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Goal: The purpose of this assignment is for you to keep a record of your reflections on the technology "language learning" process, your experiences using technology, and your feelings and thoughts about technology use for yourself and/or your students.

Directions for A4, A8 & A10: Write three journal entries, focusing on any of the following topics (or other topics of importance to you):

• What are effective strategies for balancing computer use and language learning in the technology-enhanced classroom?
• What preparation do you think you need before you'd be comfortable using technology with students?
• Are computer games valuable to language learners?
• What is my philosophy about the role of a teacher?
• How does this role contribute to my teaching style?
• How do you see your role in the classroom?
• How would you definie effective teaching?
• What are the qualities of a good teacher?
• What are my beliefs about using technology in teaching and learning?
• Where do these beliefs come from?
• What are the best ways to learn to use new technologies?
• What do you think are the most important elements of an effective technology-based lesson?
• How would you characterize the current use of technology in the ESL/EFL teaching field?
• What changes do you think are necessary in the ESL/EFL teaching profession, in regard to integration of technology?
• Do you feel anxious when using technology?
• What are the limitations of using technology in the ESL/EFL classroom?
• What are some benefits of using technology in the ESL/EFL classroom?
  

You can also use your journal as a place to record notes about teaching tools and strategies (e.g. ones you explore during our course, observe during your Class Observations, or find out about on discussion lists or at conferences such as CA-TESOL). This is also a forum you can use to pose questions about the course to your instructor.

Directions for Final Journal: Write a semester overview reflecting on the overall experience of learning a variety of technology tools and teaching strategies for teaching ESL/EFL. Some possible topics to explore:

• Do you feel confident integrating technology into your teaching?
• Which technologies did you find most valuable for professional development purposes?
• Which technologies and strategies do you plan to integrate into your teaching?
• How will you determine which technologies will be most valuable to your students?
• What did you learn in this class that you think will help you in your teaching career?

Format:

• Word 98 or below (if using Word 2000 or 2001, save as 98)
• Save file as "Rich Text Format," using the following filename convention: a4_lastname.rtf
• 1" margins - top, bottom, left, right
• Double-spaced
• 12 pt. font size
• Common font face (e.g. Arial, Verdana, Geneva, Helvetica or Times)
• Okay to add some graphics as appropriate/necessary to express yourself
  

Due:

1. Journal Entry #1 (Assignment 4) due 02/28/01.
   
   
2. Journal Entry #2 (Assignment 8) due 03/28/01.
   
   
3. Journal Entry #3 (Assignment 10) due 04/25/01.
   
   
4. Final Journal: Semester Overview due 05/09/01.
   

Submit Assignment: To submit these assignments, upload each file to the appropriate folder (Assignment 4, Assignment 8, Assignment 10, Final Journal) in the Files section of our Yahoo! Groups site. Follow the instructions in your documentation booklet.

Points: Journal Entries 1-3 are worth 2 points each. The Final Journal is worth 5 points.