Implications of TOEFL iBT

According to the TOEFL website, TOEFL iBT (Internet-Based Test) is a kind of integrated test for non-native examinees. In the new test, the receptive skills (listening and reading) are tested separately [similar to the PBT (paper-based test) or CBT (computer-based test) in the past] but using longer passages. The tests of productive skills (speaking and writing) are adroitly integrated with receptive skills.

This testing style implies that language skills should be taught and presented/performed as a whole in the long run. For convenience (or laziness?), we habitually deal with 4 skills separately in the EFL classrooms and naively hope that learners’ performances will be the sum of the separate skills. In the hometown of examinations, such as Taiwan, China, etc., teaching is seriously guided and oriented by tests. Traditional paper-based tests have seriously led TEFL to focusing more on intensive reading and grammar/translation. The TOFEL iBT warns and reminds us that teaching English as a whole is a must and is the only choice for better outcomes. EFL policy makers and teachers should seriously take this into consideration. Now that teaching is oriented by tests, we should not be led by traditional paper-based tests but by TOEFL iBT. More skill-integration activities should be adopted in EFL classrooms.

An OOS/RSI Prevention Tool--Break Reminder

Nowadays more and more people can’t live without the Internet, including individuals involved in the e-TESOL activities. The problems caused by computer use are becoming more and more concerned. If we don’t pay attention to the issues, our health can be damaged or even ruined. These problems are known as OOS (Occupational Overuse Syndrome), RSI (Repetitive Strain Injury - USA), MSD (Musculoskeletal Disorders - Europe). CTS (Carpal Tunnel Syndrome) and CVS (Computer vision syndrome) are also related to computer use. These injuries are becoming more and more omnipresent in this information technology era. OOS, RSI, MSD, CTS and CVS can become very painful and unbearable if not treated early and properly. Naturally, the best strategy is prevention. The “Break Reminder” is a program that helps prevent or manage those problems or conditions.
Since I didn’t mention this helpful software in my book, I’d like to recommend it to all e-TESOL participants here. The “Break Reminder” consists of a tiny interface that independently runs in the background while the user is using the computer. It can monitor or supervise the computer use, and reminds (or can force) the user to take a break to user-chosen settings. Users can download and install the trial version of the program directly from various websites on the Net.