I am Noreen Amira Zakaria from 8A and people call me Noreen. I have six siblings and am the fifth. I'm from Jeli, Kelantan. I love literature and music. My ultimate dream is actually to travel the world but so far I haven't even cover Asia. I am 23 years old and is not a big fan of technology. Ironically though, I am an avid user of Twitter, Facebook and YouTube. I even have a personal blog but I guess that is pretty much about it. I love the Internet for entertainment purposes but when it comes to use it for assignments purposes, I always sigh.
If I were to rate myself in terms of my computer skills, I would say that I'm 'savvy'. Like, I know how to do stuff with the computer if I have to but if it's a new thing then it probably take longer for me to 'get it' compared to my friends.
In terms of computer software and hardware, I would say that I'm familiar with the usual stuff like keyboard and mouse, I mean if not how would I be able to write on this blog, right? However, if suddenly the computer won't turn on as per usual, then I would probably be clueless and just send it to my sister for her to have a look at. Regarding software, I don't think I know much. I don't even know how I even pass Basic Data Analysis. That was a nightmare, glad that was over. In short, I just like to say that I'm an old soul when it comes to technology. Get it? (laugh)
I do have a lot of experiences learning via computer. When UiTM suddenly wants us to have 'blended learning', we did use the i-learn. Besides that, there are a number of courses in the TESL degree that requires us to learn via computer. Even when I'm in high school we did use the computer as parts of the lesson occasionally. However, based on my experiences, using computer or learning via internet wasn't really a big success. The number one reason I believe is because our internet connection is very very slow. Second, our server is a bit problematic. I mean we have thousands of students, shouldn't those who create the server takes that into account. A simple task takes a long time since all we do is waiting for that loading bar to complete. I just really prefer face-to-face learning. It's much more fun and I learn better.
During my practicum I did practice using technology. For instance, I did a video using Windows Movie Maker as my teaching aids, Power Points Presentation, websites from the internet and mostly lots of music. Most of the lessons I consider a success, but sadly there were more failure then I like to admit. The school that I went didn't have a projector in their classrooms and I think most school in Malaysia are still in this condition. They don't even have a laptop, speakers or anything that we can borrow which means we have to bring our own laptop. It is a problem because I couldn't afford my own projector even if I own a laptop and since the one and only projector in the school is usually in a bad condition so I just print whatever it is that I want to use.
I do believe that the usage of technology in the English classroom really makes thing even more fun than it is. However, I just don't think the Malaysian education system can afford it because we don't have a decent internet connection at school or even at university. Or even the money to provide each classroom in the country with a projector. Having to use projector in the media room is fine but usually time is wasted with the students travelling from their classroom to the media room and the projector there is always problematic. (not at all school, only the school I've been to). When we do have the resources, then there is the problem with the students moral. I've come from a very remote and rural high school in Jeli, and when we do finally have a computer lab, there are cases of stolen computer and keyboard so the teacher just ended up with locking the lab with chains and we never ever use it. Just when some 'big' people came only the chains are down. Sad..I know.
My expectations from this course is that it is going to be difficult. However, upon looking at the course information, I think I can handle it. I'm not really sure I can actually create a websites, I mean it just sound so 'fancy'. But I hope that I do well and I'm sure that I will learn a lot from this course.
My topic for AE is " A Comparitive Study of Perceptions of Student-Athletes and Normal Stream Students Towards the Learning of English Literature". My supervisor is Mdm Roslind and may I just say that she is awesome! I'm currently in the process of completing my questionnaire and interviewing an English teacher. Looking at it now, I believe I can complete my AE on time, hopefully.
To end this post, I pray that everything goes well. I now know that this semester will be super hectic and I just pray that I'll be able to finish my degree according to the original plan. Till next time. :)
In terms of computer software and hardware, I would say that I'm familiar with the usual stuff like keyboard and mouse, I mean if not how would I be able to write on this blog, right? However, if suddenly the computer won't turn on as per usual, then I would probably be clueless and just send it to my sister for her to have a look at. Regarding software, I don't think I know much. I don't even know how I even pass Basic Data Analysis. That was a nightmare, glad that was over. In short, I just like to say that I'm an old soul when it comes to technology. Get it? (laugh)
I do have a lot of experiences learning via computer. When UiTM suddenly wants us to have 'blended learning', we did use the i-learn. Besides that, there are a number of courses in the TESL degree that requires us to learn via computer. Even when I'm in high school we did use the computer as parts of the lesson occasionally. However, based on my experiences, using computer or learning via internet wasn't really a big success. The number one reason I believe is because our internet connection is very very slow. Second, our server is a bit problematic. I mean we have thousands of students, shouldn't those who create the server takes that into account. A simple task takes a long time since all we do is waiting for that loading bar to complete. I just really prefer face-to-face learning. It's much more fun and I learn better.
During my practicum I did practice using technology. For instance, I did a video using Windows Movie Maker as my teaching aids, Power Points Presentation, websites from the internet and mostly lots of music. Most of the lessons I consider a success, but sadly there were more failure then I like to admit. The school that I went didn't have a projector in their classrooms and I think most school in Malaysia are still in this condition. They don't even have a laptop, speakers or anything that we can borrow which means we have to bring our own laptop. It is a problem because I couldn't afford my own projector even if I own a laptop and since the one and only projector in the school is usually in a bad condition so I just print whatever it is that I want to use.
I do believe that the usage of technology in the English classroom really makes thing even more fun than it is. However, I just don't think the Malaysian education system can afford it because we don't have a decent internet connection at school or even at university. Or even the money to provide each classroom in the country with a projector. Having to use projector in the media room is fine but usually time is wasted with the students travelling from their classroom to the media room and the projector there is always problematic. (not at all school, only the school I've been to). When we do have the resources, then there is the problem with the students moral. I've come from a very remote and rural high school in Jeli, and when we do finally have a computer lab, there are cases of stolen computer and keyboard so the teacher just ended up with locking the lab with chains and we never ever use it. Just when some 'big' people came only the chains are down. Sad..I know.
My expectations from this course is that it is going to be difficult. However, upon looking at the course information, I think I can handle it. I'm not really sure I can actually create a websites, I mean it just sound so 'fancy'. But I hope that I do well and I'm sure that I will learn a lot from this course.
My topic for AE is " A Comparitive Study of Perceptions of Student-Athletes and Normal Stream Students Towards the Learning of English Literature". My supervisor is Mdm Roslind and may I just say that she is awesome! I'm currently in the process of completing my questionnaire and interviewing an English teacher. Looking at it now, I believe I can complete my AE on time, hopefully.
To end this post, I pray that everything goes well. I now know that this semester will be super hectic and I just pray that I'll be able to finish my degree according to the original plan. Till next time. :)
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