Monday, June 25, 2007
Sunday, June 24, 2007
Thursday, June 14, 2007
Blogging Experience
What is the blog for? I think this may be a question that many people have. Most people use their blog as a personal diary, recording bits and pieces of their personal feelings and life, so that others can keep up with the blogger’s recent life. For me, I treat it as an English learning journal. I put all my assignments, reflection or record on the online English learning class. During the process of my blogging, I progress little by little in terms of technical ability, language proficiency as well as the ability of organizing a blog.
The toughest problem I encounter is technical problem, since I am not good at using computer at all, or more precisely, I am a technology illiterate. I really spend lots of time figuring it out. How to use labels, to set a guestbook, to add video file, to use permalink are really big headaches. Probably these basic functions are a piece of cake for some people; however, I really pay many efforts. I even cannot make the blanks between each paragraph. I truly pay much time, efforts and energy to solve it, but it still works, so I feel frustrated. Fortunately, I have a very very nice adviser, Julie. She helps me with this problem a few days before the presentation. Millions thanks to Julie! :) At this moment, I realize the importance of collaboration. Everyone has her own merits and demerits, and through collaboration, we can complement finely with each other. I think my technical ability surely progresses a little in that I learn how to explore a blog; that is, encounter technical problems and attempt to overcome by myself at first, and if the problem still cannot be worked out after my several tries, then I will turn other people for help. Hence I have a little sense of achievement after solving these problems.
In the beginning of my blogging, I just write down things to post. I did not manage to organize it as a very delicate one. But when I post one article through another, my interest for organizing this blog has become stronger and stringer, so I spontaneously start to search for other functions or devices that can decorate my blog. Also I encourage myself to emulate the virtues of other excellent blog. For example, some of our classmates really do a fantastic job in blogging, so I manage to learn their merits. I even ask them how to make it. But I do not just copy their method monotonously without a slight of change. I try to make this blog matches my style, so I use some warm, natural color as well as lovely designs. My blog surely has a lot to be desired, and can be decorated with more fascinating elements; nonetheless, now I feel generally contented with what I have done seeing that this is my first try.
One of the devices in my blog I am so eager to show you is the “shoutbox” on the lower-left of the webpage. This shoutbox serves as an interactive space for me and my readers to communicate with each other. I am so thrilled when I set this device successfully. As for how to encourage my readers’ participation, I just inform everyone around us that I have this blog; they can just take a look at it. And if they think my blog is interesting, they will leave me message spontaneously without my request. So what I stress more is the content, the richness of my blog. This is the way how I encourage my readers’ participation. I also think that their massage are all interesting for me, even though sometimes they just say hello to me or compliment my works. Your any response or comment can make whole my day!
As for the language learning, blogging definitely plays an instrumental role. After publishing so many postings, I have practiced my writing considerably. Sometimes when I review the past postings, I find some grammatical errors or typos, and I correct them at once. What is more, when I attempt to evaluate those websites, my English proficiency of listening, speaking, writing and reading improve simultaneously. What I learn most from this section is how to present a website based on the criteria or principle in that chapter and, most importantly, to present them in an organized and clear way. I think I did not do well in terms of using all the criteria that chapter suggests. Sometimes the introduction of the website just reflects my personal visiting reflection. But what I want to say about this is that sometimes the criteria (i.e. goal, presentation, appropriateness, outcome, evaluation) are not appropriate to fit all the websites. If we “must” take these criteria in evaluating all the websites without flexibility, then I think it will lose the meaning of reflecting all the feature of those websites as well as reflecting the results of personal learning.
In the following, I would like to share some strategies based on the principles and criteria that I use in organizing this blog with you (i.e. how to organize a blog):
1. Clear and plain title and description: I state directly that this is Celia’s English learning blog.
2. Eye-catching and vivid designs:I put three beautiful pictures that I took. Also, the video clips are eye-catching and captivating (at least for me).
3. Comments and responses:There is a space for readers to leave their comment or feedback.
4. RSS/ Permalink/ Moderation:These three functions exist originally at first. But I am still figuring out how to use them successfully. I am still at a loss as to how to carry them out. I will ask someone else and try to use these functions anyway.
5. Hypertext links:I put relevant links when the texts are too long to be fully presented in the webpage.
6. Multimedia tools:Such as video/audio clips, fascinating pictures.
7. Interactive space:I also set a guestbook space for readers to talk with me or other learners.
8. Highlight the key words (glossing):I change the color of key words and phrases or just put them in bold front.
Weblogs versus Websites & Three Favorite Weblogs
*What is the weblog?
Weblog is a kind of journal which can be published on the Internet so that everyone can read it through the Internet. Also the author can make his/her weblog either be public or private.
*What can the weblog do compared to the traditional English learning website?
Weblog puts more emphasis on the readers' feedback and responses. Readers can respond to the author's weblog so that the author can see it at once. Traditional English learning websites tend to give readers a lot of information and materials, but if readers have any response, they may leave message to the author only via e-mail. Weblog involves more interaction between the reader and the author compared with the traditional English learning website. Also readers can subscribe a weblog's RSS, so that they will know the newest publication right away.
*What is RSS/ permalinks/ traceback?
RSS stands for Really Simple Syndication. Through RSS, people can subscribe to others' sites. People can get the newest information of the websites they subscribe whenever the author publishes new stuff.
Permalink is a kind of permanent label of a person's Weblog. Through permalinks, people can easily link to individual comments on a page.
Through trackbacks, people can see when anyone else links to their pages, and can respond, either with reciprocal links, or by adding comments.
*What are some popular English learning weblogs?
The top three role model English learning weblogs for me:
賴世雄網路部落格
林威英文MP3資料庫
銘昆的家
賴世雄網路部落格:
This weblog makes me think of those good old days when I was in senior high school, in that I and my classmates listened to Ivy English magazine (常春藤英語) program almost everyday. The host of this weblog is the founder of Ivy English magazine. In this weblog, the host classifies his articles into a few categories so that readers can search for information that they want by linking to relevant category. The learners that this weblog target may be intermediate learners to high-intermediate learners, which complement the Ivy English magazine finely. In addition to the English learning materials, the weblog also includes other information which the host regards important or useful, the McDonald and KFC fast food restaurant's coupons are even included. Moreover, the host's personal feeling, recent schedule are also in the weblog. You may want to realize more about 賴世雄 by visiting his weblog. The biggest drawback of this weblog is it does not have a space for learners to interact with the host. Guestbook, comment, response and traceback are all not allowed in this weblog.
I like this weblog not because it is the best ESL learning field, but because it reminds me of those good old days. Also the host of this weblog (賴世雄) is in fact a humorous person.
林威英文MP3資料庫
I love this weblog seeing that it employs multimedia tools such as audio clips, and lovely pictures to complement his teaching. Also this weblog allows learners to write down their comment, feedback or response, though the host does not reply them frequently. The learners that this weblog target are those candidates for JCEE (Joint College Entrance Examination). The shortcoming of this weblog is that it does not have hypertext to link to other web pages. Also the teaching material (i.e. content) of this weblog just focuses on the vocabulary part. In fact the host has another teaching website, and this weblog may be just a branch of his website.
銘昆的家
This weblog has hypertext to link to other relevant websites, and a space for learners to interact with him is also included. What's more, the host classifies all of his articles into different categories in a neat and order way. The content of his article is primarily about his own English learning experience, as well as some particle English expressions. What I appreciate this website is that the host classifies articles into different difficulty levels and organizes them neatly, so that learners can choose appropriate materials according to their English proficiency. Also the description of this weblog is plain enough (he even uses Chinese) for learners to understand at once.
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Reflection on 6/1 Lab Class ─ Hot Potatoes
I have a joyful time in the 3rd lab activity this afternoon. Tough Julie and I are very busy, I still enjoy it and I think my busyness is worthy of it. Comparing with the 2nd lab activity, the instruction of this activity is clearer and more understandable, so I know what and how should I do. Julie and I just pretend that we are the hosts of one ESL teaching program called “Julie and Celia’s ret garden.” It is so funny and we burst out laughing several times during our recording. It is a fresh and novel experience! Also I think this activity integrates all reading, speaking, listening and writing four skills, because we have to first read the article we have chosen closely, speak with my partner to discuss this article, listen to my partner’s opinions and, finally, write down summary, vocabulary, questions, and so on. It is a good chance to train our four areas of language proficiency. What’s more, I learn how to use the Hot Potatoes software to design a test. Though not very easy, it's very useful and practical! So I really enjoy this activity. Below are the work of Julie and I. Please take your time to enjoy it!
*A news link: Do men cheat for the thrill? Or the sex? (From MSNBC http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/18096687/)
*Vocabulary list:
(Reference website: http://dictionary.reference.com/)
1.thrill (v.) to affect one with a wave of emotion or excitement (n.) a sudden wave of keen emotion or excitement, sometimes manifested as a tremor or tingling sensation passing through the body.
2. affair (n.) an intense amorous relationship, usually of short duration
3. companionship (n.) association as companions; fellowship.
4. experiment (v.) to try or test, esp. in order to discover or prove something: to experiment with a new procedure. (n.) a test, trial, or tentative procedure; an act or operation for the purpose of discovering something unknown or of testing a principle, supposition, etc.: a chemical experiment; a teaching experiment; an experiment in living.
5.complex (a.) composed of many interconnected parts; compound; composite: a complex highway system.
6.rush (v.) to move, act, or progress with speed, impetuosity, or violence.
7. indefinitely (adv.) not clearly defined or determined; not precise or exact:
8. intoxicate (v.) to affect temporarily with diminished physical and mental control by means of alcoholic liquor, a drug, or another substance, esp. to excite or stupefy with liquor.
9. infatuation (n.) a foolish, unreasoning, or extravagant passion or attraction. See Synonyms at love
10. vulnerability(n.) the state of being vulnerable or exposed; "his vulnerability to litigation"; "his exposure to ridicule"
11. tryst (n.) an appointment to meet at a certain time and place, esp. one made somewhat secretly by lovers.
12. security (n.) freedom from danger, risk, etc.; safety.
13. cheat (n.) an act of cheating; a fraud or swindle (v.) to deceive; influence by fraud
*Comprehension questions and answers:
1. Men tend to cheat for sex; then women cheat for what?
Answer: Companionship, romance, more security, and sex.
2. Do you think that a man’s mistress must be more attractive than his original wife?
Answer: Not necessarily.
3. Why do the child of an adulterer tend to cheat often?
Answer: On account of environment. It is from psychological point of view.
4. Does men cheat simply for sex? What else reasons can you think of?
Answer: Not necessarily. Other reasons such as proving them are still young and new, avoiding any real intimacy, environment and so on are also included.
5. Do all the affairs happen because the marriage is in obvious bad or trouble? What other reasons can account for the affairs?
Answer: Lack of honesty and active communication.
*Summary:
The fact that men tend to have more affairs than women is due to not only sex, but other reasons as well. Men’s motivation to cheat is in fact complex than we may assume. A sense of freshness, proving they are still young and new, environment, avoiding any real intimacy, and so on are also crucial reasons. It is a misconception that the man’s mistress must be more attractive than his original wife. Lack of honesty and active communication are also reasons accounting for men’s cheat.
*Tests (by using Hot Potatoes):
JCloze
JMix
JQuiz
JMatch
JCross
Tuesday, June 5, 2007
Reflection on 4/27 Lab Class
schMOOze University12 years on the Net!
In the beginning of today's class, the instructor Emma mentions that there were just two people in her class can finish the Schmooze assignment when she was in university, and then, I am definitely not one of the two excellent students. Honestly speaking, I really have an awful experience on today's Schmooze activity. I spend three hour just entering "West, East, South or North" in the lab without knowing why, and attempt desperately to finish the tasks, but just in vain ultimately. It is not fun at all. I ponder on the reason why I do not like this activity at all. Well, there are several reasons accounting for my dislike for this activity. I think this activity is out of the date. The images on the webpage are just very simple and plain in the first place; it only appears some description and instruction words. The instruction is also not clear enough for users to understand. If this website could be designed with vivid images (e.g. colorful pictures, animation, sound effects, etc.), it would definitely arouse users' more interests. What's more, the website is not user-friendly at all. It can read the precise words of specific commands only, not flexible at all! I get the word “I don't understand that” from the system many many times, which frustrates me a lot. Apart from the design of the website, I myself is surely the one to blame. I do not understand the objective of this learning (i.e. why is this activity so important?), so I have little motivation to finish the tasks; I do not enjoy it, and, ultimately, I fail to finish the assigned tasks. Probably if I am intelligent enough to finish the tasks, I will have a great sense of achievement and thus will enjoy this activity. Following are just some evidence that proves my visiting of several place in the Schmooze website. My user name is "littlechueh" in this website.
MOOrrey's Bar-------------This is a place where schMOOze University people can meet to chat andhave fun in an informal, off-campus atmosphere. MOOrrey's is located in an old power station, no longer in use - ahigh brick building with arch-shaped windows. There is a bar and a dancefloor, abit apart from the Main Lounge.Kumiko, the bouncer, is eyeing around suspiciously and flexing her muscles. You note a sign pointing at the Karaoke Rooms of MOOrrey's Bar.Meanwhile, Manuel, the small and worried-looking waiter, scurries about frantically, carrying empty glasses back to the kitchen...You see Manuel (Waiter), Kumiko, Dartboard, Menu, and MOOrrey's History here.[Monster] [Guest] is here.Obvious exits: right (Bar), left (Dancefloor), Exit (Parking Lot),Men's, Women's, Karaoke, and Kitchenlittlechueh [Guest] has arrived.[Monster] [Guest] walks over to the bar. Hmm.. seems it will order a drink soon. You can type DRINKERS later to see how many of them are on its account.. ;-) littlechueh [Guest] looks at the map of schMOOze.
Library Lobby-------------This brightly lit lobby ends at either end in a hallway. The walls arewhite, and are covered with many pictures. In the center of the wall oppositethe massive glass doors hangs a large sign. It reads
West Wing <== ==> East Wing
Periodical Room - Reference Room
Resource Room - Haiku
Stacks
Beneath the sign is the Help Desk. It is currently unstaffed.You see Treasure Hunt Solution here.[Monster] [Guest] is here.Obvious exits: The Mall, West Wing, East Wing, and Workroomlittlechueh [Guest] has arrived.[Monster] [Guest] smiles.Sorry, but no help is available on `...'.[Monster] [Guest] meanders down the hallway to the West Wing. littlechueh [Guest] looks at the map of schMOOze.
Bovine Way, West of Campus--------------------------You feel a gut wrenching sensation that tells you to turn back.[Monster] [Guest] is here.Obvious exits: East littlechueh [Guest] has arrived.
Library Workroom----------------This room is filled with shelves of books and other media that areBeing processed for the library. Carts of various sizes hold items thatare being prepared to move to the other rooms. At one side of the room is the librarian's desk and desk chair. There are cards and writing implements on the desk. Each work table has a comfortable chair pulled up to it.The door to the lobby is open. Obvious exits: Lobbylittlechueh [Guest] has arrived.
East Wing Hallway-----------------As you look down the hallway, you notice small animals that look likegophers scurrying out from under the door of a room marked Reference. Acrossthe way is another room labeled Haiku.ashley [Guest] is here.Obvious exits: Lobby, Reference, and HaikuIsn't this a nice place?I don't understand that.cherrielo [Guest] arrives from the lobby.cherrielo [Guest] goes west.I don't understand that.Sorry, but no help is available on `...'. littlechueh [Guest] looks at the map of schMOOze
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