CALL Use in the ESL/EFL Classroom

There has been much debate over the use of computer assisted language learning (CALL) in the ESL/EFL classroom over the past decade. As you are reading this feature via the Internet (and I am writing this using a computer), I will assume that you feel that CALL is useful to your teaching and/or learning experience. There are many uses of the computer in the classroom. As a teacher, I find that CALL can be successfully employed not only for grammar practice and correction, but also for communicative activities. As most of you are familiar with the programs that offer help with grammar, I would like to focus on the use of CALL for communicative activities. Successful communication learning is dependent on the students desire to participate. Im sure most teachers are familiar with students who complain about poor speaking and communication skills, who, however, when asked to communicate, are often reluctant to do so. In my opinion, this lack of participation is often caused by the artificial nature of the classroom. When asked to communicate about various situations, students should also be involved in the actual situation. Decision making, asking for advice, agreeing and disagreeing, and compromising with fellow students are all tasks that cry out for authentic settings. It is in these settings that I feel CALL can be used to great advantage. By using the computer as a tool to create student projects, research information and provide context, teachers can employ the computer to help students become more involved in the task at hand, thereby facilitating the necessity of effective communication within a group setting. Exercise 1: Focus on Passive Voice Generally, students coming from around the world are more than happy to speak about their native country. Obviously, when speaking about a country (city, state etc.) the passive voice is required. I have found the following activity using the computer to be of great assistance in helping students focus on the correct use of the passive voice for communication and reading and writing skills. Inductively review the passive structures in class (or introduce the passive structures)Provide a text example, focusing on a specific location, that includes many passive voice structuresHave students read through the textAs a follow-up, have students separate passive voice and active voice examplesUsing a program such as Microsoft Encarta or any other multimedia encyclopedia, (or the Internet) have students working in small groups find information about their own nation (or any city, state etc.)Based on the information they have found, students then write a short report together at the computer (using a spell check, communicating about formatting etc.)Students then report back to the class presenting their report created at the computer This exercise is a perfect example of involving students in an authentic activity that focuses on communication skills while at the same time including a grammar focus, and uses the computer as a tool. Students have fun together, communicate in English and are proud of the results they achieve - all ingredients for successful inductive learning of the passive voice in a communicative manner. Exercise 2: Strategy Games For younger learners of English, strategy games can be one of the most effective ways to get students to communicate, agree and disagree, ask for opinions and generally use their English in an authentic setting. Students are asked to focus on the successful completion of a task such as solving riddles (Myst, Riven) and developing strategies (SIM City). Choose a strategy game such as a SIM or mysteryHave students divide into teamsCreate a specific task in the game itself, such as the completion of a certain level, the creation of a certain type of environment, the solving of a specific riddle. This is important for providing a framework and specific language needs/goals for a common ground in the classroom.Have students complete the task.Have students come together in the classroom and compare strategies. Once again, students who find it difficult to participate in a classroom setting (Describe your favorite holiday? Where did you go? What did you do? etc.) generally become involved. The focus is not on their completing a task which can be judged as correct or incorrect, but rather on the enjoyable atmosphere of teamwork which a computer strategy game provides.

The Decline Of The Industrial Revolution - 1554 Words

The industrial revolution is a rapid development of industry that happened in Britain in the late 18th and 19th centuries. It was characterized by the development of machinery, the growth of factories and the large production of manufactured goods. Between the end of the Civil War and the early twentieth century, the United States experienced one of the most significant economic technologies from Britain to the United States and founded the first U.S cotton mill in Beverly, Massachusetts. In addition, Federal government actively promoted to industrial and agricultural development. Consequently, rapid growth of factory production, mining and railroad construction was the outcome of the economic growth. America’s economy grew so fast that it†¦show more content†¦The workers labored 10 to 12 hours per day or 60 to 72 hours per week without pensions, compensation for injuries and protections against unemployment. American workers experienced dangerous working conditions. The work environment was not safe and each year many workers died because of factory and mine accidents. In addition, workers felt alienated and not a part of what was going on in the workplace. In response of changes brought about by the Industrial Revolution workers organized strikes and unions. In 1877, workers organized â€Å"Great Upheaval† railroad Strike because the company had reduced workers’ wages twice over the previous year. The strikers stopped rail traffic until the most recent pay cut was returned to the employees. Haymarket Affair was another strike which took place in 1886 in support of the 8-hour workday. On May 1, 350,000 native-born and immigrant workers gathered together to fight for their working conditions. The day became significant as an international Workers’ day. In 1892, the â€Å"Homestead Lockout† strike occurred between the Carnegie steel company many of its workers for the right to keep the steel Union alive. Also in 1894, workers of Pullman town where railroad cars were manufacturing organize a strike known as â€Å"Pullman Railroad Strike† to protest a reduction of wages for 28%. Workers also organized unions, such as Knights of Labor, American Federation of Labor, and IndustrialShow MoreRelatedThe Decline Of The Industrial Revolution1646 Words   |  7 Pageschanged the way americans lived their day to day life.All of these revolutionary changes that impacted millions of people s lives are thanks to the industrial revolution. This enormous movement known as the industrial revolution first started out in Great Britain later on spreading to the western world in the following decade. The Industrial revolution is considered a great change in human history due to the many positives it has brung to the western society in particular. For example these changesRead MoreThe Decline Of The Industrial Revolution1462 Words   |  6 Pagesbeing due to Britain s culture, institutions or just luck. This essay will argue for the abundance of cheap coal and a ready workforce and industrial capitalism as major factors in the industrial revolution. The industrial revolutio n was characterised by a slow and steady continuous economic growth which has begun in the 15th century. The industrial revolution did not see a sudden rise in Britain s GDP, in fact there were large growths in only some sectors, but it was a period marked by profoundRead MoreThe Decline Of The Industrial Revolution971 Words   |  4 Pagesthings independently had no effect on the world but when all these things occur at the same time together simultaneously its influence is so strong that it changed the world and shaped in to the greatest impactful time in all of history, the Industrial Revolution. Britain started to see a huge increase in population progression throughout the years of 1750 to 1850 going from a population of roughly six mullion to twenty million individuals.(Judge 610) This population upsurge caused Britain to improveRead MoreThe Decline Of The Industrial Revolution Essay2234 Words   |  9 PagesDuring the end of the eighteenth century a revolution unlike any seen by American swept America introducing the civilization to modern machinery and transition to a new manufacturing process. The Industrial Revolution is a â€Å"name given to movement in which machines changed people’s way of life as well as their methods.† The origin of the movement started from The Great Britain which affected the entire manufacturing process and life of American. The revolution did not only bring changes to manufacturingRead MoreEffects of the Industrial Revolution on Slavery Essays957 Words   |  4 PagesEffects of the Industrial Revolution on Slavery The Industrial Revolution started in Britain, where population was sky rocketing and demand for goods was increasing. This higher demand forced innovators and scientists to invent machines that would make production much faster than their old ways. Before the push for new technology, goods were being produced through the putting-out system: one where a manufacturer would make part of the product, send it out for someone to finish it, then put it onRead MoreThe Difference Of Interpretation On Coal Industry865 Words   |  4 Pagesgreat era could bring the honor of history for people. Especially for the industrial past, it is easier to motivate the nostalgic impulse. In Britain, coal resource not only influenced the development of industry and technology, but also improved people’s daily life and their working life in the past. According to research the history of Britain, there are three vital periods about coal industry including industrial revolution in Britain, Victorian Britain and de-industrialization in the UK that mightRead MoreThe Positives And Cons Of The Industrial Revolution835 Words   |  4 PagesIs the Industrial Revolution as Good as We Think It Is? Bill Gates once said, â€Å"If you go back to 1800, everybody was poor. I mean everybody. The Industrial Revolution kicked in, and a lot of countries benefited, but by no means everyone.† The Industrial Revolution was a period in the 18th century led by Great Britain that had a major influence in agriculture, scientific studies, manufacturing, and transportation. As said by Bill Gates, even though the Industrial Revolution benefited many partiesRead MoreOver the decades, enclosures had been occurring in England and eventually became common in the1100 Words   |  5 Pagestried to make innovations that would benefit them and their families. However, these landowners knew they couldn’t be prejudice against the poor. Peasants worked on the common lands so the landowners knew it would affect them greatly. Population decline was the main concern that landlords had. Despite their concerns, they still proceeded with enclosures because they believed that the benefits would outweigh the problems. According to Lacey Baldwin Smith, peasants held their land â€Å"either by copyholdRead More The Industrial Revolution Essay example985 Words   |  4 PagesPeter Stearns claims that the industrial revolution was an intensely human experience. What initially arose as scientific advancements in metallurgy and machine building, the industrial revolution period saw a redefinition of life as a whole. As industry changed, human life began to adapt. Work life was drastically changed which, in turn, resulted in family life being affected. As is human nature, major change was met with great resistant. Ultimately, the most successful people during the transitionRead MoreIndustrial Revolution1094 Words   |  5 Pages The Industrial Revolution began in England during the 1700s and spread across Europe then North America, and eventually the world. This revolution assisted life but also made life more difficult as well. Gender roles were changed, products were made more efficiently and many jobs were created. This also meant that people lived in cramped houses, air pollution levels were high and people died of or suffered illnesses from working in factories. This essay will be discussing whether the Industrial

The Alchemist free essay sample

The Alchemist A Fable About Following Your Dreams. By Paulo Coelho l. Life of the Author Paulo Coelho was born on 1947, Brazilian writer, best known for mystical fables told in simple yet symbolic language. He has received wide popular acclaim both in Brazil and internationally for his work about spiritual quests of self-discovery. Written in Portuguese, Coelhos books have been translated into many languages. Coelho was born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Concerned with his teenage rebelliousness and desire to be a writer, his parents sent him to a mental institution, where he received electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). In 1970 Coelho dropped out of law school and traveled around South America, North America, and Europe. He returned to Brazil in 1972 and wrote lyrics for several songs that became popular in that country. Two years later he was arrested by the military for alleged antigovernment activity. Following his release Coelho became a recording executive for CBS Records in Brazil, but after losing his Job in 1980 he resumed his nomadic lifestyle. (79). Through Santiagos mentally quick and motivational ways, he can achieve any challenge given to him. 3. A minor character in The Alchemist, Melchizedek, plays a huge role in Santiagos journey. Melchizedek, a King from Salem, inspires Santiago to pursue in his legend and to not quit. He is a smart and wise King who made Santiago realize that he should never forget the small things in life. Well, there is only one piece of advice I can give you, said the wisest of wise men. The secret of happiness is to see all the marvels of the world, and never to forget the drops of oil on the spoon. (55). Melchizedek wants to teach Santiago to always focus on the smaller things in life because they are just as important than the bigger things in life. The Englishman, a man from Europe, came to Egypt to locate an alchemist who knows the Universal language. He loves to read, and is very smart. Santiago meets the Englishman as they both headed to a place in Egypt, Al-Foyum. The Shopkeeper is a very generous Muslim merchant who owns a small crystal shop up the hill from a small market. The shopkeeper, a hardworking man, does not like change and has dreams but does not pursue in them.  He uses the dreams to keep him motivated and live strong. 4. The glass shop in Africa is a major setting in this novel because it helps Santiago get back on his feet and realize that he is going to find his personal legend. The point of this setting is to do explore something new in life and that the old adventures will always be there to fall back on if he ever failed. The desert plays a huge role in the setting of this book because it reveals the difficulty of conquering your personal legend. The desert is an endless area that is everlasting. The desert is also a place where a lot of journeys begin and end. For example, Santiago traveled through the desert to get to the pyramids where as the Englishman stopped his journey to stay in the desert to learn the ways of Alchemy. The oasis, or safe place is where Santiago meets the Alchemist and Fatima, the woman he wants to spend his eternal life with. The oasis is considered neutral territory because many women and children live there. This is where Santiago learns the language of the world. 5. First, one important symbol is alchemy. Alchemy is relevant to Santiago because it is the idea of a base metal finding its personal legend and to convert itself into gold.  Santiago goes through the same process of the Alchemy. Santiago is the base metal finding its personal legend and after he finds it he will become a very rich man just like the metal became rich gold. In addition, another key symbol is Santiagos sheep. The sheep symbolizes the idea of the story and how some people do not find their personal legend. The sheep only cares about eating and drinking and their approval in the world, they do not care about exploring the world or pursuing into new things. 6. The dominant theme in The Alchemist is the center of all personal legends.  In the book, The Alchemist, personal legend is the way of living a prosperous life and that you can be successful if you put your mind, body, and heart into it. The idea that Paulo Coelho wants the readers to learn from his book is to follow your heart, wherever it may take you, and conquer all your dreams even if you come across a challenging obstacle in life you should never quit on what you want to accomplish. For example, Santiagos parents wanted him to be a priest but he didnt want to, instead he became a Shepard so he could travel the world and experience new things in life. Though Santiago faced many obstacles along the way, he was still very humble and never gave up his hope. This applies in todays life because there are billions and billions in the world today who have bright dreams, but cant pursue them because of illness, low income, they are afraid that they will fail or their physical disabilities may effect them. If people would just be confident and relentless enough then they would be able to find their personal legend. 7. First, I understand sheep; they are no longer a problem, and they can be good friends.  On the other hand, I dont know if the desert can be a good friend, and its in the desert that I have to search for my treasure. If I dont find it, I can always go home. I finally have enough money, and all the time I need why not? (95). This quote is said by Santiago. This quote built the novel of the whole story because this quote its what gave Santiago the motivation to keep finding his legend. Everything that happens once can never happen again. But everything that happens twice will surely happen a third time. (209). This quote is important to the scene because the Alchemist knew Santiago would be robbed. So he gave him extra helping of gold. â€Å"And, when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it. † (42). King Melchizedek said this quote. Its important to this novel as a whole because many people guided Santiago on his journey: The crystal merchant, The Alchemist, and Fatima. 8. I strongly believe Santiagos most difficult obstacle on his journey to achieving his personal legend is when he was robbed in Tangier by a man that agreed to assist him to Egypt. Santiago went from being a wealthy man after selling his flock, to a very poor man in a heartbeat. The reader knows this happens when the narrator explains, He was no longer a Shepard, and he had nothing, not even the money to return and start everything over. (63). Santiago, however, was able to conquer this challenge when he took Urim and Thummim, the two rocks that King Melchizedek took out of his golden breast plates. â€Å"They’re called Urim and Thummim, and they can help you to read the omens. † (65). These rocks gave him the confidence to continue his adventure and seek his personal legend.

Symbolism in William Blake’s Poetry an Example of the Topic Literature Essays by

Symbolism in William Blake’s Poetry William Blake belongs to the most famous English poets, though his poetry was recognized only after his death. Firstly, the term romanticism was used in the middle of the 18th century and it caused popularity of symbolism. William Blake re-shapes English poetry due to his symbolic world outlook and his desire to show the real world through hidden and concealed meanings of the words. Blakes symbolism is based primarily on personal feelings and emotions and he paid little attention to fact because symbolism promoted individuality, creativity, imagination and rejecting of values. Through symbolic poetry William Blake tends to express new values, new political ideas in order to promote the ideal brotherhood, equality and fairness in the country. Moreover, Blakes symbolism is very lyrical and his poems are filled with passion, though Blake tends to use subversion of symbols. (Appelbaum 1996) Need essay sample on "Symbolism in William Blakes Poetry" topic? We will write a custom essay sample specifically for you Proceed Actually, all William Blakes poems are very symbolic, though it is necessary to underline that The Garden of Love and London both seem to be the most expressive and touching because the author wanted to protect his original and unique perception of the society and the world in them. Blake is strongly interested in symbolism and, therefore, he is not simply a poet, but rather an artist who wants to show aggressive, repressive and cold nature of religious and political regimes. Symbolism is used to underline the end of traditions and desire to fight against oppressors. His poetry isnt correct; instead, he seems to be rather concerned with imagination and experience being the most important for him. Blakes poems illustrate that the real meanings are symbolic ones. The purpose of London and The Garden of Love is to awaken inactive imagination, to show hell and paradise, to stimulate new vision and to prove that the world can be changed and improved. Students Frequently Tell Us: Who wants to write essay for me? Essay writer professionals advise: London by William Blake is a poem telling about society being troubled by the mistakes of the previous generation. The poem describes dirty streets of London, its social environment and political events. Actually, the language of the poem is rather expressive and vivid, because the author tends to provide common words with new fresh meanings in order to achieve the desired expression. The author uses spoken observations of a symbolic character to narrate and to refresh the political and social problems endangering citys residents in the beginning of the 19th century. (Appelbaum 1996) Throughout the poem William Blake uses the symbols and images to convey the message directly to readers. For example, first two stanzas are characterized by word choice because the author wants to set the mournful atmosphere. Interestingly, the reader is introduced as a wander through the charted society. In such a way the author shows that every person is marks of weakness, marks of woe. The words cry and every are the symbols of depression afflicting the whole society. The phrase mind-forged manacles assumes that the narrator is mentally instable. (Appelbaum 1996) The third stanza represents the use of religious and destructive symbols. For example, chimney-sweepers cry symbolizes that society is trying to cope with the causes of depression. Religious imagery blackning church symbolizes the loss of innocence and, possible, represents societys abandonment of religion. The hapless soldiers sigh symbolizes the war and men who have no choice but to serve in the army. Thus, Black uses the sense of destruction stating that people are forced to cope with weakness. The last stanza of the poem reveals the most complex meaning. For example, youthful harlots curse shows that next generation will be affected by the sinful deeds of the youth. Plagues are the symbols of curse, whereas marriage hearse aims at confusing death and eternity. The poem is very symbolic representing vividly the sorrows and weaknesses of the society. Futher, symbols in the poem are used to show the evil effect of the revolution in the city. Through symbols the author shows the dirty streets of the city stating that the city is dying. Also he makes people see what London had become. However, symbolism in the poem is very dark and melancholic aimed at highlighting horrible environment and people who are forced to live in it. Symbols are images of shame, despair and death, though they are rather colorless and have nothing to do with the themes of the poem. Other symbols are the symbol of Christianity to show that power is strongly abused: How the chimney sweepers cry, Every blackning Church appals. Thus, this chimney sweeper symbolizes the child who is lost and is forced to work in the dirtiness of the church being in its turn the symbol of punitive crime and absolute power. (Appelbaum 1996)Industrial revolution was a time when it was difficult for women to find job and they were forced to become prostitutes to survive in difficult times. Evil effects of the revolution are emphasized through symbols as well: How the youthful Harlots curse, Blasts the new born infants fear, and blights with plagues the marriage hearse. This phrase symbolizes womens despair because the city was killing itself when forcing women to sell themselves for money. Women become ill and men, consequently, get disease from prostitutes and bring disease home to their wives who are bearing children and, thus, children are born with disparities. In such a way the city is self-murderer. The carriage of the married is the symbols of the inevitable death and funeral. The Garden of Love is also filled with symbolic and concealed meanings. The poem tells that life and happiness should be pursued. And in order to achieve the desire effect that author refers to religious symbols to show that love and negative can be on a par. However, negativity is strongly concealed by symbols. Central problem of the poem is conflict between individual and organized religion. Thus, William Blake states that he doesnt support the church as an institution and through symbols shows that religion can be destroyed along with creator: thou shalt not writ over the door. This negative phrase symbolizes destruction and limitations. Actually, symbols in the poem are both positive and negative. The words green, love, bore sweet flowers are the symbols of breath and life and the eternal desire to seek for creativity and individuality. (Appelbaum 1996) The church is represented through negative symbols conveying pessimism and positive meanings. Blake shows symbolically that negativity has power over positive things. The garden of love itself is the garden of death and the church is viewed as evil because it doesnt allow poor people to come in: And the gates of this Chapel were shut. The church symbolizes inequality and power of the rich over the poor. Flowers in their turn are compared with tombstones. The author uses new buildings, graves, black gowns as the symbols of darkness and negativity. The positive symbols are seen only in the first stanza, whereas others are overflowing with negative meanings: And I saw it was filled with graves, And tomb-stones where flowers should be: And Priests in black gowns, were walking their rounds, And binding with briars, my joys and desires. (Appelbaum 1996) The next moment to mention is that the voice in the poem is the symbol of time and inevitable changes. In the first stanza the voice is exploring, pure and innocent: I went to the Garden of Love, and saw what I never had seenWhere I used to play on the green. Nevertheless, with poem progression the voice is constantly changing because the church possesses more power over environment: And Priests in black gowns, were walking their rounds, And binding with briars, my joys and desires. Religious symbols are used to show that love is dined. The only environment in the poem that symbolizes positivity is refugees who are willing to find shelter. They support love, whereas the priests deny it because they have to follow celibacy. (Appelbaum 1996) In conclusion it is necessary to admit that both poem London and The Garden of Love brilliantly enters readers into the inner world of William Blakes personal feelings, emotions and thoughts. Blakes symbolic poetry is very creative and amazing because it encourages, stimulates and inspires others in the world. Blakes poems make people think that world should be seen from fresh point of view and things can be another than they are though to be. Works Cited Appelbaum, Stanley. English Romantic Poetry: An Anthology. New York: Dover Publications, 1996.