reflection on "Technology in testing: the present and the future"

The web-based or computer-based testing programme is a good news for students, especially the college students. It is because there is no more date limit and place limit (it means that the students can choose their own time for testing at any place). Of course, it is not suitable for junior students, but it is a good idea to explore or develop this kind of technology in learning. As a student, I can choose the right date that I think I was well prepared. Also, I can do the test at home whenever it is raining or storming. And the students can get the result immediately. It save a lot as the cost reduced (e.g. paper, rent and electricity of the examination centre, marking time, salary for markers, etc.). It seems like what we are going to do in our assignment 3.

However, it has some disadvantages. It cannot make sure that the students work alone without any 'helper' around him/her. Helper means the one that the students ask for help. It makes the test unfair. And, the students may take out the reference books while they are taking the test. It makes the test unfair. Also, the students, who decide to take the test, can ask for tips from the previous students who did the same test right before. It makes the test unfair.

Therefore, the web-based or computer-based testing programme is not suitable for public or very important examinations. It can only be the mini test or test for self-learn.

reflection on "Learning Management Systems: The wrong place to start learning"

According to the article, the Learning Management Systems (LMS) seems like a tool for learners who learn for a long period of time. It means that the learners have certain experience on learning.

However, the LMS is not suitable for young learners, especially the learners who just start learning. As a primary school teacher, I think it is not good for my school as well as my students. It is because the LMS is not designed for the learners who just start learning (these learners need more help in learning). It is designed for the learners to control their learning.

After reading the article, I found that I have got more ideas about learning environment. I would think about providing a suitable place for my students. I also learnt how to choose the right tools for my students in learning language.

reflection on "Learner Autonomy and Tandem Learning: Putting Principles Into Practice in Synchronous and Asynchronous Telecommunications Environments"

Learner autonomy is very important. I did not know anything about this before. After reading, I know that learner autonomy is not only learn independently. It has a wide meaning about how learner learn.
Teachers have to do a lot of things for motivating the students to learn. But after reading, I found that teachers should do much more for helping and supporting the students to develop their learning habit.
The tandem projects suggested by the author is quite interesting. The author suggest that learners should involved in selecting the learning tools. I think that the students from secondary or above can make decision like this. But the children under age 12 cannot make decisions by themselves. Teachers have to decide for them. I think I should change my mind to try this new concept. It may motivates my students more (in learning).
I think it is useful for teachers in Hong Kong, too. I'll suggest my friends(teachers) to read this journal and get some ideas from it.