Utilizing Simulations/Games
In English Language Teaching (ELT)
The Stretch of Potentials In Their Diverse Spectrum
It is interesting how language acquisition is much more stimulated with authentic materials which can be as synchronous as real life environment, with technology becoming more viable to daily life progress audio visual aids have become uniquely effective and the future of language learning will merge together with promising outcomes. From our previous lesson, one example of CALL items available in the modern teaching world nowadays has been utilized. Henceforth, as we deduced the outcomes of this activity we found that http://zapdramatic.com/ is a simulation oriented CALL item able to not just instill the fundamentals of decision making and authenticity but also analytical and empathetic thinking resulting into a more well rounded self-dependent students. With this activity students are given the opportunity to engage in a real life situation which leaves great impact to how they conduct their life roles whilst emphasizing on the most pivotal tool of communication which is language. 
However, in the case of zapdramatic.com and its provided materials we believe the pliancy of this specified context of communication is more tolerable to audience/learners between the age of 20 and above within Malaysia peculiarly. The situations in the clips are suggesting critical situations where people deal with emotions or psychological impact in life; having "negotiating skill" and the mean of conversation. Apart from that, affective-emphatic value is also highlighted in the conversation where students are introduced to an extremely foreign/rather rare case in their life which they might not even get to experience throughout their lifetime but may heard of it before and made one sided bias judgment over what happened due to misconceptions. Without teachers balancing the personal virtues of the students with his/her own mature insights, they might not realize the subtle points brought forth in this activity or not able to relate to its real meaning very well. These vital skills and knowledge are highly crucial beyond the shadow of doubt. 
On the other hand, the downside of this activity is it might be hard to congest negativities that are subversively coming from the materials given if teachers do not facilitate the learning procedure in a well controlled environment. Different students will have different views on the materials they have seen, and from then they will acquire many perspectives ranging in potentials. Messages or information might be interpreted wrongly or leaving no impact at all to the students (peculiarly those sophomoric students) who would probably end up cracking jokes out of this hilarious-tone video - The Desperate Dad per se - which of course is misleading to the extent that learning objective fails to be fulfilled. Justifying the whole notion of its compatible stakeholders (students of 20 y/o and above), in Malaysia probably this website can be utilized in an English medium classroom teaching pragmatic communication skill for advanced learners. In that case, I'd use the same kind of materials other than this website to exercise almost all fundamental values and skills in the lesson with a different theme altogether.
Massive Multiplayer Role-playing Game (MMORPG) as the Medium in English Language Teaching for its Secondary Learners
Encouraging Second Language Learners In Decision Making and Communicating In A Virtual Media
I want to explain more on this but I think you get where this will head to, I feel that this type is very encouraging especially towards young learners. In Habbo Hotel, students can create their own avatar, rendering their creativity to prominence after taking account of their imaginative capacity. Aside from engaging in a very sociable environment where they can communicate with authentic audience across the globe, students have ample stretch of time (regardless whether it is convened in-class or outside of the class), ideal anxiety level and enjoyable to them. Habbo Hotel also allows its users to minimize the scope of conversation meaning that students can also engage among themselves or venture into intercultural communication with other foreign players who can also be the native speakers of the language. This will prompt students' language proficiency levels, cognitively, in a great manner, the fact that they must use the language by all means to communicate with their fellow native English audience which will greatly boost their esteems in using English for communicative purposes. With the teacher joining in to facilitate the students, we can create a 'hangout crib' (added point on autonomy and creative expression by allowing players to fully monetize, customize and decorate their crib) where the host can invite guests to his/her place. Withal, emphatic values can be inculcated when perhaps the students can host a symposium of their own and even invite other players from another place different from their realm of culture so they can discuss to find out what's going on in another part of the world or also compare and contrast the differences of those particular audiences and theirs.
Regards,
Asyraf (167487)
Universiti Putra Malaysia
Fakulti Pengajian Pendidikan
Computer Application in TESL - LHE 3220
Dr Abu Bakar
Hi Asyraf,
ReplyDeleteThanks for a very interesting blog entry.I think you are very poignant to point out the limitations of the zapdramatic website, especially in terms of its applicability in the Malaysian context.
I agree with you that some of the content of the website might not be suitable for Malaysian students, especially those who are young. In fact, some of the language used was also not suitable to Malaysian students. Either way, I introduced this website to not only teach the importance of decision making and negotiation (i.e., that can be as important as live and death situations) but to promote websites do not necessarily promote the teaching of English language--but one that we can use nonetheless due to its potential. I hope that in the future, as teachers, all of you would be able to see potential in all kinds of learning materials--not only ones that you think is suited to your students. In fact, what is suitable for your students is how you make it to be.
That said, I am very excited to see that you provided a website that actually promoted negotiation and decision making skills. (Because I don't really play MMPORG games) I didn't really know what games were available that could be used in teaching and learning. The one you promoted is excellent! Good job!
AB