King Khalid University

  On October 7, 2019, Hassan Costello delivered a workshop titled 'Introduction to Building Quality Online Courses'. The workshop, organized by the E-Learning Unit at Faculty of Languages & Translation in collaboration with the Deanship of E-Learning, was initially tailored toward the English teachers at the Faculty of Languages and Translation (FLT). However, under the supervision of Vice Dean of Academic Development and Quality, Dr. Abdulrahman Almosa, and guidance from E-Learning Unit Supervisor, Mohsin Khan, the FLT decided to open the program to all faculty members in the university system. The college expanded the program university-wide because the material is applicable to online course design across a broad spectrum of professions and disciplines. Members of the FLT and faculty from the College of Medicine attended the workshop.   As the overall quality of online courses is paramount, Mr. Costello framed the workshop in accordance with the eight general standards of Quality Matters (QM). Teaching online requires the skillful interplay of two distinct but closely related activities- course design and student interaction.   Course design requires clarity of purpose. That is, everything in the course must support the desired learning outcomes for the students. Also, online courses must be logically formatted and clearly presented with easy navigation. As students will generally not have unfettered access to the course instructor nor their classmates, the course designer should make individual student autonomy a high priority. Tracking the QM Rubric in the design process helps assure that the ultimate course objectives can be met.   Student/teacher interaction with online courses is very different than traditional classes. Students often work during irregular hours and/or at their own pace. The teacher might not be available to students at mutually convenient times. Also, a teacher may not have the time to respond to every student inquiry in a timely fashion based solely on the number of students enrolled in the class. The limitations on the level of expected student/teacher interaction must be carefully considered in the course design.   In his presentation, Mr. Costello introduced the attendees to each of the QM Rubric standards and provided a summary of 'best practices' for complying with same. The current QM Rubric (6th edition, revised in 2018) has 42 specific standards that are used to evaluate the design of online and blended courses. "Applying the QM Rubric to your course is all about 'alignment'. That is, each lecture, assignment, and activity furthers an objective supporting one or more desired learning outcomes. Aligning tasks and activities with objectives translates into a fully integrated course. The end result is a successful and positive learning experience. Think of the eight general standards of the QM Rubric as a road map that we use to design a course so that both the students and teacher reach the objective in an efficient and pleasant manner," he said.   Mr. Costello provided an introduction to and the best practices of the following general standards:   The Course Overview and Introduction; Learning Objectives (Competencies); Assessment and Measurement ; Instruction Materials; Course Activities and Learner Interaction; Course Technology; Learner Support; Accessibility and Usability.   Mr. Costello also paid particular attention to the issue of accessibility. Unsurprisingly, accessibility in course design is a top priority for many schools and institutions around the world. In point of fact, accessibility is so important that the QM Rubric includes an 'Accessibility and Usability' component. King Khalid University fully embraces the goal of expanding access to course work. King Khalid University was the first university in the Kingdom to subscribe to the tenets of QM.   Mr. Costello's presentation was chock-full of information. He acknowledged that it was hard to take it all in at once. But he encouraged the attendees in saying, "I want you to think of this workshop as a primer to the 'Applying the Quality Rubric (APPQMR) Workshop'. That workshop is provided free of charge and is sponsored by the Deanship of E-Learning to all interested faculty members. The APPQMR workshop is QM's flagship presentation on the QM rubric. There you will review many of the concepts and requirements we have seen today. Being exposed to the material and having access to the resources will be valuable in the future."   Faculty members in attendance from the College of Medicine showed great interest in applying the strategies Mr. Costello explained in his presentation. The medical college currently has an online course taught by 20 faculty members, and this workshop provided the tools to make substantial improvements to that course.   The FLT hopes to repeat this workshop to benefit more of the faculty in the near future. The Faculty of Languages and Translation is dedicated to providing world-class language education to an ever-expanding segment of the population. Date: 10/9/2019 Source: Faculty of Languages and Translation

  On October 1, 2019, the English Club and Engineering Club hosted Dr. Eyhab Bader Eddin, MITI, MCIL, CL, for a workshop entitled 'Translation: A Broad Overview Weaving Its Threads Together'. More than 140 students attended the event at 11 am in Auditorium 4, and another 100 watched it on Twitter as it was broadcast live. The purpose of the event was to discuss the history, uses, importance, the distinction between translation and interpreting, sub-divisions of interpreting, characteristics of them, and the development of translation as an interdisciplinary science. The workshop introduced students to real examples of simultaneous and consecutive interpreting, highlighting their difficulties. He also explained how 'ear-voice span', technically known as decalage is one of the most spectacular and mysterious aspects of the profession of simultaneous interpreting. He touched upon House's 2009 terms of 'forwards' and 'backwards' orientation of translation. The Deanship of Student Affairs sponsored the event in conjunction with the aforementioned student clubs.   Dr. Bader Eddin began with a brief history of translation. His overview described how translation has become increasingly important due to the development of modern transportation and communication systems, noting that a communicative event takes place once, but with translation it takes place twice as the communicative event is reduplicated. "Over the millennia, the world has become much smaller and this trend has only accelerated in present times,” he said. Today's businesses and commercial agreements would not be made without translation. He pointed out that the Translation of the Hebrew Bible into Greek at the request of Ptolemy II is seen as the earliest extant traces of Translation. The fruit of that work yielded 'The Septuagint', a work of 70 translators who, according to the legend, were commissioned to translate the Hebrew Bible, each in solitary confinement in a cell, to come up with an identical translation. On the other hand, Dr. Bader Eddin showed that the need for specialized translation skills has greatly increased with technological advancements, showing a list of recommended dictionaries to be possessed by students. Specialized translators are in high demand in many fields, especially in engineering.   Increased globalization, coupled with technological advancements, has greatly affected the field of translation. As the speed of communications and commerce have increased, the need for highly skilled translators has increased as well. "Modern translators must be able to weave both technical jargon and language that is not directly translatable into ideas that the receiving party understands completely. Moreover, this must be done quickly, often in real-time if interpreted," he concluded. A few examples were translated with the attendees as practice, giving some techniques on how to translate headlines of newspapers.   The Faculty of Languages and Translation is dedicated to graduating elite translators and interpreters who can skillfully satisfy the increasing demands of multi-lingual economies. We congratulate both the English and Engineering Clubs for their initiative under the supervision of the Deanship of Student Affairs.   Please click here to browse the powerpoint used in the workshop. Date: 10/1/2019 Source: Faculty of Languages and Translation

  Faculty of Languages & Translation (FLT) Assistant Professor, Dr. Saeed Al-Surf, delivered a lecture entitled 'Interdisciplinary Sciences' at the Asir Region Directorate of Education on September 24, 2019. The purpose of the program was to explore new pathways for interdisciplinary learning. Dr. Al-Surf illustrated the value of integrating the humanities with science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and medicine (STEMM). "By providing students and teachers with an integrative curriculum, we will create a strong foundation leading to success," he concluded. Date: 9/25/2019 Source: Faculty of Languages and Translation

  The Faculty of Languages & Translation at the King Abdullah Road Campus celebrated the Kingdom’s National Day on 25/1/1441. The female English Club organized the festivities. The club members created a variety of pamphlets and pictographs commemorating the Kingdom's 89th anniversary.   Several of the presentations reviewed the founding of the Kingdom and followed its history through to the present day. Other student creations enumerated the Kingdom's future plans for economic and social development as related to the national goals set forth in Vision 2030 and its appendant documents. Activities Coordinator, Ms. Maram Almalki, expressed her satisfaction with the students' efforts and the quality of their work. Date: 9/24/2019 Source: Faculty of Languages and Translation

  On September 15, 2019, Academic Development and Quality Deanship Vice Dean, Dr. Saeed Saad Hadi, was pleased to host NCAAA Consultant, Dr. Loay Abusalah. Dean Abdullah Melhi and the faculty's Vice Dean of Academic Development and Quality, Dr. Abdulrahman Almosa, represented the Faculty of Languages and Translation (FLT) leadership team at the meeting. The purpose was to discuss the FLT's accreditation progress.   Over the summer, the FLT submitted the required Self-Evaluation Scales report. Dr. Abusalah expressed his great satisfaction with the department's work. He related that the next step is to submit the Self-Study Report, which demonstrates and provides the documentary support for each of the conclusions made in accordance with the criteria established under NCAAA standards. Those criteria include:   Mission and goals; Program management and quality assurance; Teaching and learning; Students; Faculty members; Learning resources, facilities, and equipment.   The Self-Study Report is based on a 3 prong general framework. First, specific policies are identified. Next, is a short synopsis explaining the implementation procedures followed in executing those policies. Finally, there is an assessment loop in which there is a thorough and frank review of the aforementioned policies and efforts and a detailed evaluation of the strengths and weaknesses of each item.   Dr. Abusalah expressed his confidence that the FLT would successfully complete this next milestone in the accreditation process. "I am very happy with your work. The FLT has demonstrated its capabilities and commitment. The faculty's enthusiasm is apparent in this room. Rest assured, that I wish to see the FLT accredited, and I will do everything necessary to assist the faculty throughout the process," he said.   At the closing of the meeting, Dean Al-Melhi expressed his appreciation to all the participating faculty members. He stressed the importance of obtaining accreditation as quickly as practicable. "I know I can count on all of you to work together and successfully complete the remaining steps. Having the department attain accreditation is one of the department's primary objectives for which I take personal responsibility."   The Faculty of Languages and Translation is dedicated to providing excellence in all aspects of its educational offerings. The FLT, its students, and alumni deserve national recognition for the quality of the program. The department is determined to secure such recognition by way of NCAAA accreditation in the near future. Date: 9/15/2019 Source: Faculty of Languages and Translation

  The Faculty of Languages and Translation takes pleasure in announcing that the Institute of Translation and Interpreting (ITI), UK has named Dr Eyhab Abdulrazak Bader Eddin as a Qualified Member (Translator). ITI, which promotes the highest standards in the profession, is the only UK-based independent professional membership association for practising translators, interpreters and language service providers. It aims to enhance and continually develop the translating and interpreting profession between government, industry and commerce, the media and the general public. Founded in 1986, ITI has grown to 3,000 members and is considered a resource in the industry.   Having satisfied the qualifying requirements prescribed by ITI, Dr Bader Eddin is entitled to use the designatory letters 'MITI'. He may also produce office translations using ITI certification seals, which are recognized by embassies and diplomatic missions across the European Union. There are only 28 holders of the MITI designation across the world who are certified in the English-Arabic language combination, of whom only 6, including him, are in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. The attainment of MITI is characterized by a rigorous process in which applicants are required to demonstrate their translation ability by translating a piece of text to a professional standard of accuracy. Dr Bader Eddin's produced translation, which was a 1200-word text, was deemed to be of professional quality and technically correct. Additionally, he is ISO 17100:2015 qualified. ISO 17100:2015 is the internationally recognised standard for translation services and was created to respond to the market need for a universally accepted benchmark. Meeting the ISO 17100:2015 standard sets a certain translator apart from other translators with the recognition that s/he is working to international standards. It is considered evidence that a certain translator is a professional and forward-thinking one. One of the benefits to translation service providers of one translator meeting the ISO 17100:2015 standard is to give confidence that potential translators work to a recognised standard and are committed to maintaining those standards in the industry. This also reduces the need to spend time checking qualifications and continuing professional development records of freelancers to ensure they meet the standard.   Of noteworthy mention, Dr Bader Eddin is also entitled to use the designatory letters 'MCIL' 'CL', which was conferred by the Chartered Institute of Linguists (CIOL). CIOL is the UK-based professional membership body for language practitioners. It aims to enhance the recognition and promote the value of languages and language skills in the public interest. Founded in 1910, CIOL was granted its Royal Charter by HM Queen Elizabeth II on 19 July 2005 and formally began operating as 'The Chartered Institute of Linguists' on 1 September 2005. He holds membership no. 55364, which can be verified through: https://www.ciol.org.uk/member-check/profile/55364/14737.   On this auspicious occasion, we could not let this occasion go by without wishing him continued success. Date: 9/1/2019 Source: Faculty of Languages and Translation

  Seven students from the Faculty of Languages and Translation recently participated in Swansea University's eight-week intensive summer English program in Wales, UK. The lucky participants excelled in a competitive process that included a selection committee and difficult exam.   Swansea University is one of the top universities in the UK, and the winner of the 2019 University of the Year What Uni Student Choice Awards.   This language program was the brainchild of King Khalid University Rector, Prof. Falleh Al-Solamy. His Excellency Rector Al-Solamy is a graduate from Swansea with a Ph.D. in mathematics. He was instrumental in setting up a student exchange cooperation agreement with his alma mater.   Dean, Dr. Abdullah Al-Melhi, was pleased to offer this unique opportunity for an immersive language learning program to high performing students. "I am very proud of the young men who served as ambassadors for King Khalid University and the Kingdom at Swansea. I am certain that their hosts in the United Kingdom learned as much from them as our students learned in the program. We hope and expect these students to take a leadership role in their chosen fields."   Vice Dean of Academic Affairs, Dr. Yahya Asiri, is credited with making this agreement and summer English program a reality in 2019. He is very pleased that the students had an exceptional learning experience and that all parties benefitted from the cultural exchange of our students visiting their counterparts in the UK.   Dr. Munassir Alhamami was also pleased that the program was so well received and that all efforts were highly successful. "These students deserve the highest praise. I was the on-site supervisor throughout the program. The intensive language program was difficult, and we still expected the participants to represent the Faculty of Languages and Translation and King Khalid University to the best of their ability, which they did. Their performance was exemplary, and we are so proud of each and every one."   The partnership team at Swansea is also quite satisfied with this initial effort. They were very impressed with our students and look forward to more exchanges in the future. The representatives from Swansea were knowledgeable and gracious hosts. King Khalid University hopes to hosts students from Swansea as soon as practicable.   The students who were selected for the language program at Swansea include: Abdullah Al-Shahrani; Abdulaziz Al-Asmari; Abdullah Yahya; Ahmed Asiri; Ali Al-Humhum; Hazaa Al-Zahrani; Nawaf Al-Qahtani.   News of this program was featured in a variety of publications both here and in the UK. Most notably, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).   The Faculty of Languages and Translation remains dedicated to its students, and is committed to building even more successful international programs in the future. Fostering partnerships with other institutions both at home and abroad is part of King Khalid University's strategy for achieving top 200 ranking. Date: 8/25/2019 Source: Faculty of Languages and Translation

  The Deanship of Community Service and Continuing Education has recently collaborated with the Faculty of Languages and Translation to deliver the 2nd annual 4-week intensive English language course designed for Ministry of Education (MOE) teachers.   With this program, FLT and Al Khaleej Training and Education teachers provided English language instruction to nearly 90 public school teachers at the primary, secondary, and high school levels. The purpose of the program was to deliver an English language refresher course to public school teachers. The curriculum was geared to both beginners and those expecting to take the IELTS exam in the near future.   This program was sponsored by the Vice Presidency of Academic Affairs, Faculty of Languages and Translation Dean, Dr. Abdullah Al-Melhi, and Dean of Community Service and Continuing Education, Dr. Omar Alwan Aqeel. ELC Director, Fahad Al-Shehri, supervised operations under the tutelage of Vice Dean of Academic Affairs, Dr. Yahya Asiri.   After passing an entrance exam, governed by the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), nearly 90 students joined one of four different groups reflecting their English language proficiency.   Vice Rector of Academic Development and Quality, Dr. Merzin Al-Shahrani, attended the opening ceremony. He congratulated the participants and thanked the faculty and staff who made the program possible. "I congratulate all of you attending this program. You have wonderful instructors that I am sure you will learn a lot from. This 2nd annual program will be even better than the first, and we hope to expand and improve the effort each succeeding year," he said.   Representing the Faculty of Languages and Translation were Hassan Costello and Dr. Michael Hadzantonis. Representing Al Khaleej Training and Education were Bryan Bell and Rocio Munoz.   The Deanship of Community Service and Continuing Education recognizes the importance of this program and is committed to its continued success. Dean Aqeel explained that education should be a lifelong endeavor, even for teachers.   King Khalid University is proud to partner with the National Center for Educational Professional Development (NCEPD) and other public institutions for the benefit of our citizenry at the local, regional, and national levels. The Faculty of Languages and Translation is pleased to participate in all public service and other outreach efforts. Date: 8/25/2019 Source: Faculty of Languages and Translation

  On May 2, 2019, Quality Consultant at the Deanship of Academic Development and Quality, Dr. Ahmad Farid, led a workshop at the Faculty of Languages and Translation (FLT) on NCAAA accreditation of the English language program. The first step in this process is for the department to complete a comprehensive initial self-evaluation. This analysis evaluates the current performance levels of all essential academic functions in the program. The FLT is pleased to report that the initial self-evaluation is complete.   The comprehensive self-evaluation is a complex and labor-intensive effort. The FLT assembled 11 faculty teams, each of which was assigned to evaluate a mission-critical department function. A total of nearly 30 faculty members from the FLT participated. The process involves analyzing tasks and the associated sub-tasks, then measuring current performance against a variety of quantitative and qualitative standards. The teams were working on a tight schedule for this phase of the accreditation project. Also, the work had to be completed in accordance with a strict set of evaluative parameters. Every team met the challenge head-on, and delivered high-quality work on schedule.   Vice Dean of Academic Development and Quality, Dr. Abdulrahman Almosa, is pleased with the FLT's progress. He stated "Before the NCAAA will begin its own critical analysis of the program, certain requirements must be satisfied. The program under consideration must demonstrate that appropriate quality assurance standards are in place, and that all operations are in accordance with its institutional charter or license. The self-evaluation requires that the department support each conclusion with a coherent statistical analysis based on traceable raw data. This effort required that the teams collect, analyze, and evaluate in a short time frame. Each team had to collate quantitative data from a wide variety of sources, and collect qualitative data from the different stakeholders, including students, faculty, and members of the community." Dr. Almosa then commended the accreditation teams for their hard work and exemplary results.   Program Coordinator at the Faculty of Languages and Translation, Dr. Fadi Al-Khasawneh, expanded upon Vice Dean Almosa's introductory remarks. "The accreditation process begins with a rigorous self-evaluation of the program. The NCAAA will not start its independent review until it is satisfied that we have completed a fair, balanced, and objective internal evaluation of our program," he said. This requires that the department conduct a detailed performance analysis of operations in 11 separate areas. Dr. Al-Khasawneh also noted that each internal evaluation is subject to independent review by a duly authorized NCAAA review panel.   The accreditation process entails for additional major steps to be completed in due course: Acceptance of the application by the NCAAA, and scheduling of dates for review; Completion of a Self-Study Report for Programs (SSRP) using the criteria and processes specified by the NCAAA. This normally takes between 9-12 months. NCAAA will provide ongoing advice during this period to ensure full compliance with all requirements; Independent evaluation by the NCAAA or it delegates, including a site visit by a review panel; Decision on accreditation by the NCAAA after consideration of external review panel recommendations.   This first phase of accreditation was not easy. The teams had to complete a large amount of work in a short amount of time. Moreover, the period of performance of this phase overlapped with the end of the school year. The FLT would like to recognize the respective team leaders and members for their hard work on the project as follows:   Standard 1: Mission, Goals & Objectives Team Leader: Hassan Costello Team Members: Saqub Aftab + Dr. Charles Forman + Dr. Michael Hadzantonis + Dr. Justin Sfariac   Standard 2: Program Administration Team Leader: Mahmudul Haque Team Member: Mohammad Adil Siddique   Standard 3: Management of Program Quality Assurance Team Leader: Abdullah Al-Rezgi Team Member: Javed Ahmad   Standard 4: Learning & Teaching Team Leader: Dr. Fadi Al-Khasawneh Team Members: Dr. Karem Abdullateef + Dr. Eyhab Abdulrazak Bader Eddin + Dr. Adel Bahameed   Standard 5: Student Administration and Support Services Team Leader: Dr. Dawood Mahdi Team Member: Dr. Omer Sultan   Standard 6: Learning Resources Team Leader: Mohsin Khan Team Member: Dr. Sayed Mohammed Bilal Kadiri   Standard 7: Facilities and Equipment Team Leader: Dr. Ahl Allah Saddiqi Team Member: Mohammed Fouad   Standard 8: Financial Planning and Management Team: Academic Development & Quality Unit   Standard 9: Faculty and Staff Employment Processes Team Leader: Abdul Rauf Khan Team Member: Fazle Malik   Standard 10: Research Team Leader: Dr. Hasan Jaashan Team Members: Dr. Abdelhamid Bessaid + Dr. Sayed Rashid + Dr. Yahya Zeghoudi   Standard 11: Institutional Relationships With the Community Team Leader: Dr. Abdul Wahed Al-Zumor Team Members: Dr. Nisar Koka + Dr. Mohammed Osman   The Faculty of Languages and Translation is dedicated to providing excellence in all aspects of its educational offerings. The FLT, its students, and alumni deserve national recognition for the quality of the program. The department is determined to secure such recognition by way of NCAAA accreditation in the near future. Date: 5/20/2019 Source: Faculty of Languages and Translation

  On March 23, 2019, the 5th Annual Forum titled Modern Strategies in Teaching English was held at the Saudi German Hospital. The event was organized by Al Khaleej Training and Education and the Faculty of Languages and Translation. The primary aim of the forum was to share ideas about the modern concepts of English language teaching. The event was conducted under the supervision of Dr. Mowafiq Al-Momani. The program consisted of two sessions and six presentations.   Michael Rattan gave a presentation titled 'How to Learn?' and Jordan Rimpela spoke on the subject of 'The Benefits of Teaching ELLs Affixes, Roots and Their Meanings'. Three other presentations were delivered by Bryan Bell, Mohammad Adil and Christopher Harris who talked respectively about 'The Psychology of Classroom Dynamics', 'Successful Classroom Management in EFL Teaching', and 'Living and Working in Saudi Arabia'.   A medical (PYP) student named Ahmed Abdullah Alamoud also shared his interesting English learning experience and emphasized its importance in real life.   The event ended with a certificate award ceremony that honored the presenters. This ceremony was graced with the presence of Dr. Musa Al-Ahmari, English Language Center Director. The forum undoubtedly was a great success. Date: 3-26-2019 Source: Mohammad Adil Siddique Multimedia Source: Mohammad Taisir Albukaai