Instant messaging clients - Relaxed, free & enjoyable English learning and training tools

In a demanding world of using English as a second language, computer technology and the internet are being dominantly used as they provide an incredible boost to language learning environment. At present, we can experience a more exciting way of learning a language by taking the advantages of the Instant Messaging Networks widely available online. This latest incarnation of the online chat is one of the communication methods that has proven to be a very good complement to the ways in which we communicate, both privately and professionally. These brilliantly invented instruments such as Skype, Yahoo Messenger and et cetera are a godsend to those who like to seek knowledge and to improve their English. This paper aims to examine the effectiveness of these so called ‘eclectic communicators’ in second language learning; focusing more on their functions as relaxing, and enjoyable language learning tools in a higher educational setting. This qualitative paper begins by highlighting current literature in the area of computer mediated communication (CMC) learning environments in second language use and development. It also discusses some of the issues and challenges related to this matter. In conclusion, this paper provides an overview of the benefits and drawbacks of instant messaging in educational settings especially in second language learning environment

Misconception of Islamic apparel, niqab: a phenomenological approach

Communication is a social process in which individuals use symbols to establish and interpret meaning in their environment. Artifact is a valuable source of communication in our historical and everyday life. The Islamic artifacts use in daily life constantly support or contradict our beliefs, values and self identities. Muslim communities have traced the authenticity and legitimacy their customary practices of Islamic attire by the guidance of the Quran and Hadith. The purpose of this qualitative study is to examine and explore the meanings, structures and the essence of the perceived experience of Muslim niqab wearing women within a phenomenological manner. Niqab wearing is women's individual choice and empowerment, and its expression is Islamic identity. Now a days niqab wearing is controversial issue due to misunderstanding among Muslim and non-Muslim community. The goal of this study is to investigate a detailed and comprehensive understanding of the Islamic concept of niqab wearing women. The expected result of this research will contribute to a critical discussion on the rationale of controversy of niqab wearing, especially in the perspective of abuse, and justify women's right in context of Islamic culture based on Quranic obligation that will not create political and cultural discrimination in the society

THE MULTIPLE APPROACHES OF GROUNDED THEORY: JUSTIFICATION FOR STRAUSSIAN VERSION

Qualitative researchers incline to develop a theory or seek for a form of meaning on the basis of data collection. They also do not build their research on pre-arranged hypotheses. Nevertheless, they obviously recognize a problem or subject they aim to examine. Qualitative research gives a flexible approach to researchers and using multiple sources to confirm results. This paper focuses on primary books review of chronological grounded theory as one of qualitative research methods in different versions, then the preference for Straussian version of grounded theory

Examining Cyberbullying Factors Among Adolescents: A Grounded Theory Approach

The current research seeks to bridge the gaps in the discourse of cyber bullying phenomenon, with a focus on the factors governing cyber bullying among teenagers in Malaysia. This research examined specifically the perpetrators or causes of cyber bullying, its context and current condition that has most likely influenced the perpetrators, the phenomenon, coping strategies and the effects of cyber bullying. A total of 105 teenagers between the age of 12 and 18 from five schools in Perlis were interviewed in depth using the Grounded Theory approach. Data were analysed through the processes of coding and categorising (open, axial and selective) in constructing a model. A paradigm model was identified based on the interviews. The elements produced from the model are: (i) contributors of cyber bullying; (ii) phenomenon; (iii) informant coping strategies, and (iv) the effects of the strategies used. Specific cyber bullying issues, characteristics of parents or care takers and peer pressure were identified as influencing the teenagers’ behaviour as perpetrators of cyber bullying. The phenomena have both positive and negative effects from the acts of cyber bullying. Coping strategies, such as active, aggressive, cognitive and avoidance were parts of the teenagers’ attempts in overcoming the negative impact of cyber bullying. The outcome of the strategies has led to a healthier life for the victims. The paradigm model could be used as a guideline in dealing with technology abuse among teenagers as these abuses could consequently lead to cyber bullying. This model could be used to find ways to help teenagers overcome the occurrence of this problem. This research can benefit all parties, namely the teenagers, parents, teachers and other stake holders in an effort to reduce the occurrence of cyber bullyin

The Paradigm Model of Cyberbullying Phenomenon

This research attempted to fill the knowledge gap incyberbullying phenomenon by focusing on factors thatcontribute to its activities among adolescents in Malaysia. Theresearch seeks to understand the antecedents and the contextsand prevailing conditions that influence it, as well as thephenomenon, the coping strategies and the consequencesresulting from the coping strategies. Using a grounded theorymethodology, in-depth interviews were conducted on adolescentsaged between 12 to 18 years from different schools in the state ofPerlis. The data were analyzed using NVivo 10 by methodicallycoding and categorizing the data in open, axial and selectivecoding to arrive at a model development. A paradigm model wasobtained based on informants’ individual comments andexperiences which uniquely contribute to the body of knowledgeon cyberbullying phenomenon in Malaysia. The involvedelements derived from the model are; the antecedents ofcyberbullying; the phenomenon; the coping strategies byinformants and the consequences resulting from these strategies.The significance of this study lies in its attempt to provide aworking framework for reducing adolescents’ technology abusethat will eventually lead to cyberbullying and to find solutionsfor adolescents to tackle cyberbullying problems if it everhappened. This study is hoped to benefit all the parties:adolescents, parents, teachers, and other stakeholders tominimize adolescents’ cyberbullying phenomenon