TASK 2 - ESL WEBSITE EVALUATION

Task 2 – ESL WEBSITE EVALUATION

Website: http://a4esl.org

1. What does the application attempt to “teach”?

This website is a project of The Internet TESL Journal (iteslj.org). The activities such as quizzes, tests, puzzles, exercises etc are contributed by teachers from all over the world. It provides almost everything you need to assist you in ESL learning. The sections that it covers includes grammar, vocabulary etc for different levels of competency.
This website attempts to “teach” the users on ESL; the components and mechanics of learning English as a second language from the very basic component of grammar and vocabulary to the more difficult part through various exercises that cater for different level of competency and are varied in terms of their presentation which the users can choose from for example, Flash and java Script exercises, as well as audio-assisted exercises which they can download to their MP3 and listen to anytime they wish even when they are not on computer.

2. What sorts of things is the application user expected to do with regards to the learning content?

Various types of activities are provided for users to choose from. First, the activities are divided into two sections which are English only section and Bilingual sections.
In English only section, the users can choose from the variety of sections comprising of grammar quizzes, vocabulary quizzes, and crossword puzzles. Each of these sections is then divided into different levels of difficulties to accommodate users’ level of proficiency/ competency which are easy, medium and difficult exercises.
I think one of the focal attraction points of this website is the Bilingual section in which it provides ESL learning with assistance/ preference to the users L1. The Bilingual section, located at the right side of the website provides lists of users’ native languages.
Since the website merely focuses on activities for ESL learning, it only provides exercises. Notes are not provided and that i think is a huge lack to this website since i think it is a vital item to have for any language learning process.

3. What sorts of computer skills is the application users expected to have in order to operate/access/use the application?

Knowledge of computer skills required for users in order to operate/access/use the website is very minimal. The menu at the main page is very much of help to the users, as each of the sections e.g. vocabulary, grammar etc are hyperlinked. So all the users have to do are just to click on the hyperlinked items and they will be taken to that particular section’s activities. For example if a user goes to Grammar Quizzes section and clicks on Grammar – Easy item, the user will then be taken to list of easy level grammar exercises. Here, the users are given opportunities to experience learning using Flash, Java Script or the users can simply go for HTML-only.

4. While you are “playing”/ “accessing” / “assessing” the application, does it remind you of anything you do in a classroom, or with a teacher, or with a fellow class mate, or in self-study?

Yes, the exercises are very much similar to the ones I did during my school years except that the exercises I did back then were written in the exercise books/ textbooks, while the exercises in the website are more interactive - presentation wise e.g Flash and JavaScript exercises, and much more interesting.

5. Can you pinpoint some theories of language learning and/or teaching underlying the application?

There are some theories that I find can be closely associated with the activities in this website. First, the Multiple Intelligence theory that is proposed by Howard Gardner. Gardner proposes that every individual are unique and each of their intelligences differ significantly from others. Besides that, this website also complies well with grammar-translation method which suggests that language learning can be optimized with the use/ assistance of the first language. Via Bilingual learning section, the learning of ESL is more effective for ESL learners especially for student users who are not very competent in English.

6. How well is the constructivist theory of learning applied to the chosen website(s)?

The constructivist theory of learning suggests that each student learns differently. Each student has a unique and different style of learning and so does their learning pace (Brooks, 1993). Since it is almost impossible for teacher to cater to all students’ need at once, it is vital for teachers to opt for alternatives to accommodate the students’ need. Thus, I think this website is just what every teacher need. This is because, if teachers use this website in a classroom, the students have the freedom to choose for the activities that suit their level of competencies. This individuality feed, as I see it can help boosts students’ motivation in learning as they can learn at their own pace, using the style they preferred.

7. In 1980s and early 1990s, there was a major debate on ‘whether the computer was “master” or “slave” to the learning process (Higgins and Johns, 1984). In relation to your evaluation – was the computer a replacement for teachers, or merely an obedient servant to students?

In my opinion, based on my evaluation of the website, I found that computer neither plays a role as a teacher’s replacement nor as a ‘slave’ to the learning process. Instead, I’d rather acknowledge it as a tool, medium of sorts, to assist users in the language learning process. This is because it does not teach the users of rules or components of the language, rather it merely provides exercises and answers without further explanation of the mechanical parts.

8. Would you like to use the application yourself in the future work?

Yes, absolutely. This is because I found this website quite useful and rather interesting in terms of the multi-level exercises and the presentation of the exercises via Flash and Java Scripts which are totally different from the traditional classroom practice. It is more interactive and enjoyable for users to use, teachers or students likewise. This website can be a great tool for my future students as a tool to strengthen their understanding and sharpening their knowledge concerning ESL.

9. Suggestions/ Recommendations.

In my opinion, the website is quite excellent for ESL learners. However, I think the website can improve in many ways. For example, I understand that this website is primarily designed for optimized speed and ease of use for users and that, I believe explains the huge lack of images and graphics at the website. However, I think images and graphics are vital in a learning process because again, as the Constructivist Theory of Learning suggests that everyone is learning differently and thus I believe, learners of ESLs, especially the lower competency ones are learning at much slower rate compared to the advanced or intermediate ones. And these learners, needs more assistance in learning. Sometimes, words alone can’t help students to understand and see the whole picture of what is being taught/ learnt. This is where the images come to rescue. Images can help students to picture situations/ circumstances and imagine the steps or procedures of the learning process. Besides that, the website does not provide notes for the users. I think it will be troublesome for users especially students, since they do not have the knowledge all stored in their brain. Therefore i think the webmaster should consider on dedicating a section for notes for the users' references.