blessed me with. After all those things, I am always eager to learn and improve myself for the better; for Islam always encourages Muslims to strive for greatness until the last breath.

I will not forget everything IIUM has taught me, and will use the knowledge it had given me the opportunity to gain, in the next chapters in my life. I will continue to improve myself as a better Muslim and a better human for as long as it takes, for as long as Allah s.w.t. grants me the chance to.

Reflection on Research Proposal

For the third task, we have been assigned by Dr. Rozina to come out with a mini research proposal. This task is the last assignment for the semester, aside from the blog. We have been given the freedom to choose any topic as long as it is related to this course. Therefore, we chose the topic of Exploring CALL's Effectiveness On Reading Comprehension Among ESL Learners. 


While completing this assignment, we encountered several challenges. This is because as we do not have any knowledge on the chosen topic,  we need to find suitable articles and journals written on the same or similar topic as reference.This is quite difficult as not many scholars did research on the topic. After finding a similar one and we began writing, we struggled to figure out the methods that are suitable to this research. We were worried that the anticipated result might not be parallel to the purpose of the study. After many discussions, we came through and we managed to finish the research proposal on time.


After finishing the assignment, we realized that when working in a group, communication is crucial as group members could misunderstand each other without proper discussion. Honesty and respect are two significant elements that need to exist in a group in order to have desired result. When dealing with one another it is important to understand the other person's situation to avoid offense. Communication skills is important in the working world as we will work with other people whom we might not know that well, especially when writing a research proposal that requires spending time together in gathering information. 

Reflection on CMC: Second Graded Assignment

Of Part 1;

While completing this part of assignment, we encountered a challenge in finding the perfect article that can be linked to our research. The topic that we chose was regarding CMC synchronous mode. At first we could not find any journal written on the topic starting from 2010, however after looking high and low, we finally found one. Written by Ekaterine Bakaradze, an associate professor in Black Sea University, she wrote about the language of the internet or better known as 'cyberspeak', how it is widely understood and used globally despite the language barrier. The findings that Bakaradze came up with were relatable to our own Malaysian culture, as we are exposed to the so-called 'cyberspeak'.

After reviewing the article, we were then asked to comment on it based on our research. To do so, we had to conduct our own research first, to prove that the culture of our young generation does relate to Bakaradze's target group (Georgian teenagers). It is interesting and humbling to know that even though we transcend over space and time, differences can seem so much simpler and less important in this high-tech world.

                                            
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Of Part 2;

For the second part of this assignment, we decided to combine Bakaradze's article along with other articles that were written past 2010 for a more convincing literature review. It is stated that cyberspeak has blurred the lines between written and spoken words as it holds some features of both. These studies also agree that time and emotional expressions are the conceding factors in the wide usage of reduced words, abbreviations, smileys etc. We began to compartmentalize reduction words that are mostly used in synchronous mode of discourse and came up with four most common; Clipping, Blending, Initialism and Acronyms. This can clearly be seen in our chosen CMC synchronous mode, WhatsApp instant messenger. With these information in mind, we decided to sample out a conversation from a group of teenage girls as our main source of data. From there, we analyzed word-by-word, and categorized each of them according to their functions based on the context. As WhatsApp is one of the most informal and closest form to real-time personal conversation, the topics on the conversation did not specify to only one, rather the participants discussed from serious to informal insignificant topics. After obtaining 5 pages of corpus, we begin to decipher what each function means and the reasons behind the usage of the reduction words.

From the analysis, we find that most of the reduction words used in the WhatsApp conversation narrowed down to two major factors; emotional expression and time saving. Apparently, while in real-time discourse people only need 5 seconds to utter a short sentence, in online discourse they would need at least 15 seconds to type out the same sentence. Therefore the participants used globally-known shortened words to save time as to follow the real-time pace of a conversation, or else the momentum of the conversation would be lost or stuck. In relation to expression emotions, it is known that emotions and feelings are absent or difficult to be portrayed through sentences alone as in real-time conversation, thus the participants used smileys and certain symbols to replace the face expressions and body gestures to indicate their feelings.

Source: https://www.google.com/search?q=tumblr+PICTURE

                                            

From this assignment, we discovered that there is so much more to 'cyberspeak'  than just typed out sentences and systematic writing. We found that humans can put something that seem robotic and meaningless to its full (and most of the times BEYOND) potential. It is amazing to discover that Allah has created the human brain and watch how it helps build a better life and a better future. We hope that humankind will continue use Allah's gifts and blessings (brain and others) to improve and contribute more to the society, and be more blessed by Allah s.w.t.

Reflection on Lesson Plan Assignment

At the end of our CALL lesson, we have been given a task to create a lesson plan based on our chosen skill for a target group of students. For this task, we have chosen the Speaking skills for a group of 40 Polytechnic students. The lesson will be conducted in two periods, 40 minutes each. The lesson period is longer than the usual Speaking skills lessons as the students are in the Intermediate level, meaning that they have the basic rules and knowledge in the English language. It is also not as long as other higher education Speaking skill lessons as the students may not have acquired enough knowledge to master the skill. There are sub-skills involved in the lesson which are Listening and Writing. The theme for the lesson is 'Challenges in Growing Up'.

The reason why we chose Speaking skill apart from other more common skills, this is because Speaking skill is under-rated and seem useless, while it is actually one of the most important and useful tools in life. Speaking skills are important whether it be communicating one on one or to a larger audience. Building rapport, a connection with the audience allows them to feel part of the relationship, valued and considered. When that occurs and they engage and respond it allows positive two-way communications to begin to develop. It is important for the students to see how having good Speaking skills can improve their English language learning in all aspects. With Speaking skills, students can deliver their thoughts better, and thus have more confident in developing and improving their other set of skills such as listening and writing. With good speech comes good feedback, therefore more improvements. 

Some of the challenges that we faced in designing this lesson plan were finding the one computer software that fits our objective. Most softwares that are available only focus on the right pronunciation with the right grammar. Even though those elements are important in public speaking, we had to be critical to find the one that suits our lesson plan. Our focus was for the students to develop self confidence in reading and understanding their speech material. That would mean that even though their pronunciation and grammar may be wrong, the students would at least feel confident in speaking in front of the public despite their error. We would like to instill the idea of the first step towards success is self-faith in the students. After weeks of searching, we have finally found the right software, Dragon Naturally Speaking which focuses on pronunciation and gives positive feedbacks right away. With the software, students would be able to detect and correct their errors, and attempt to do the test multiple times. After that, the students will have to practice in front of the whole class for the teacher to evaluate. 













After the presentation, we received positive and constructive feedbacks. Some of the comments are regarding time allocation, as we would be handling a big number of students. The audience also commented our choice of material the poem 'If' by Rudyard Kipling. We cleared up the air by explaining that the poem works both ways; as high-order thinking material and also as lesson for the students behind the message. The positive feedback we received was very enlightening. After the task, we agreed that designing a lesson plan is not an easy job. Being a teacher is not just about ruling over children, it's about educating the future generation. Teaching is a noble job and a huge responsibility. We hope that educators could improve and use our lesson plan for a better future. 

WEEK 3: Reflection on CALL in language skills (LSRWG) and E-Portfolio

Reflection on CALL in LSRWG:

Alhamdulillah, it is no doubt that we have gained innumerable information on CALL in each of the language skills which are LSRWG (listening, speaking, reading, writing and grammar). Each of these skills is really important that one has to become proficient in. Overall, we are very much aware now that the use of technology in the process of learning and teaching has been increasingly significant. Teachers can actually think of many software to use as to intrigue, fascinate students to participate in CALL classroom. Most of the computer aided teaching and learning definitely will bring good paybacks, advantages to both parties (teachers and students) but of course most importantly to the students themselves. Instead of going through the process of learning with the assistance of the software or other significant teaching aids, they also will be having pleasurable times with their classmates in the conducive environment which will captivate them to actively participate in the class. On top of that, most of the CALL activities in any of the skills mentioned also will help students to learn on how to engage in the collaborative learning which of course, is a great idea in the process of learning. Thus, it is crystal clear that the use of technology is very important in the process of learning and teaching as it provides massive benefits, positive impacts to the students and a teacher will surely be able to achieve his or her learning outcomes, in sha Allah. 

                                                           

                                                          

Reflection on E-Portfolio

University students are the cream of the country. Every single aspect should be taken in order to create a great legacy in history for future pride. This is because we use past memories to build the future legacy. In this current era, university student is the strength of the country. Without them, a country will not have bright future. Postmodern world of technological advancement offers a new form of education for students with the emergence of internet. Apparently, there are numerous means in which students can acquire knowledge simply at the tip of their finger. These includes an electronic portfolio.

What is an electronic portfolio or simply e-portfolio? We are informed that an e-portfolio as a collection of a student's work in electronic format of what and how student learns comprising with the description of learning process over a period of time. This e-portfolio can hold a great deal of information and benefits student in many ways where it uses little physical space as compared to normal portfolios which are occasionally too large to be kept in folder or binder. Apart from that, student’s work sample can be scanned, saved, and available to anyone where students could collaborate and share their works with other students which provides greater accessibility. By having said this, each one of us, being a student also has benefited so much from the existence of e-portfolio and have been using it ever since it is first introduced. Our previous teacher also encouraged us to use e-portfolio instead of using the conventional way of putting up all information in one place or what they call it as scrapbook. It is much more better this way; to use e-portfolio.

We know that Islam does not oppose any modern inventions that are beneficial to mankind.  It is necessary that they be used in the name of God and for His cause.  In reality, machines, instruments and devices have no creed where they can be used for either good or bad purposes. Even something as simple as a glass can be filled either with a drink or with a poison.  The same case with technology.  It is up to the user to decide, and a Muslim is ordered to make virtuous habit of the entire means while being forbidden from producing destruction to himself or others.  In all, we should use the Quran as reference for it is true guidance for all mankind.

"Indeed, in the creation of the heavens and the earth and the alternation of night and day are signs for those of understanding." [3:190]

WEEK 2: Reflection on the History of CALL

REFLECTION:


1.   Reflect on your experience in the BENL courses that you’ve  taken.

BENL courses have helped us in implanting monumental knowledge and now we are greatly exposed to different areas or sub skills related to English language. Since we are majoring in Linguistics, we are taught on different subjects and some of them which are as follows: 1) Varieties of English, 2) Pragmatics, 3) Discourse Analysis, 4) Critical Discourse Analysis, 5) Psycholinguistics, 6) Morphology (many other more) and not to forget the most important part of all, the subject called Grammatical Analysis under the tutelage of Dr. Rozina. No exclusion on any subjects, we would say that every and each discipline is definitely interesting and has its own pros, benefits to us, the learners ourselves. We are very much grateful to specialize in English language in spite of this language itself as an international language, is so remarkable and significant. 

One more thing is that, BENL courses are not as easy as the outsiders would think of. They can be very challenging and stressful sometimes. They require a lot of critical thinking skills (of course, other skills are necessary and vital as well), some would require creativity and the like. Nevertheless, it has been a great great journey of going through the process of learning all the subjects. We love all the BENL courses and hoping to disseminate the same information we have grasped/learn to the younger generation one day. In sha Allah.

2.  Think of  the assignments which required you to apply the computer  to assist in their completion

In Phonetics and Phonology class, we were asked to to a research that requires us to transcribe conversation between two Malay English Learner and compare them with the transcription of a native speaker. The transcription is done through an English Phonetic Transcription website.

 Then, to complete the research we need to search for journals which could be obtained from the website.

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Another assignment that require us to use computer in assisting our assignment is Critical Discourse Analysis. Upon completing the assignment, we need to download Youtube videos of politicians discourses in order to analyse them. 

Source: https://www.google.com/search?q=tumblr+PICTURE

3.  Relate the  applications to the 3 stages of CALL & name the key concepts associated to the assignments.

In both of the assignment, Integrative CALL is used. It is because, the students and technology work together in solving the research problem. The websites provide information and it is also the medium to complete the assignments.

WEEK 1: Reflection on the overview of Computer Assisted Language Learning (CALL)

Source from: https://www.google.com/search?q

Through this first chapter, we acquire new ways of teaching and learning English. In fact, by using CALL the process of teaching and learning had become faster and easier. This chapter had exposed us on different applications and websites that can be used in language learning. Some of the websites are really helpful and interactive which intrigue and help us in understanding clearly on how CALL can actually and had been a great help in improving language learning.

            This made us realized that through out our years in IIUM, we actually depend a lot on CALL in finishing our assignments. We actually managed to expand our knowledge with resources from all over the world by using computer. Hence, this opportunity must not be taken lightly. As with all this accommodation in acquiring knowledge, we must actually use it for the benefits of our ummah and ourselves. This chapter made us realized that CALL is actually a great help in improving our language if it is used correctly.

            Before being exposed to this chapter, we might have been exposed to computers. However, CALL gave us a fresh perspective on helping us improving our language by using computer in the most effective ways. We have been bombarded with a lot of wonderful and interactive websites that could actually improve our interest in language and help us practice language the right way.

            Another wonderful knowledge that we've gained through this first chapter is how to use CALL in educating others. Being a BENL student, it is actually our biggest responsibility to educate others in improving and mastering their English. The traditional way might have become less efficient as the students are embarking a new era. The era of technology. Hence, it is our responsibilities to guide them in learning language by using the right websites and applications.

            Not only that, as a Muslim, this is our chance to inculcate and add Islamic values in our CALL lessons. By doing so, we are actually utilizing the computer to its whole potential and shaping our future generations through a new medium of teaching.  We might have been gifted with a tool in language learning, however language also shaped our behavior and our cognition. Hence, it is important for us to understand this major responsibility and use this medium the right way.

           

            In short, it is amazing how the first lesson had opened our mind and broadened our perspective about life and made us realized how helpful and effective a computer can be in improving our language and values as well as educating others. 

May all of us benefited from today's lesson.
Date: 5th February 2014
Day: Wednesday

Source: https://www.google.com/search?q=tumblr+PICTURE