Reflections on TELL (Week 1)

 

Hi everyone,

I’m an English major student specializing in linguistics, and this semester, I’ve started the course on Technology-Enhanced Language Learning (TELL). In this blog, I’ll be sharing my reflections on the lectures we’ve had so far and the key takeaways I’ve gained. We’ve completed three lectures up to this point, and here’s a brief overview of what I’ve learned:

In the first lecture, we were introduced to the core concept of TELL. TELL refers to the use of technology to facilitate language learning. TELL encompasses technological resources, including online dictionaries, language learning apps, interactive websites, and multimedia content like videos and podcasts. It also includes specific branches such as Mobile-Assisted Language Learning (MALL) and Computer-Assisted Language Learning (CALL), which focus on using mobile devices and computers to facilitate learning. We discussed resources such as BNC (British National Corpus) and COCA (Corpus of Contemporary American English), which help learners understand real-world language use. Language learning, as we learned, involves four key skills: speaking, writing, reading, and listening. These skills contribute to overall proficiency and are developed through both lexical and syntactical knowledge.

The second lecture focused on blogging as a tool for language learning. Blogs are static websites that can host authentic materials—such as texts and videos—that learners can engage with to develop their reading and writing skills. Embedding external resources allows learners to interact with real-world content, making the learning experience more immersive. We also explored the differences between synchronous learning (real-time interactions like Zoom meetings) and asynchronous learning (flexible platforms such as Google Classroom and blogs).

The third lecture was very hands-on and practical. We were given a step-by-step demonstration on how to create a blog using a Google account. I learned how to choose a blog name, set a URL, and customize the layout to make the blog look unique. This lecture solidified the idea that blogs can be a valuable tool not only for language learners but also for educators looking to engage their students in creative and interactive ways.

This week has laid a strong foundation for understanding TELL, and I’m eager to explore its practical applications further in the coming sessions!