Use Of Technology In Task-Based Language Learning

Use Of Technology In Task-Based Language Learning A RESEARCH PAPER  ON  RESEARCH ON THE USE OF TECHNOLOGY IN TASK-BASED LANGUAGE LEARNING 1. INTRODUCTION It is well known that our life is extremely affected by technology, and technology plays an important role in language learning. With the spread and development of English around the world, English is used as a second language. This paper studies on the use of technology in task-based for learning English as a foreign language (EFL). A task is defined by Jane Willis (1996) an activity where the target language is used by the learner for a communicative goal so as to succeed a result. The learners start with the task. Task is used as a symbol for different activities including grammar exercises, practice activities and role plays. Tasks may involve solving a word problem, creating a crossword puzzle, making a video, preparing a presentation or drawing a plan. According to Rod Ellis (2007), ‘Task’ which has four main characteristics: à ¯Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¢ Task involves a primary focus on (pragmatic) meaning.à ¯Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¢ Task has some kind of ‘gap’.à ¯Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¢ The participants choose the linguistic resources needed to complete the task.à ¯Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¢ Task has a clearly defined outcome. Task based learning is a different method to learn languages. Task-based learning emphasizes the main role of meaning in language use. Skehan (1998) implies that meaning is primary in task-based learning †¦the assessment of the task is in terms of result and that TBL is not ‘concerned with language display’ (98). In the task-based learning, the tasks show basic the learning activity. As cited by Prabhu (1987), students can learn more efficiently when their minds are headed towards on the task, sooner than on the language they are using. Doughty, Long (2003) and Willis (1996) assert that Task-based language learning (TBLL) method supports discussion of meaning using ‘meaning-focused’ and ‘communicative’ task completed activities and gives students the chance to practice language extensively within a meaningful context, attractive students in the ‘authentic,’ ‘pragmatic, and contextual production of language’, where language production is not the aim but ‘the vehicle for attending task goals’ (p.25). In other words, TBL has the advantage of getting student to use his/her skills and can help the students learn language easily and effectively. Willis (1996) explains that the main events of the three phases in task-based learning: Pre-task can include brainstorming; ‘Introduction to topic and task:Teacher explores the topic with the class, highlights useful words and phrases, helps students understand task instructions and prepare.’ Task cycle shows us; ‘Task: Students do the task, in pairs or small groups. Teacher monitors from a distance. Planning: Students prepare to report to the whole class (orally or in writing) how they did the task, what they decided or discovered. Report: Some groups present their reports to the class, or exchange written reports and compares results.’ Language focus shows form and ask questions about language features; ‘Analysis: Students examine and discuss specific features of the text or transcript of the recording. Practice: Teacher conducts practice or new words, phrases and patterns occurring in the data, either during or after the analysis (p.38).’ TBLL provides some important benefits. Task based language learning (TBLL) has the benefit of getting the student to use her/his skills at her current level. Krahne (1987) said that ‘During the task the learners are allowed to use whatever language they want, focus entirely on the meaning of their message. This makes it closer to real life communicative situation, which is a way of bringing the real world into classroom TBL that involves real communication is necessary for language learning.’ Moreover, task-based language learning which helps to realize the language in context and to use it in condition in real life. Willis (1996) has also emphasised the importance of a real world for tasks. The aim of the task is to create a real goal for language use and provide a natural context for language study. It provides the language learner with an active role in participating and creating the events. TBLL offers more chances for the students to show their thinking through thei r movements so it contributes to progress by encouraging students to lesson. Furthermore, students are more success in the language they use. It presents cooperative support. Students can work together, so task-based increases students’ motivation for learning. Task-based learning can be very successful at intermediate levels. It is difficult to primary levels students. In spite of benefits of task-based learning, there are many disadvantages of task-based learning, such as: According to Skehan (1996), task-based learning comprehends some risks if fulfilled carelessly. Task-based learning requires a high level of creativity on the part of the teacher. For instance, If the teachers are limited to more traditional roles or do not have time and resources to device task-based learning this type of teaching maybe difficult. Evaluation of task-based learning can be difficult. ‘The nature of task-based learning prevents it from being measurable by some of the more restricted and traditional tests (Krahne 1987).’ The use of technology suggestions important advantages for task-based language learning and it plays a positive role in TBLL. Chapelle (2001), Gonzolez-Lloret (2003) said that ‘The arrival of information technology has improved the quality of many scientific disciplines, including some language education and learning through technology has become a real life’ (p.84). Technology has enormous effect in task-based language learning, as a resource for EFL and as a means for communication between the EFL students. In addition, TBLL provides the basic technology for supporting learners to obtain major communication skills in the English language. Each technological tool has its specific benefits and application with important of four language parts. These are speaking, listening, reading and writing. That is to say, Ybarra and Green (2003) indicate that students trying to learn English as a second language need additional language support. They need to practice in hearing lang uage, reading language, speaking language, and writing language so as to develop their experience and skills. I believe that students can learn easily and effectively with use of technology in task-based language learning. Technological tools which can be taken advantage of the task-based language learning. Task based learning is useful for moving the motivation of the learning process from the teach ­er to the student. It gives a different way of understanding language for the students. Because of this, the students can be a better learner. When the students are a better learner, they can motivate themselves and solve their problems. Thus, motivational factor is significant in one’s achievement. RESEARCH QUESTION 1- How can we explore the benefits of task-based language learning in EFL students?

The Color Red in American Beauty Essay -- essays papers

The Color Red in American Beauty "The beauty that addresses itself to the eyes is only the spell of the moment; the eye of the body is not always that of the soul." George Sand hit the nail right on the head when he said this in 1872. Appearance versus reality has been a central theme in many American creative works including the film American Beauty. American Beauty is a film that delves into your typical, middle-class suburban American home and slowly uncovers all of the abnormalities that lie within. The family is portrayed as normal but as the films tag line suggests "look closer" then it is possible to fully understand the implications that takes place in this seemingly happy home. The film is masterfully directed by the famous theater director Sam Mendes and encompasses a great number of cinematic techniques that appear fresh and exciting. Critics have mentioned many of these techniques. However, they failed to notice the clever use of color used throughout the film--especially the color red. Sam Mendes e ffectively uses the color red; as a central motif to accentuate mood and theme, to contrast families, and to reveal characters personalities and feelings. In American culture red is a color of various meanings and images. The color red is the essence of life; it is the color of blood. It can insinuate energy, vitality, passion, anger, power, excitement, and sacrifice. It is a grounding color. Red can stand for warmth, danger, love, sex, death, rage, lust, and beauty. Red is the color used for the women's clothing, the cars, the doors and also it is the color of Lester's blood splattered across the white table at the end of the movie. Red is the central motif of the film. Sam Mendes incorporated many of these meaning of red within the film American Beauty, Not only did Sam Mendes implant a motif of red, he also incorporated a motif of the red rose. Roses in American culture are the ultimate symbol of love, life and death. Flowers are a large part of the American culture. They have come to symbolize compassion, caring and love. The beauty of roses are superceded with danger, for they have thorns that can prick. Roses epitomize bea uty; perhaps that is why they chose the title American Beauty. The title American Beauty is a hodgepodge of symbolism; it encompasses a variety of meanings. For the viewer it can stand for the American beauty rose... ...aroline. Jane and Ricky are important too, they are the more grounded of the characters, they are both presented in neutral colors throughout most of the film. They represent balance and neutrality in the movie. Ricky's parents are not so neutral; they are dressed in pale, washed out colors to show their lack of vitality. Especially Mrs. Fritt's, she plays a minor role in the movie and that is precisely the point Sam Mendes makes. She is seen as a minor role in the family. She is usually wearing a long white nightgown and appears almost as a ghost in the picture, t her family, she barely exists. American Beauty is a fantastic film that encourages viewers to "look closer." Sam Mendes directed a film about American Beauty and foolish things that Americans do to keep up with appearances. He is urging us to find beauty in our lives, and to forget about having the perfect garden and home. He effectively uses the color red; as a central motif to accentuate mood and theme, to contrast families, and to reveal characters personalities and feelings. "Mere colour, unspoiled by meaning, and unallied with definite form, can speak to the soul in a thousand different ways."--Oscar Wilde

Etiquette and Rule Essay

In todays modern era we are surrounded by technology all over the place. This technology Is constantly being Improved everyday. One of the most widely used technologies In the world Is the computer. Almost everything can be done on the computer these days. There are a lot of rules people need to follow on the Internet and they can all be categorized under Netiquette. Netiquette is really just a set of rules to follow in order to behave properly online. It is extremely important to know how to behave online because it can affect you in the real world as well. There are many rules In Netiquette. One of the main sets of rules is called the Ten Core Rules of Netiquette. These rules help a person be who they really are online and In reality. The flrst rule In this set Is spell check. Whenever you are communicating with someone online it is always important to spell check and proofread. Errors and misspelling can make you look less professional and it can also reduce the meaning of the message. The second rule is to never use â€Å"ALL CAPS†. This is because when somebody uses all caps online it Is considered that you are shouting at them. The recipient of the message can take this the wrong way and get offended. The third rule of the ten states, † Tell the truth†. Basically what this means Is to be honest on social networking websites and to not write anything but the truth. Lies can cause problems for you, so it is Just better to tell the truth to begin with. The fourth rule states† Be yourself’ which means be the same person online that you would be in the real world. Do not say or do things that you would not normally do. Pretending to be someone you are not online can ruin your Image. The fifth rule in this set is Do not flame or respond to flames. You should not do this because It Is unclvlllzed and a flame Is an Insult. Continuing with the ten core rules, the sixth rule is to not click on any spam or send any spam. These pop ups and spam can lead to malware, viruses, and malware. These viruses can damage your computer software and slow down the performance. The seventh rule of the code is to be conservative in the emails you send. This is because it Is better to have quality over quantity; It Is better to get straight to the point. The eight rule also has to do with email. This rule Is to not send email late at night. If you send a email late at night It might make the employer or recipient wonder what you are doing up that late. The ninth rule is to shop on secure websites. This is important because you do not want to disclose any personal information on the Internet. Lastly the tenth rule of this code is to always be discreet with what you do online. This can include making profiles, posting comments and sending messages. You never know who Is watching and what can be on the line. Of course you must exercise these rules more when you are not using your own computer. For example if you are using a school laptop and you cannot log into your personal accounts, because if you forget to sign out somebody can send all sorts of hings out and create a bad image of you. Additionally when you use someone else’s computer or laptop, you have to avoid going to websites that have too many pop up links or follow up any spam. The reason to this Is because it can lead to viruses, which will not content the owner of the computer or laptop. Some people think that because nothing you do on the Internet is private or gone forever. Once you send a message there is no way off getting it back, The person reading the message can save your email or can also forward it to others. This is why writing appropriate and not offensive are one of the important rules to follow as well. There are many reasons why it is important to communicate appropriately online. The reason why is because it shows the reader you are serious and it also gives them a clue of what kind of person you are.. The reader can automatically tell what kind of person you are once you send them your email by the way you talk in the email. You have to be as clear and to the point as possible to avoid any conflict and keep your job. I have seen many situations in where there was good etiquette and bad etiquette used. One example of good netiquette that I have see was when my dad was going to uy something online he made sure that every website had the secure check on it. This helped to protect personal information while checking out. One example of bad netiquette that I have seen was when a student from my old school was emailing a teacher and he was using slang in the message. This was unprofessional and I told him to fix it before he sent it. Overall when you are using the Internet there are a lot of rules to follow so that you don’t look unprofessional. These netiquette rules help many people be themselves online and also help a lot of people keep their Jobs.

The Theme Of Conflict In Barn Burning By John Faulkner

Faulkner introduces us a dramatic and complex short story called Barn Burning, where the conflict is presented as a child trying to make a decision between following his father along with a path of criminal activity or weather fortunate a new path for himself. The story is narrated in 3rd person omniscient from the perspective of the protagonist of the story, a boy called Coronel Sartoris Snopes and his father, who can be considered as an antagonist, Abner Snopes, a veteran of the war. The mother of Sartoris, his aunt, and his two sisters, act as secondary characters because they are speechless and without space for a opinion during the story. Sartoris’s older brother plays a really important role in the story since he is the one who helps†¦show more content†¦They are corn farmers now and Abner wants to talk to the owner of the farm. Abner goes with Sartoris to the Spain’s house, but before going inside, Abner intentionally steps in horse poop and tracks it al l over an expensive white rug. This action causes Abner to get into trouble again. Spain asks the Snopes family to clean the rug; they place it in front of a fire to dry damaging it greatly. Hence, Spain requires Abner to pay him with corn, which leads to another trial set against Abner, where the judge acts in favor of Spain. When I was reading this part of the story, I thought that Abner was unfortunate because nothing was going well for him; however, I rethought the situation again and I realize the suffering he has exposed to his family such as moving around and changing their life all the time. I think that this man likes to be involved in trouble and more than that, he is constantly looking for reasons to burn and cause damage to others. After the trial, Abner decides that he had no intention of paying; instead, he seeks revenge and plans on burning down Major de Spain’s barn. Sartoris tries to warn Spain of the act that his father is about to make. However, it is too late and in doing so, Sartoris hears multiple gunshots and sees the glow of the barn on fire. The end is moving, because Sartoris faces a difficult situation in which he has to choose between doingShow MoreRelatedThe Yellow Wall Paper And Barn Burning Essay1509 Words   |  7 Pagesnot necessarily seen in today’s society, it is not rare to find this theme present in a large number of works studied in American Literature. Two authors that illustrate this pervasive theme in their short stories are Charlotte Perkins Gilman and William Faulkner. Despite the fact that these short stories were written almost fifty years apart, the protagonists in both Gilman’s â€Å" The Yellow Wall-paper† and Faulkner’s â€Å"Barn Burning† live in a society where they are severely conflicted because of theirRead MoreAnalysis of Barn Burning Essay580 Words   |  3 PagesWilliam Faulkners story Barn Burning occurs in the fictive Yoknapatawpha County, Mississippi. It is a story set in the 1930s, a decade of the Great Depression when social and economic problems existed. Barn Burning is a story about social inequality, in particular with the rich land owning family de Spain in contrast to the poor tenant farming ways of the Sartoris family. Abner is the father in the family. He is a cold deviant man. His family is constantly moving around because of theRead MoreLiterary Analysis of â€Å"Barn Burning†2800 Words   |  12 PagesA Literary Analysis of â€Å"Barn Burning† In the beginning, â€Å"Barn Burning† appears to be a story about an oppressive father and his family, who seems to be caught up in his oppression. As you read further in to the story you find that the story is focused on a young son of a poor sharecropper, who has to struggle with his father’s arsonist tendencies which are destroying his families’ reputation and life style, while coming to terms with his own morality. The young son, whose name is Colonel Sartoris