Reflections of Week 12 Essential Reading

Technology in testing: the present and the future

Nowadays, use of IT in testing is becoming more popular. It has many advantages and disadvantages. For its advantages, learners do not need to take the test in a tense setting. Moreover, the computer-based testing can give immediate feedback to learners. It not only saves human resources on marking, but also eliminates errors made by human. Besides, learners’ result can be collected easily for research or statistic purpose. However, for its disadvantages, I can say the computer system only allows learners to take machine-scorable type of questions like MC. Learners’ speaking and writing skills can hardly be assessed through computer-based testing.

What’s more, I have heard of computer/ electronic portfolios as a kind of formative assessment. It is a good idea since learners can keep their pieces of work continuously and systemically. It is especially good for life-long learning as learners can review their work periodically.

Reflections of Week 9 Essential Reading

Practical Considerations For Multimedia Courseware Development

The paper addresses the essential aspects when developing a CALL courseware, for examples, design considerations, objective setting, instructional design and implementation. I think courseware development has its significant value as it promotes independent learning and it provides visual support to learners. Learners become more motivated to learn. After reading this article, I have got a clearer idea on how to design a good web page for language learning. The article stated out a marvelous web page including film viewing, hypertext, dictionary button and so on. However, it is impossible for us to develop the web page like that as I lack the skills and time. Honestly, sometimes I am quite frustrated about that and I feel like I am a computer illiterate. Fortunately with the clear menu provided in the course, I think the task (assignment 3) becomes easier.