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From Whiteboards to Blackboard: FLT Ramps up Online Assessment Teacher Training

  On 10 March 2020, we reported that E-Learning Unit Supervisor, Mohsin Khan, delivered a university-wide webinar, which also included a curated session to the English Language Center on 11 March 2020, titled 'Transformation to Full E-Learning'. In those webinars, Mr. Khan introduced faculty members to useful content and tool areas within Blackboard that are needed to be able to effectively conduct their classes online. It is worth noting that as a result of questions from students about the logistics of virtual learning, a special webinar was held on 14 March 2020 in which Mr. Khan led students through a practical session of how to use Blackboard Ultra and efficiently use different content areas within Blackboard from the student perspective.   Commenting on the recent events, Dean Abdullah Al-Melhi noted that some of our Bachelor of Arts in English program students who live in remote areas will feel the shift to online most intensely. "We have to ensure that we are flexible and take issues on a case-by-case basis. We need a variety of assessments with grades communicated to students on a frequent and timely basis," he said.   In response to Dean Abdullah Al-Melhi's call for a variety of assessments and timely grade notifications, English Department Chair, Dr. Munassir Alhamami, and Vice Dean for Academic Development & Quality, Dr. Abdulrahman Almosa, commissioned Mr. Khan to deliver a webinar titled "Using Blackboard for Online Assessment" on 21 March 2020. In that webinar, Mr. Khan led approximately 70 faculty members through the fundamentals of how to create and deploy over 15 types of assessment types, including assignments and the discussion board. Additional technical training was provided on how to export created tests and share within the same course across different sections and teachers.   An active question and answer session followed shortly after the conclusion of the training in which the topic of cheating was discussed. It was noted that no purely online assessment system can prevent all forms. However, some steps were provided, such as randomizing questions and answers. At the end of the session, Chairman Alhamami recognized that the level of anxiety due to the sudden switch to online learning is high, noting that in time and with more familiarity, it will get better.   Of noteworthy mention, Mr. Khan will lead an additional Blackboard assessment training webinar tailored to students on 22 March 2020. Date: 21 March 2020 Source: Faculty of Languages & Translation
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Keep Teaching: FLT E-Learning Supervisor Delivers University-Wide Webinar on Blackboard

  On March 10, 2020, E-Learning Unit Supervisor, Mohsin Khan, delivered a university-wide workshop titled 'Transformation to Full E-Learning'. The workshop, under the supervision of the Deanship of E-Learning's Training Manager, Mohammed Jarallah, was developed to ensure faculty members, whether they are seasoned experts or first-time users, understand the essentials of posting documents, assignments, quizzes, tests, videos, and discussion boards. Perhaps the most important part of the webinar, which was attended by nearly 200 faculty members, was the in-depth review of the specific features and functionality of Blackboard Collaborate and Blackboard Ultra.   With the evolving public health situation presented by the Coronavirus (COVID-19), proper precautions were put in place for our teachers at King Khalid University to increase their online teaching presence. "A huge part of your success will be leveraging the technology we have made available to you. Blackboard Collaborate is a synchronous video conferencing tool that you can add files to and share your screen. I recommend that you use the virtual whiteboard to interact," said Mr. Khan. He also looked at both the 'Collaborate: Ultra Experience' and the 'Collaborate: Original Experience'. The main difference between the options – which are both offered – is that 'Ultra' is an entirely web-based interface while 'Original' requires that Java be installed.   As course content, course design, and instructor readiness are essential to implementing the best practices of online pedagogy, Mr. Khan also introduced participants to the eight standards of Quality Matters, which will ensure faculty members achieve the university's goals for delivering quality online learning. This set the foundation for the suggested online classroom model, which places focus on not just the platform, but also interactivity.   Of noteworthy mention, an adapted version of this webinar was delivered to teachers of the English Language Center on Wednesday, March 11, 2020. Commenting on future webinars, English Department Chairman, Dr. Munassir Alhamami, said, "We plan to hold a similar webinar this Monday. You will learn best practices, available tools, and where to find support for teaching your classes online. I will be a part of that webinar and highly encourage you to attend."   The Bachelor of Arts in English program at the Faculty of Languages and Translation is committed to providing a supportive organizational climate and academic environment to ensure that teaching and learning strategies are student-centered. Ensuring our students are provided with an active learning environment remains a high priority through continual teaching staff participation in professional and academic development programs. Date: 3/12/2020 Source: Faculty of Languages and Translation
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Usefulness and Learnability in Teaching Vocabulary to ESL/EFL Students

  With the commitment to advancing the practice of quality teaching, the Women's Academic Development and Quality Committee organized the "Usefulness and Learnability in Teaching Vocabulary to ESL/EFL Students" workshop on Monday, 24 February 2020. The workshop was conducted by Ms. Shanjida Halim, Ms.Tanzina Halim and Dr. Rizwana Wahid. The workshop was tailored to new teachers, graduate students, and teachers of the Bachelor of Arts in English program who have not taught ENG 214 Vocabulary Building 1 or ENG 219 Vocabulary Building 2. The objectives of the workshop were as follows:   Importance of vocabulary as ''the building blocks of a language ''and some basic principles; Types of Vocabulary; Incidental vs. Intentional Acquisition/Learning of Vocabulary; What to teach while teaching vocabulary; Different/Various ways of presenting and Teaching Vocabulary; Selection of Vocabulary: Two Criteria: Usefulness and Learnability in teaching vocabulary; Tips/Suggestions on promoting long-term retention.   The workshop mainly focused on the selection of vocabulary, which is very important for teachers to have awareness of. The two criteria: 'Usefulness' and 'Learnability' in teaching vocabulary were discussed in detail. Apart from this, the trainers emphasized on active vocabulary of the target language, which every learner needs to have to be a fluent speaker and an effective writer. The workshop was concluded by recommending some useful strategies of teaching and learning vocabulary, and the presenters urged all practicing teachers of vocabulary to promote long-term retention of vocabulary in ESL/EFL students.   The workshop proved to be very informative. Dr. Salma Musleh, Dean's Assistant, Dr. Mona Al Shihry, Vice Dean, Dr. Nada Alqarni, Head of the Department, esteemed colleagues, and graduate students attended this workshop. Date: 3/11/2020 Source: Faculty of Languages and Translation
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Exploring the Role of Scientific Research in Program Accreditation

The Women's Scientific Research Committee hosted an informative seminar on March 2, 2020, focusing on the critical role of scientific research in program accreditation. The seminar was facilitated by Dr. Eman Alzaanin, Supervisor of the Academic Development and Quality Unit, who delved into the importance of research in maintaining the rigorous standards expected in higher education. Dr. Alzaanin commenced the session by defining program accreditation as an evaluation process in which a program of study presents its activities and achievements to an external body. In the context of Saudi Arabia, this body is the National Commission for Academic Accreditation & Assessment (NCAAA). This external body then independently evaluates the program, issuing a public judgment based on established standards of value and quality. Dr. Alzaanin proceeded to outline the NCAAA standards for program accreditation and the underlying mission and objectives that should guide all operational aspects of a program. Emphasizing the significance of research capabilities, Dr. Alzaanin noted that it is vital to nurture the research competencies of both faculty members and students. She further pointed out that the program administration should shoulder the responsibility for drafting and monitoring the scientific research plan. This includes ensuring adherence to the research plan of the institution through specific performance indicators and fostering values of scientific integrity, intellectual property rights, ethical practices, and proper conduct across all academic, research, administrative, and service domains. She concluded the seminar by underlining the expectation that teaching staff should regularly participate in academic activities such as conferences, group discussions, research projects, and thesis arbitration. Effective participation in research activities and scientific production is seen as a criterion for staff evaluation and promotion.The seminar, attended by staff members from the Bachelor of Arts in English program, along with the Master of Arts in Applied Linguistics and Master of Arts in Translation programs, was enriched by a lively discussion driven by valuable contributions from the attendees. Date: 3/7/2020 Source: Dr. Amal Metwally – Women's Scientific Research Committee Coordinator
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Academic Writing Workshop: Methodology

  On March 2, 2020, the Women's Scientific Research Committee of the Bachelor of Arts in English program organized the third session of the Academic Writing series of Workshops by Dr. Nada Alqarni, supervisor of the Department of English language.   This workshop was devoted to exploring how researchers should write the methodology section in their research papers. The purpose of the methods section, said Dr. Alqarni, is to accurately and clearly describe the research design and the procedures undertaken to collect and analyze data, and to present the rationale for choosing each for the study. In addition, the methods section should explain in detail how a study was conducted so other researchers may be able to assess the merit of the research and even replicate the study themselves. This section should also highlight the unique features of a given study and show the reader that the research has been carried out appropriately and, therefore, the results can be believed.   Dr. Alqarni indicated that the methodology section has certain features. It explicitly describes the exact procedures and rationale, when developing data-set, results, and conclusions in an empirical research study. It does not include much background knowledge; however, it should contain justifications, explanations, and examples.   "There are four key elements included in the methodology," said Dr. Alqarni. These are: research design, population sample and selection of participants, data collection procedures, and statistical treatment/planned data analysis or analytic procedures. She also referred to the basic methodological concepts, namely; the variables, reliability, validity, and bias and error. She also reviewed the study design, including a description of the study setting and population of interest, as well as a description of the study’s sample or units of evaluation.   Dr. Alqarni explained the data collection methods, including qualitative research, interviews, and observational studies. She then reviewed some examples clarifying the methods of data collection and the language tense and grammatical structures commonly used.   The workshop was attended by students and teaching staff. The workshop ended with questions raised by the participants, which fostered a lively discussion on the topic. Date: 3/6/2020 Source: Dr. Amal Metwally – Women's Scientific Research Committee Coordinator
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Alumni Unit Helps Guide Students' Futures

  On March 3, 2020, Hassan Costello delivered a workshop titled 'Résumé and Cover Letter Basics'. The workshop, under the supervision of Vice Dean for Academic Development & Quality, Dr. Abdulrahman Almosa, was developed to help Bachelor of Arts in English program upperclassmen and alumni effectively communicate their qualifications to prospective employers. Many of our upperclassmen or alumni often say that building a résumé or cover letter mystifies them. To address this, Mr. Costello explained that the first step is not to treat the résumé or cover letter as a formality. Rather, he related, job seekers should understand how an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) tailored résumé and cover letter can help them land their first interview. Guidance and Counselling Unit Supervisor, Dr. Dawood Mahdi, Alumni Unit Coordinator, Mohsin Khan, and 25 students attended the workshop.   As ATS software is the standard recruitment tool for HR departments, Mr. Costello framed the workshop on how students can build their 'no experience' résumé or cover letter to get past the wall of bots and onto the desk of a recruiter.   In his presentation, Mr. Costello introduced participants to their challenge as an English major – transferable skills. "Think about how what you've learned as an English major is transferable to work situations. All companies need employees with skills in writing, editing, critical analysis, and managing information," he said. He then explained how literature, and specifically our ENG 431 Novel Course, offer stimulating examples of complex material that will develop critical thinking skills of evaluation, description, and comparison.   Mr. Costello then distributed curated handouts that provided an introduction to and the best practices of the following:   Conveying skills and abilities to a potential employer with no professional experience; Writing a functional format ATS-friendly resume; Writing an ATS-friendly cover letter; Using targeted keywords.   While acknowledging that writing an ATS-friendly resume and cover letter with little to no experience is a challenge, participants were encouraged that the skills most employers report they are after can be obtained from the Bachelor of Arts in English Program at the Faculty of Languages and Translation. "Using targeted keywords matching the job description will get you to an interview. In the interview, show that you have the ability to see things through other contexts. Show them that you are flexible and adaptable, "Mr. Costello said.   At the end of the workshop, Mr. Khan announced, along with Dr. Mahdi, that eligible students will be able to put themselves up for nomination to the new LinkedIn Learning program. They both explained that 50 Students will be selected, noting that enrollment is on a first-come, first-serve basis. With over 13,000 courses to enroll in, LinkedIn Learning represents an exciting new development to hone the top three 'soft skills' wanted by employers: creativity, persuasion, and collaboration. Date: 3/6/2020 Source: Faculty of Languages and Translation
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Anti-Smoking Campaign

  The Women's Advising and Counseling Unit of the Bachelor of Arts in English program conducted a smoking and drug awareness campaign that lasted for three days(6-8/7/1441). The campaign included lectures and workshops as well as an exhibition.   The success of the campaign was achieved through cooperation with the associations and hospitals as follows:    The Tobacco Control Program in Asir; The Saudi German Hospital; The Poison Control and Medical Chemistry Center in Asir;  Alkawther Health Association in Asir;  Peace Association for Rescue and Help in Asir;  Cosmoline Clinics in Abha. Date: 3/5/2020 Source: Faculty of Languages and Translation
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English Club Picnic

أقام نادي The English Club بكلية اللغات والترجمة وبالتعاون مع عمادة شؤون الطلاب لشؤون الطالبات  فعالية The English Club Picnic (نزهة النادي) وذلك يوم الأربعاء الموافق ١٤٤١/٧/٩ من الساعة ٩-١٢.  تكونت النزهة من عدة جلسات مختلفة ترفيهية وتعليمية ممتعة:  - (جلسة النقاش) والتي تحتوي على بطاقات مواضيع مختلفة وعلى الحضور إختيار موضوع وتبادل الحوار حوله.  - (جلسة التعليم الذاتي للغات) والتي جمعت طالبات تعلمن لغات مختلفة كاليابانية والكورية والصينية والتركية ويشرحن للحضور عن اللغة و طريقة تعلمهن لها.  - (جلسة ألعاب تعليمية للغات) والتي أحتوت على ألعاب تعليمية للغة الإنجليزية كتمثيل وتخمين المفردات، بطاقات الكلمات المتقاطعة، تحدي قول بس لا تقول بالإنجليزية وغيرها..  - (جلسة ملهمون) والتي جمعت بين من ترى بأن لديها حديث أو إنجاز ملهم تود مشاركته مع الآخرين. -(جلسة رسم) وهي مساحة للرسم والتعبير.  حضر الفعالية ١٢٣ طالبة و ٩ من أعضاء هيئة التدريس والموظفات.  رائدة النادي: أ. مرام المالكي  رئيسة النادي: سهام العبدلي Date: 3/5/2020 Source: Faculty of Languages and Translation
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Academic Writing Workshop: Literature Review

  The Women's Scientific Research Committee of the Bachelor of Arts in English program organized the second session of Academic Writing series of Workshops by Dr. Nada Alqarni on February 24, 2020.   Dr. Alqarni started her speech by referring to a common mistake that the authors should steer clear of, which is to sprinkle references liberally around with insufficient thought as to how they fit into the theory and the theme. She explained that a good start would be to place the topic into a historical perspective and identify key landmark studies. Additionally, the authors could establish a context for their own interest and research, and distinguish what has been done in order to identify a space for their own work.   Dr. Alqarni asserted that the review of literature should indicate the core concepts, the variables and the findings of the research paper.   She then reviewed the steps researchers should follow in writing the review of the literature. First, they should find the information and studies that are relevant to their topic. Second, they should summarize these studies (organize and evaluate them), indicating who found out what, when, and how this developed the study of the topic. Finally, the researchers should finish with a conclusion, explaining the gaps in knowledge that they have identified and how their research will fill these gaps left by previous research.   Dr. Alqarni highlighted the significance of the works cited in a research paper. Researchers, she said, should apply a mental test every time a work is referred to or a quotation is included. This mental test consists of asking the questions if this reference is adding to the development of the theory. How does it follow the thread of the research paper? And how does it relate to the research questions? Then the research should indicate the gap in the knowledge to be filled.   Dr. Alqarni discusses the rules of citation tense. She illustrated that a move from past to present perfect and then to present indicates that the researchers reported are increasingly close to the writer in some way. She then reviewed the methods of giving general panorama of past-to-present literature, reporting what specific authors have said, and highlighting limitations of previous studies.   Dr. Alqarni provided many valuable examples that clarified all the steps for writing the literature review effectively. The workshop, which was very informative and highly interactive, was attended by Vice Dean, Dr. Salma Alqahtani, staff members and students. Date: 2/29/2020 Source: Dr. Amal Metwally – Scientific Research Committee Coordinator
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Unit of Advising and Counseling Visits Cosmoline Clinics

The Unit of Advising and Counseling of the Bachelor of Arts in English program cooperated with Cosmoline Clinics in Abha and conducted a workshop on 25 February 2020 titled "Students' Anxiety and its Treatments". Students had a great time trying out different anxiety management strategies and learning about the causes and symptoms of anxiety disorder. The workshop was conducted by the psychologist Reham Asiri, a cognitive-behavioral therapist. Date: 2-27-2020 Source: Faculty of Languages and Translation
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