Sheila's Journal

Here is Masi's Bio... Go Back to Masi's Home
Hi. My name is Masako and I am from Japan. I just received my first M.S. in TESOL this past December and this is my first semester in the CDIT program. I plan to graduate in December 99.

Here is Masi's first journal entry... Go Back to Masi's Home
Hello Professors,

I am sorry I am very behind with assignments.

I will do my best to catch up with all I'm supposed to do up to this point. So please do not think I dropped out.....

Masi

Here is Masi's second journal entry... Go Back to Masi's Home
ETAP 526

Educational Computing

Personal Learning Journal

Masi Hiru

February 24, 1999

When I was teaching ESL in Japan back in the early 90's, teaching with technology was not a norm and because of that, I would say, my experience of teaching or observing teaching with technology was at SUNY's ESL program, IELP, in the fall semester of 98. They have elective classes every Wednesday and they offer "Introduction to Computers". Basically, what the students do is to learn how to use MS-Word, how to send and receive email, and how to surf the internet. Some of the students cannot type or very slow in typing in English (students with Asian and Arabic language backgrounds) so it was already a challenge. But as soon as they learn how to send and receive email, they send messages to teachers or friends, and they enjoy just checking to see if they receive responses. Just like in old days, whenever teacher brought a TV set in a classroom, student got excited to figure out what they could watch. But this time, it's interactive! Such sensitive reflections, Masako!

I remember in the fall of 97, when I was taking ETAP 634, all of us were assigned to have a "key pal" from the same program, IELP, and to exchange messages with an international student on culture or life in the USA. It was an interesting experience and I remember how much my key pal from Brazil enjoyed writing back and fourth to me. It was a good learning experience for me too, since by exchanging messages, I could learn her writing style, the consistent mistakes she would make, and her communication style such as how to ask personal questions. Communicative competence or social competence is very important when learning English as a second language, because often times, the learners come from a culture with different values in asking questions or different values in levels of politeness.

As part of an advantage on using technology, emailing with one of those students also helps to open up their mind because sometimes it is easier to write something when you are not saying it face to face. I agree. You can also use whatever time you have and whenever you have free time, so that communicating is not a burden. Depending on the students' level of ability to use a computer, teachers at IELP would like to extend the opportunity for them to learn through technology, and some teachers stay overtime just to show them how to do certain tasks.

I am not teaching this semester so I can only get some cooperation from teachers or students at IELP (such as trying out something), but by taking this course, I would like to learn some of the effective ways to use technology in teaching or learning ESL.

Masi

Masi: though you had little training in tech in your home country, it is obvious that your are familiar w/reflective journals and their all important use in research, inquiry, and reflective practice. I am amazed at your sesnsitivity and your ability to express your feelings personally and with such insight. Thank you for sharing... I like your work. ;-} rap.

Here is Masi's third journal entry... Go Back to Masi's Home
Yesterday, I used "MAC" for the first time. The FIRST time. It was a funny feeling to hold that round mouse (the newest one) and there was no right-click button. The interface was different and I didn't know how to minimize the "window". I finally figured out how to minimize it, but then I didn't know how to restore it, so I lost what I had. It wasn't a big deal but I was frustrated only because I couldn't use it the way I use PC. I felt that we or students should all learn how to use both PC and MAC so that we can switch from one another according to our needs. I strongly felt that yesterday. Too bad I am learning all the great things in the end of the semester and meeting classmates (virtual or whatever) who share the same interest, but it's better than never.

Here is Masi's fourth journal entry... Go Back to Masi's Home
First of all, it was nice to talk to Rick again, though I am not writing to him (but I do know he reads it !). I get motivated every time I see him, even though I make slow progress. I think it is a great thing that Rick as TA or Professor or whatever he may be is, there and available to help the students like myself for the course which is not taught in a traditional way. I have to admit that I DO have a problem taking these online courses, and ideally I need to see my classmates and teachers for constant communication. But it makes it easier to know that there is someone I can actually see in person when I need help.

Well, I found out that HyperStudio is a GREAT tool! I wish I could install it on my PC but I get the impression it is for MAC. But still, I liked what this tool can do and this is really multimedia! I have used Microsoft FrontPage to make a website and I didn't like it very much. It could be because I don't know much about HTML but it is supposed to be a user-friendly web authoring software program. I had a real hard time using it and therefore, my site is still undone. I wished I'd known about HyperStudio earlier....... I hope to learn more about it and actually use it soon, since we have a practicum to submit!

As I mentioned in the public discussion area, HyperStudio can be a great tool for students too. Although I am more interested in creating educational materials using technology, I would also like to be capable enough to teach or train teachers or even business people how to use different programs. In order to do that, I need more time and there are so many things I have to learn, but I plan to spend some time doing that this summer and hope I will be more literate!!!

Here is Masi's fifth journal entry... Go Back to Masi's Home
For the first time, I learned to use MS PowerPoint and I found out that what everyone was telling me was true. It is a great tool and it makes the presentation look neat, professional and effective. Although this tool is not for everyone, if your profession requires needs for presentations, this is a tool you need to learn to use! I worked on the earlier version of PowerPoint that came with my PC, and I hope to check the updated one soon and to learn to use it as well. It is an excellent tool!

Here is Masi's sixth journal entry... Go Back to Masi's Home

WRITTEN ASSIGNMENT by Masi (04:07 PM May4th)

Submitted-- only your professor can give you access to edit this document.

First of all, it was nice to talk to Rick again, though I am not writing to him (but I do know he reads it !). I get motivated every time I see him, even though I make slow progress. I think it is a great thing that Rick as TA or Professor or whatever he may be is, there and available to help the students like myself for the course which is not taught in a traditional way. I have to admit that I DO have a problem taking these online courses, and ideally I need to see my classmates and teachers for constant communication. But it makes it easier to know that there is someone I can actually see in person when I need help.

Here is Masi's seventh and last to date journal entry... Go Back to Masi's Home

WRITTEN ASSIGNMENT by Masi (04:07 May 8th)

Submitted-- only your professor can give you access to edit this document.

For the first time, I learned to use MS PowerPoint and I found out that what everyone was telling me was true. It is a great tool and it makes the presentation look neat, professional and effective. Although this tool is not for everyone, if your profession requires needs for presentations, this is a tool you need to learn to use! I worked on the earlier version of PowerPoint that came with my PC, and I hope to check the updated one soon and to learn to use it as well. It is an excellent tool.