Journal 2

EFL537: Computer Assisted Language Learning                                       Thursday 04 /21/11

Instructor: Rui Li, Ph.D.

Cecilia Scheinman

Journal Assignment 2

Describe Positive and Negative aspects associated with use of technology in a given situation.

   Maybe I sound like I reject technology but I am not against it.  I see many positives results using technology but I still prefer the freedom from technology and more when I see that technology is being used in the wrong ways.  There are many wonderful and educative web pages that teachers use for ELL students like www.sheppardsoftware.com and others.  One day we got stuck out on the road during a storm and we called AAA and somebody came and helped us.  What about buying what we need through the internet avoiding crowded malls during holidays.

   Hazards: This is frightening! I have seen more than once a driver texting or checking the cellphone when they are driving on the highway or downtown.  I do not mind too much if they are only talking.  Another example would be me having to get into blackboard and something is wrong and I cannot get through or it is under maintaince and cannot be used.  There are times we really need a human being answering the phone and we are on hold for a while listening to the music and eventually a sweet voice saying “Thank you for holding on line ones of our agents will help you shortly”  What about making a doctor appointment or talking to them. Patients need to leave personal information, the reason for the call and a number where they could reach you as soon they can.  The record also says   if you are really sick call 911 or go to emergency. 

Journal 1

EFL537: Computer Assisted Language Learning                                       Thursday 04 /21/11

Instructor: Rui Li, Ph.D.

Cecilia Scheinman

Journal Assignment 1

Explain how individual values, beliefs, and attitudes influence decisions about whether to use a technological product.

I came from a country where the technology revolution is very recent.  Thirteen years ago, computers were for business only.  It was usual or common to depend on them when we were at the airports, banks or big companies.  Computer classes were luxuries for private institutes, academics or few expensive universities.  It was normal being in the bank and watching the bank clerk counting hundreds and hundreds of bills when you were waiting your turn to cash a check.  Airports will still add your name using a pencil and then verify who you said you are comparing your finger prints with an ID. My country has changed from a paper and a pencil or a calculator or a typing machine to I PODs, cell phones and computers, everywhere, including at my mom’s home.  I like it.  I am enjoying looking at my family using Skype.  Finally all four sisters are together or almost together. I have a sister in Italy, another in Finland, another in Ecuador and I am here. We are enjoying the technology using computers and cell phones.

The sad situation is that technology has taken away many little jobs that disappeared because of computers. Computers brought four sisters closer also computers brought people with no jobs.  A job used to be for ten people at the same time… now the same job is done by one person using a computer.

I did it,,,with help!!!

 hello