ARTICLE REVIEW

ARTICLEW REVIEW

A. Proper citation of the article

The article which focuses on technology application in language learning has been taken from an online education journal, ProQuest Education Journals page 171. The article entitle ‘Learners’ Perceived Value of Video as Mediation in Foreign Language Learning’ is written by Hsiu-Ting Hung. Hsiu-Ting Hung is a lecturer in National Kaohsiung First University of Science and Technology Taiwan. The journal was published in year 2009 under Volume 18 in http://proquest.umi.com.newdc.oum.edu.my/pqdweb?SQ=learners+perceived+value+of+video+as+mediation+in+foreign+language+learning

B. Summary of the article

The ‘Learners’ Perceived Value of Video as Mediation in Foreign Language Learning from Hsiu-Ting Hung discusses the issue of how the application of technology help learners in English as Foreign Language (EFL) learning. The main aim of this research is to study on how learners perceive the use of video recording as mediation in language learning. Besides, the researcher also wants to examine how can digital video recording contribute or constrain students’ process of learning.

The study involves 26 Taiwanese EFL learners who aged from 21 to 24. They are majoring in English and also native speakers of Chinese. The subjects have undergone series of lesson where they were taught principle and skills of presentation. After 5 weeks, they need to present based on topics assigned and their presentation is recorded. Apart from that, the subjects have to write reflective journals focused on their opinions and thoughts of the activity. The video recording was taken twice so that students can view their presentation and improve from that.

The finding of the research was positive as 81% of the subjects shown positive attitudes towards the use of video in EFL learning. 11% did not agree with the usage of video and the remaining 8% was unsure or have neutral attitude. Those who favour the activity claimed that the method of learning was interesting and they could learn new things. For those who have negative attitude towards the use of video recording stated that the activity made them became more nervous, scared and stressful.

3. REACTION OF THE ARTICLE

The continuous development of technology has attracted educators to imply technology in their daily lessons. Generally, in school, teachers have been given various videos and courseware according to the subjects they teach. Nevertheless, the use of video recording in a classroom has not been widely applied. Thus, this research is really interest me. The use of video as mediation in foreign language learning gave many advantages. The obvious one is students can easily trace their strengths and weaknesses and improve from there. As this method does not widely exposed in education system, this study has exposed us to positive effect of technology in foreign language learning.

In my opinion, the research was well- conducted by the researcher. The research is done systematically and step by step. When the researcher taught principles and skills of presentation, students can be exposed on how to be good presenters. By using reflective journals, students can freely voice out their opinions regarding the activity. However, one thing to ponder is whether the students were really fully express themselves or not in their journals. Students’ writing anxiety needs to be focused too. High level of writing anxiety might hinder students from writing everything that can express their feeling. Students might anxious about their language and maybe some of their opinions could not be expressed in English easily.

Apart from that, the researcher also needs to ask opinions from teachers’ side regarding the activity. It is known that some activities are not suited with a large group of students. Therefore, the researcher can ask teachers’ attitude towards the use of video in language learning. This is because teachers play important roles in conducting the lesson, so teachers also need to be aware of their parts in the activity done. If the researcher involves teachers in the study, it will be better and the findings would be more precise.

In my opinion, this activity is very much suited to teachers-to-be when they are doing their practicum. Apart from commenting in students’ practicum record book, the lecturer can just record the teaching process and discuss with students their strengths and weaknesses. In fact, students can assess themselves as they can evaluate their performance on their own. It is better if students can view how they acted in front of the class and how they communicate with students. From the video, students can observe how they perform and the use of language that they used in classroom. Students might think that they have spoke clear enough for students to understand but there must be few words or instructions that students do not clear with. This will be a big helper for students in becoming effective future teachers.

Even though the use of video as mediation in EFL learning gives positive feedbacks, few issues need to be considered. One factor that might hinder this activity successfully applied is time consuming. If the teachers have 50 students, it really takes time to record each and every one of them twice. Teachers need to consider this factor as their job also to complete the syllabus given.

Apart from that, the use of video recording is really highly cost. The government needs to spend more money for this activity to be done successfully. However, rather than too much depending on the sponsor, teachers themselves can use their own initiative to carry out the activity. They can use their own digital recorder to record and to share them with students.

In conclusion, even though technology can be a big help for educators in EFL learning, teachers need to be selective in applying technology in their classroom. Teachers also have to prepare themselves with technology literacy so that the activity based on technology will be completed smoothly. Overall, technology can bring both; positive and negative impact in education. However, it depends on the teachers on how they manage technology and match that with their teaching process.