CALL Terms (3)

Pop-up: a graphic or text in a small window that jumps off the screen to attract attention; often used for advertising.

Server: a computer that links one computer to another.

Snail mail: regular paper mail.

Thread: a common theme/topic in a series of emails of discussion postings.

URL (uniform resource locator): the address for a website or other Internet facility.

Flame(ing): strong, negative, emotional language used in online communication.

Navigate: to find a route through hyperlinks and commands or other online pointers in software or on the Web.

Append: include a previous email attached to the current one.

CALL Terms (2)

CMC (computer-mediated communication): communication between people using computer networks; CMC includes email, chat, instant messaging and discussion lists.

IM (instant messaging): synchronous communication on a network only sent to the specific recipients.

ISP (Internet service provider): a company that provides (for a fee) access to the Internet.

MUD (multi-user dungeon): an interactive virtual game played on the Internet by several people at the same time.

MOO (multi-object-oriented MUDs)

Emoticons (smiley faces): typed symbols used to represent emotions (for example, :>) for a happy face or joke.

Keypal: a penpal, except that the communication is via the Internet, rather than traditional mail.

Netiquette: etiquette on the Internet—that is, rules of behaviour for online communication.

Take Measures to be a Facilitator

After reading "Distractions in the Wireless Classroom" by Michael J. Bugeja, quite a lot of ideas came upon my mind.

In fact, I had experienced such kind of situation in my work place when I taught full-time students, commonly 18-22 years' old. But the situation seldom occured in the classes of adult students, because they had limited learning time as part-time students, and they are more self-disciplined. So my first thought is whom to blame? Is it really the fault of "Technology"? Cellphone, computer, wireless network.... they are born for the convenience of human being and they did make our life easier than ever, but why we human being find so many excuses to refuse our responsibility?

Some suggestions to avoid being distracted:

1. Design more task-based lessons to make sure the students understand the important points of the lesson, thus provide more chances for students to practise what they should do;

2. Assess the tasks effectively, so that the students would be more self-controlled and concentrated on the in-class activities;

3. Be more aware of the students' performances, and take measures to facillitate the students kept on track;

4. Use some kind of control system to supervise the students' access to certain websites with the help of monitoring software.

The population of adopting wireless classes is a key point in the issue, so keep in mind whether the group of students suited for the kind of circumstance or not. Technology itself is good, the person who makes the disposal should be responsible for.