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BBI 3423BBI 3423LANGUAGE AND ICTLANGUAGE AND ICT

Assoc Prof Dr Tan Bee Hoon

Tel: 8946 8911

E-mail: tanbh@fbmk.upm.edu.my

(First face-to-face meeting)

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Course objectivesCourse objectives

Students will be able to:

explain the relationship between language and ICT

outline in brief the developments in ICT and computer technology, and

use the computer as an aid in language development.

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Overview of the course (1)Overview of the course (1)

This course in Language and ICT looks at the relationship between developments in ICT and developments in language. The course will consider computer-mediated communication and the role of the computer in supporting language development.

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Overview of the course (2)Overview of the course (2)

The course covers the basic principles of designing computer-based slide shows, including the appropriate use of language. In addition, since this is the only course that relates to computers in the BA (English Language) programme, students will first be introduced briefly to the history of computer development, parts of the computer and basic computer operations.

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Overview of the course (3)Overview of the course (3)

This course helps students gain awareness of the ways in which computers impact and assist language development.

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Course TextsCourse Texts

Module: The BBI 3423 module on Language and ICT is being updated. PPL will inform you as soon as it is available. In the meantime, you can refer to these slides for content for the Mid-semester Test.

Book: The Language of ICT (Tim Shortis, 2001), Routledge

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Role of the Computer Role of the Computer in ICTin ICT

Computers are needed to: integrate the use of ICT texts,

especially multimedia texts store and distribute software /

programmes: CDs disseminate information globally:

Internet

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Role of Language in Role of Language in ICT & MultimediaICT & Multimedia

Language plays a central role in constructing ICT texts writing computer programmes

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ICT Texts (1)ICT Texts (1)

ICT texts are used in Dissemination of information

• Commercial: e.g., Internet advertisements, business sites

• Research: e.g., Online journals, articles, news reports

• Educational: e.g., CALL software, video conferencing, online conference classes

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ICT Texts (2)ICT Texts (2)

ICT texts are also used in

Social interaction• Synchronous/Real-time: e.g., chats, IRCs• Asynchronous: i.e., not real-time: e.g.,

email

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Studying Language in ICT: Studying Language in ICT: Use of language in ICT (1)Use of language in ICT (1)

Programming language • coded language: commands for the

machine translated into verbal language for human users

• not covered in detail in this course

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Studying Language in ICT: Studying Language in ICT: Use of language in ICT (2)Use of language in ICT (2)

Electronic communication • Nature of electronic text

• Cognitive and social impact on users Evolution of computer-mediated

discourse• Linguistic aspects

• Social aspects BBI 3423

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TTechnical properties of electronic textechnical properties of electronic text

Plasticity Links Tagging Searches Templates Footprints Virtuality

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Technical properties of electronic text:Technical properties of electronic text:PlasticityPlasticity

ICT, especially word processing, generates screen text or soft copy

Soft copy• impermanent• alterable, available to be

remodelled or combined

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Technical properties of electronic text:Technical properties of electronic text:LinksLinks

Electronic text can be copied and combined with other types of

compatible ICT text and image => allows creation of large systems of information

multi-modal with animated combinations of visual, auditory, graphical and verbal information => the heart of multimedia

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Technical properties of electronic text:Technical properties of electronic text:TaggingTagging

Electronic text can be tagged so that particular sequences of information are associated with other types of information, e.g.,• text can be framed by commands so that it has

particular status and appearance on screen

• words in computer language corpus can be tagged with their parts of speech

Tagging enables searches of linked information

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Technical properties of electronic text:Technical properties of electronic text:SearchesSearches

Searches can be conducted through matched patterns of code, allowing vast archives of text to be searched quickly

Strings of text can also trigger electronic responses, e.g., in spellchecker, a text string not recognised will trigger a dialogue box of options; inclusion of certain words in websites will make it inaccessible to certain users

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Technical properties of electronic text:Technical properties of electronic text:TemplatesTemplates

Templates approximate types of human communication, e.g.,• ATM machines create flow diagram that

model counter service in a bank

• Word processors use document templates that prompt writers for information like addresses in letters

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Technical properties of electronic text:Technical properties of electronic text:FootprintsFootprints

Many IT texts make electronic records that can be traced and reused, e,g,.• Basic level: text can be stored• Faxing produces records of when and where fax is

sent• Word processors record length of time spent on a

document • Internet stores build databases of purchasing habits

of customers, credit card information, etc.

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Technical properties of electronic text:Technical properties of electronic text:VirtualityVirtuality

IT texts can create parallel world that simulates the real world

without constraints of physical context have live real-time links with disparate and

geographically remote audiences, information and media

enable people to communicate without disclosing cues about their identity like their gender, voice or appearance

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THINKTHINK

What are some social and ethical implications of the nature of electronic text?

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Social and ethical implications Social and ethical implications Nature of electronic textNature of electronic text

• allows ‘doctoring’ of texts

• enables plagiarism

• challenges traditional notions of authority permanent documentation

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Social and ethical implications Social and ethical implications

Dynamic nature of ICT language

• creates gap between experts and novices

• contributes to digital divide

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Homework ActivityHomework Activity

Explore this Website which contains a glossary of ICT terms: http://www.johnlamper.btinternet.co.uk/ecdl/ict_glossary.htm

Look for examples of • metaphors• terms formed through affixation, blending,

etc.

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ASSIGNMENT 1 (20%) ASSIGNMENT 1 (20%)

Identify twenty terms (words or phrases) that have taken on a new or additional meaning as a result of the development of the computer. Present a list of these terms, with BOTH their original and new /additional meanings in the context of ICT.

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ASSIGNMENT 1(b) ASSIGNMENT 1(b)

Examples:

Mouse - A furry rodent

- (ICT term) – a point-and click device

Virus - A harmful organism capable of growth and multiplication only in living cells, that cause various diseases

- (ICT term) – a computer program usually hidden within another program that usually performs a malicious action such as destroying data

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ASSIGNMENT ASSIGNMENT 2 (20%)2 (20%)

Computers are being increasingly used in language learning and education. The Internet offers a variety of sites that can be utilised in creative ways by language teachers. Language learners can also find useful information on the Web to help them in their language development.

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ASSIGNMENT 2(b)ASSIGNMENT 2(b)

Using a Search engine* and appropriate key terms, identify ten Web sites that you find useful for language development or Language learning.

*Examples of search engines you can use are: Google.com at http://www.google.com Alta vista at http://www.altavista.com

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ASSIGNMENT 2(c)ASSIGNMENT 2(c)For EACH website you identify: Provide the NAME of the site and the Web address

or url. • (Example: Guide to Grammar and Writing

http://webster.commnet.edu/grammar/

Specify the target audience (e.g. language learners, language teachers) you are selecting the sites for.

For each site you choose, provide a one-paragraph description of the site and what it offers the target audience. (In other words, say why you think this site would be useful.)

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Send assignments to: Send assignments to:

Pusat Pendidikan Luar (PPL)(necessary for their records)

Assignment 1 must reach PPL 1 week before the mid-semester exam.

Assignment 2 must reach PPL 2 weeks before the final exam.

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