ICT as a scaffolding for the study of Literature S.NACKEERAN SCHOOL OF LANGUAGE AND LINGUISTIC STUDIES FACULTY OF SOCIAL SCIENCES AND HUMANITIES NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF MALAYSIA

Some Background Information English language and literature in Malaysian Schools Literature lost its significance in the 80’s Literature as an elective Literature as a component of the English Language Program Literature in the tertiary institutions

Current Scenario Literature is taught as an important component of ELS and TESL programs Very few students apply to do this programs Fewer still are from Literature Background Most students are very weak in English

Problems Problems Poor proficiency No motivation Limited contact hours Inadequate resources No study skills Very teacher dependent students

ICT can address many of the problems mentioned earlier ICT is revolutionizing education systems Malaysian IT agenda (MSC etc) The focus of our discussion is learning and not teaching focus on creating an exciting, self directed, autonomous literature learning environment.

A Blended Approach Several limitations to online learning No state of the art technology can replace the art of teaching The ideal solution is to blend the best characteristics of online learning and onsite learning to provide the greatest support for the acquisition of knowledge, modeling, practice, observation and coaching which are the five components of learning

3 models of Blended Learning The Skill driven model focuses on developing certain linguistic skills The Attitude Driven Model aims at developing a correct attitude towards independent, autonomous, self directed learning process The Competency Driven Model is for developing certain competencies in adult learners.

What is E-Learning or Online learning? The delivery of a learning, training or education program by electronic means. E- learning involves the use of a computer or electronic device (e.g. a mobile phone) in some way to provide training, educational or learning material. (Derek Stockley 2003)

Where do we start? Learning Management Systems (LMS) on=site&site=segue on=site&site=segue space_key=1 space_key=

Using Learning Management Systems A reasonably good LMS should support the following activities: Online forum/Blogging

Online assignments  Web based projects  Online essays  Creative writing projects

Online evaluations Quiz ◦ MCQ ◦ True/False ◦ Matching ◦ Filling in the blanks ◦ Short answers Surveys

Document sharing Online notes Announcements

Webinars Skype RSS  Really Simple Syndication (RSS 2.0)  RDF Site Summary (RSS 1.0 and RSS 0.90) RDF  Rich Site Summary (RSS 0.91)

RSS is a family of web feed formats used to publish frequently updated content such as blog entries, news headlines or podcasts. An RSS document, which is called a "feed," "web feed," or "channel," contains either a summary of content from an associated web site or the full text. RSS makes it possible for people to keep up with their favorite web sites in an automated manner that's easier than checking them manually.

The Hardware Needs a server several computers audio equipment video equipments

Software The Learning Management System (LMS) Ms Word for notes Ms PowerPoint for lecture notes Ms Front page, Dream Weaver etc for web page design Flash and Swishmax for animation Hot Potatoes for the exercises PowerPoint to Flash Converter

The Pedagogy : Internet Based activities to promote Literature learning E-tutoring to beef up back ground knowledge and improve proficiency Blogging via e-forum to render support and Motivation Process orientated learning Conversation and Dialogue, especially across borders of language and culture Public Engagement and Community Building Opportunities for self-directed, student-centered learning approaches Opportunities for reflection and critical thinking Authentic communicative interaction in the world By providing unlimited online resources By building students’ confidence through learner training Promoting learner autonomy and collaborative learning

Networking Teacher network Resource Data Bank Question Bank Study Circles

Thank You Melta Flyer