assignment 7- part 2

"Application of Bax Normilasation in Saudi Arabia"

The aim of CALL (Computer Assisted Language) according to Steven Bax is to reach the normalized stage. Normalization is the stage when a technology is invisible; this is what Bax aimed to. CALL has not reached this normalized stage. CALL will reach this state when computers are used every day by language students and teachers as an integral part of the lesson, like a pen or a book. Teachers and students will not be the centre of any lesson, but they will play a part in almost all. CALL will be normalized when computers are used to serve the students’ needs. Steven Bax suggested planning for this normalization state and then move towards it. The first step to reach normalization is to identify the criteria factors which normalization requires. The second is to check the practice of each teaching context in the light of these criteria. The final step is to adjust the current practice in each aspect so we can encourage normalization. Following these steps will give each students and teacher a clear framework within which to check progress, so normalization can be identified and dealt with. He suggested that many teachers and institutions, in many areas of their use of CALL, are afraid of the progression towards normalization most people in language education would recognize that CALL does have a relative advantage. He identified a possible future plan for CALL. His aim can be the normalization which he has described, in which CALL finally becomes invisible, serving the needs of learners and integrated into every teachers’ everyday practice. This will require changes in technology, in the size, shape and position of the classroom computer. It will require change in attitudes, in approach and practice between teachers and learners; it will require full integration into procedures and syllabuses. He argued that we need more ethnographic studies of individual environments.  We also need action research in individual environments to identify barriers to normalization and ways of overcoming them..

We can use computers and other technology tools in our Saudi schools according to the changes hat Bax suggested. Serving the needs of the learners requirs changes in the technology, in the shap, size and the position of the computer itself. We can apply these changes in our Saudi classroom. We also need to identify the barries that students have and ways of overcoming these barries.

assignment 7

Using synchronous tools in my future EFL classroom in Saudi Arabia:

Synchronous tools enable real-time communication and collaboration in a same time in a different place. These tools allow people to connect at the same time. There are many synchronous tools that I can use it in the classroom such as, audio conferencing, web conferencing, video conferencing, chat, instant messaging and white boarding. These tools have the advantage of being able to engage people at the same point in time. so I can use them in the classroom to engage all students at the same time. The drawback of synchronous tools is that they require same-time communication. All of these tools have their drawbacks so I will explain each one.

(1)- Audio conferencing: it is cost, especially when international participation is involved. It has poor quality of transmissions because it relies on phone lines. it has Limited visual stimulation. Also the noise can distract participants as well as cut out speaker. The communication medium does not support visual images so the participants of the conference do not actually see each other. So you cannot see and understand the body language of the people you are talking to.

(2)- Web conferencing: a disadvantage of the web conference comes in the form of a lack of detail planning. Those engaged in the call must have discipline and high concentration levels. To be effective, this kind of call must employ a camera, a microphone and other tools. Without any one of these important elements, the call may be a complete failure. Also it is cost.

(3)- Video conferencing: the price may be the biggest drawback of video conferencing for some people. There are some human ways of communicating that do not translate very well over a distance, such as eye contact. When you sit in the same room with someone and listen to a speech or presentation you will make eye contact and they will judge who is paying attention by looking around the room.

(4)- Chat: It usually requires typing, "lower touch" experience.  The disadvantage of chat is there is no body language or tone of voice or other things that are forms of non-verbal communication. online chatting carries about associated risks which includes the ability for people to hide their true characters and be dishonest. This could mean anything from the lying of age to marital status and other matters.

(5)- Instant messaging: all users must use compatible system, usually best for one to one interactions. A disadvantage is there's no tone with instant messaging.

(6)- White boarding: It is cost, bandwidth; may also require audio conferencing to be useful.