Lets talk about Risk … Babe

(FROM: http://www.security-risk-analysis.com/Image1.jpg)

As with many things, the Internet is not risk free. We always need to remember that it is humans who use it. Any good or bad thing humans can do otherwise, can probably be done or helped through internet. Its’ use has a lot of traps that need to be known and dealt with by anyone. Education is charged with the task to qualify learners with the necessary skills to do that. Of course activities involving the use of the Net, such as CALL, are maybe the most appropriate opportunities for such issues to be negotiated and taught (Loveless & Ellis, 2001; Fisher, Higgins & Loveless, 2006).

In short, the internet brings people together and provides information of any kind. Things that matter in intra-human relationships matter when using the Internet as well. SELF-PROTECTION is of major importance: a) we must keep our personal information, private. This may include passwords, accounts etc, b) we should avoid chatting and keeping contact with suspicious users and try not to answer questions of them that make us feel uncomfortable, c) we must be careful when downloading files and d) we must always be wiling to talk to others about anything suspicious we noticed.

Similarly it is important to show RESPECT when using the internet: a) We must always respect other users and never try to make them feel uncomfortable, b) We must not try to breach their personal information and c) We must not try to steal other peoples work or intellectual property.

Continuous concern is required (Cybernetics for Kids).

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References:

Ellis, V. & Loveless, A., (2001). ICT, Pedagogy and the Curriculum. London: Routledge / Falmer, Taylor & Francis Group.

Fisher, T., Higgins, C. & Loveless, A. (2006) Teachers Learning with Digital Technologies: A review of research and projects Bristol: Futurelab, Available online: www.futurelab.org

Cybernetics for Kids. Available online: http://www.usdoj.gov/criminal/cybercrime/rules/kidinternet.htm

So far.... So good. Don't you agree???

The blog “CALL A FRIEND” by Konstantinos Karampelas, PhD


The blog “CALL A FRIEND” found at the URL: http://callkostas.blogspot.com/ focuses on some basic aspects of Computer Assisted Language Learning, known also abbreviated as CALL, which is a major field concerning present educators particularly they ones specialized in Language and Computer Education.

A variety of information on CALL is given in this website. After a brief introduction, the main historical information on the development of CALL over the last decades is contained. This is then accompanied by a list of recommended sites for more information on CALL generally.

Then some sites about English language, generally, are presented. The focus then moves to sites specifically about learning English and maybe other languages online. Supplement to these, is a list of webpages of on-line dictionaries and translations.

As an opportunity to escape from the theoretical parts and create a rather more cheerful atmosphere a poetry activity is suggested. A poem is shown, and then left to the readers’ imagination to change the last words of each line and create lyrics of his or her own.

Finally, a selection of sites providing material for English classes is uploaded. These sites are of various fields and address to learners of different ages, level and interests. They have one thing in common though. They present the English language as it is used online by multiple natives or not speakers. Each of these sites is shown along with a description and guidelines of use.










Proposed activities:


Through these sites some common activities can be introduced, as application and assessment of the knowledge or information provided.


1. Find the words or lyrics of a song you like and:
a) Try to translate it in English (not necessarily all, say about 5-10 lines) on a translation-website.
b) Take notes of the whole process to mention if the instructions were clear.
c) Take notes of cases where the translation given was not good and ‘human-manual work’ was needed.
2. Write a brief comment online in one of the following cases and site of your choice.
a) On a video you like, on youtube.
b) On a hotel, place or site you have visited, on tripadvisor.
c) On a topic, which interests you, in the Have your Say section of BBC