Sugata Mitra shows how kids teach themselves | Video on TED.com

I was browsing through the net when I suddenly found this and I found it interesting. It's the article this I reviewed in my previous post.

Here is the link;
Sugata Mitra shows how kids teach themselves | Video on TED.com

Just want to share...

Enjoy~~

Hole in the wall!

This post is in response to an article shared in TSL 641 Yahoo Group. Click here to read more about the article.

Basically, the article is about an experiment carried out in 17 locations all over India whereby 48 computers have been placed in urban slum and rural locations. The children at these areas could actually access to the computer and gain the experiences of operating the computer.

Dr Sugata Mitra with the "hole in the wall"

Children take turns in using the computers without assistance

Children are always curious about everything in life. When they explore, they learn something new. These children at the urban slum and rural areas does not have the opportunity to learn computer in a formal classroom settings. However, when they were given the opportunity to handle a computer, surprisingly, they did well. It only took them 9 months to learn how to use the computers well.

This actually proves to everyone that we can learn something better when we are curious and interested about something. They don't need teachers to teach them on how to operate the computers as long as there is easy access to the computer. This self-learning method benefits the learners and enables them to explore the world.

I don't quite remember my first encounter with the computer but I am pretty sure that I started at an early age. I remember having electronic typewriter first at home where I explored it myself, and then the computer. My siblings and I were curious about playing games on the computer. So, we took turns to spend time on the computer. This had somehow taught me a lot about self-learning. Besides, we did not get any help from our parents, except when something goes wrong with the computer! I guess I am just one of those lucky kids at that time who got access to a computer at home. However, during computer classes in school, I did not have the opportunity to explore much since there were only a few computers in the lab and teachers would surely ask students to give chance to those who have never handle a computer.

Children should be given the opportunities to explore and learn new things because only by self-exploration, they will be able to be better and learn a lot.

Everyone should be given the opportunity to explore things

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Week 1: CALL Introduction

An old computer

CALL, which is also known as Computer Assisted Language Learning refers to any process in which a learner uses a computer and as a result, improves his/her language learning. In Malaysia, most schools have already started using computer as a tool in learning. However, there is still a lack of computers in most schools especially in the rural areas.

Learning any subjects using the computer as a tool will always be something interesting since there are more interactive activities that can be done, besides the traditional chalk and talk lesson. With a wide range of online references with just a click, a learner could already access to the global world.

There are different types of CALL Programs. Among the types of the CALL Programs are;
1. CALL Specific Software - which is designed to develop and facilitate language learning e.g. CD Roms.
2. Generic Software - which is used for general purposes to support language learning e.g. Microsoft Word, Microsoft Exel, Power Point.
3. Web-based learning programs - online dictionary, online encyclopedia, e-texts, blog, web-publishing.
4. Computer-mediated Communication (CMC) Programs - online chat, discussion board, e-mail.

With the introduction of CALL Programs, language learning has been made easier for the teaching and learning process.

For this subject, I hope that I can learn more about CALL and make good use of the facilities provided to make the teaching and learning process easier and interesting!

Greetings!

This blog was created to fulfill the requirements of TSL641 subject.

Hope to learn something from this subject cause I found it interesting since computer is used to assist language learning in the classroom.