Video-based Mobile Learning in EFL’s Writing

Abstract: The development of ICT has been recognized as an important aspect in today’s EFL classroom. Due to the low achievement of Indonesian EFL’s writing, video-based mobile learning is believed to be able to enhance the students’ writing skill. The flexibility and the practicality of mobile learning through video project offer a solution to English teachers in facilitating the students’ language learning and fostering the students’ engagement in authentic – real life context at their interests. This paper aims at presenting the literature review on the benefits of video-based mobile learning and its implementation in EFL’s writing.Key Words: mobile learning, video project, EFL writing skill, writing process approachAbstrak: Perkembangan teknologi informasi dan komunikasi yang dikenal dengan singkatan ICT  me-miliki pengaruh penting terhadap pengajaran bahasa Inggris sebagai bahasa asing. Metode video-based mobile learning dianggap mampu meningkatkan keterampilan menulis bahasa Inggris siswa In-donesia yang rendah. Fleksibilitas dan kemudahan penerapan metode mobile learning melalui proyek video memberikan solusi kepada pengajar bahasa Inggris untuk memfasilitasi dan mendorong peran serta siswa dalam pembelajaran yang autentik dan nyata sesuai minat mereka. Artikel ini bertujuan untuk menyajikan tinjauan pustaka tentang manfaat video-based mobile learning serta penerapannya dalam pembelajaran menulis siswa EFL. Kata kunci:  pembelajaran mobile, proyek video, keterampilan menulis efektif, pendekatan proses menulis

Learning Chinese Through a 21st Century Writing Workshop with the Integration of Mobile Technology in a Language Immersion Elementary School

Digital mobile devices such as iPads have been around for many years and have been more and more popular in K-12 classrooms. Research has pointed out the advantages of using iPads in classrooms to enhance teaching, engage learning, and promote learning outcomes. iPads have been proved to be a useful and powerful digital mobile device in language learning including speaking, listening, reading, and writing. The purpose of the study was to investigate whether a technology integrated 21st century writing workshop had an influence on the ability and attitude towards writing in Chinese for second graders enrolled in the Mandarin Chinese program in a language immersion elementary school. Twenty-four students participated in the study. Recording technology (iPad recording app), an iPad camera, and the Book Creator App were integrated into the 21st century writing workshop. A pre-survey, post-survey, and observation were used to collect data. The results of the study confirmed that writing barriers decreased when the Chinese immersion program students utilized iPads in the writing workshop. Also, the writing ability and attitudes of the Chinese immersion program students improved after the completion of their 21st century writing workshop

Writing and Learning Online: Graduate Students’ Perceptions of Their Development as Writers and Teachers of Writing

This study examined the effect of an online graduate course in elementary and middle grades writing pedagogy on pre- and in-service teachers’ perceptions of themselves as writers and as teachers of writing. Eight graduate students enrolled in a summer online writing pedagogy course at a mid-sized regional university in the rural mountains of the southeastern United States participated in the study. Researchers collected qualitative data including reflections and blogs at the beginning and end of the 4.5-week course. Findings fell into four major themes in the data: (1)Past experience shapes perceptions of writing; (2)Perceptions shape writing instruction; (3)Perceptions are malleable; and, (4) Course design impacts students\u27 perceptions. We describe each of the four themes and give implications of our findings, including the need for further research on how the online format affects perceptions of writing and writing instruction

Teacher Use of Computer-Assisted Instruction for Young Inattentive Students: Implications for Implementation and Teacher Preparation

Teacher preparation and training appear limited in the area of computer-assisted instruction (CAI) as well as more general instruction and management for students with disabilities including those with attention problems. Research suggests that CAI is a promising intervention for young inattentive students, with several inherent advantages; however, there are a number of implementation challenges that may interfere with more extensive and effective use in the classroom. Lessons learned from a recent randomized controlled trial of a CAI intervention highlight some of these challenges and suggest strategies for addressing them. Implications for instruction are discussed with regard to selection of appropriate CAI programs, integration into the classroom, and strengthening teachers’ more general management skills for inattentive students. Recommendations for pre-service training and professional development in CAI are provided

The Effects of New Materials and Teaching Methodologies on Low-Level Biology Courses

A new generation has entered higher education that learns differently from generations before. To meet the changing needs of this generation, Western Kentucky University’s Biology Department introduced e-textbooks and e-materials from McGraw Hill™ publishing in the fall of 2013 to most low-level classes. A foreseen product of this shift was a change in the way that some faculty taught and assessed their classes. This study assesses the changes in pedagogical techniques among professors of 100- and 200-level biology classes due to the new e-text and e-materials. Syllabi were collected from these classes pre- and post-implementation and common characteristics were inductively coded and statistically analyzed to identify changes in pedagogy. It was found that biology professors increased their average number of homework assignments by 23%. There was also a 289% increase in the number of courses that offered homework assignments as a means of assessment, indicating a shift from traditional summative assessments to more formative assessments after the implementation of the e-materials. This work provides insight into simple strategies that affect pedagogy in higher education STEM disciplines