TSL 641: COMPUTER ASSISTED LANGUAGE LEARNING
Task 2 (10%)
ESL WEBSITE EVALUATION
Task 2 (10%)
ESL WEBSITE EVALUATION
http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/adjectives.htm#a-_adjectives
http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/quizzes/adjectives_quiz2.htm
http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/cgi-shl/quiz.pl/adjectives_quiz.htm
Name: Nor Syafiza Bt. Anuar
Matric No: 2005671059
Group: Link 3 Cohort II
Lecturer: Tn Hj. Wan Zulkifli bin Wan Abdullah
Submission Date: 19th February 2009
Evaluation Guide
1. What does the application attempt to ‘teach’?
The application attempts to introduce users to two fields: the English adjectives as well as the computer skills. As interactive as it be, this application discusses the adjectives thoroughly, and the target groups vary from beginner English users, to advanced English users. The most significant feature of this application is that, it aims to teach ONLY adjectives, and there is no interruption of other English element in it. Therefore, users are able to capitalize their skills in English (adjectives), as well as their competency in using computer. This application is challenging enough for the beginners, yet it is accomplishable. Users will find sense of satisfaction upon using this application because it offers tutorial for every question posed. In addition to that, the game-like manner allows users to have fun with the learning session.
2. What sorts of things is the application user expected to do with regards to learning content?
The first link of the application introduces types of adjectives to users. The definition is given thoroughly, and users are given opportunity to identify the adjectives. This serves as early exposure, in order to have the users feel comfortable with the icons in the page. The adjectives are highlighted in various colours, so that users are able to locate them. As users have mastered the adjectives (theoretically), they are exposed to the activities, which are quite challenging. Users are expected to click on the icons and explore the next activity, which is ‘Recognizing adjectives’. The activity is completed with the quiz, and towards the end, users will be accompanied by tutorial session. Basically, users are not burdened with complicated tabs in order to go from one activity to another, since the application possesses ‘user-friendly’ page. It is such an effective learning experience for users, since the adjectives are later introduced in the writing sections, and users are able to expand their knowledge on writing (after completing the sentence-level activity).
3. What sorts of computer skills is the application users expected to have in order to operate / access/ use the application?
Basically, this application requires minimal computer skills from the users. The icons are clearly displayed. Users only need to click on their desired icons, and they will proceed or re-do the tasks in less than a second. From my experience, users are often hindered from using applications available in the internet due to it’s’ complicatedness. Programs offered in the internet may be good for English learners. Nonetheless, they always feel inferior toward it. Therefore, I found that this application meets the need of every English language learner.
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 classmate, or in self-study?
Definitely! I did not even realize that I’m learning the adjectives through the computer. In fact, I feel so much in the classroom due to few factors. Firstly, the existence of tutorial or explanations for every task taught, reminds me of my English teacher, where she would be there to assist us in our learning. Apart from that, during my surf through the activities, I also feel that I’m doing the session with my friends. This is due to the ‘game like’ experience provided by this application. It is very interactive, and I learnt ways to channel my problems (misunderstanding) of the adjectives on the application, simply by clicking the icons! What so special about this application is, it still provides me with self-study opportunity, where I study on the notes given, and later perform the quizzes.
5. Can you pinpoint some theories of language learning and/ or teaching underlying the application?
Although some may not see the Behavioural Theory underlying the application, but I strongly believe the existence of the theory improves users’ participation in the application. According to B.F Skinner (1904-1990), human reacts in specific ways based on the reinforcement given on their actions. As I can see, the application is very interactive, and it is just like the game played by the kids, where it offers reward (marks) for their achievements. The reward encourages the users to try and perform in the learning process.
6. How well is the constructivist theory of learning applied to chosen website(s)?
This application is indeed incorporate constructivists’ theory of learning. Users need to have background knowledge in order to receive and produce knowledge. In simple words, users need to have the schemata of the lesson, before they can proceed with the activity. In this application, it is clearly seen that the texts used, as well as the lesson content, are based on what the users have already mastered in their previous activities. Therefore, users are made aware of the content background. The lessons provide content that within users’ schemata.
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, computers are forever cannot replace the teachers in the classroom. Teachers provide the students with sense of human touch. Feelings and emotions are the elements that computers lack of.in learning process, students need to be understood in terms of their abilities and motivation factors. Computer acts only as tutor for the students. Tutors’ jobs are to facilitate, not to control the process. Nonetheless, computers are not slaves to students either. Computers help in data collection and presentation. We often find computers useful and we even ‘interact’ with computers in order to seek solutions for certain problems. Computers are programmed in such way to assist human in learning process.
8. Would you like to use the application yourself in your future work?
My answer will be yes. I highly suggest this application to be used in and out of the classrooms. Apart from introducing and strengthening students’ knowledge of English adjectives, this application familiarizes users with basic computer skills. It is very motivational to be able to learn tough English element such as adjectives in a very enjoyable manner. Users will feel sense of accomplishment when they going through the process. Teachers will realize that learning English cannot be more meaningful than this.
9. Suggestions / Recommendations.
I would suggest this application be expanded to other subjects as well. Maybe for the start, other English word class can be inserted in the application, for example pronouns; adverbs and others. Students will find using computer to learn critical subjects such as mathematics and history rewarding, since it offers both theories, and practical aspects of the learning.
