SOME BASIC CALL/CALLT APPLICATIONS
1. Who are the users the website/websites is/are targeting?
Similarly, both websites are targeting teachers and students for they are the frequent users. However, in ESL Monkeys, the website includes the school administration as their target user. Other than that, theses websites also target for those who wants to learn and sharpen their English language skills.
2. What sorts of things are the applications users expected to do with regards to learning and using (or even manipulating!) the content?
Well, both websites provide various features for users to make use of. From idioms to grammar to reading and writing, each websites have its own prior applications that which they think is the best for their users. Overall, both have their own suggestions and provide simple applications that are user friendly and familiar for the users. From beginner to advance level, suitable forms of exercise have been created to best suit the users skills.
3. What sorts of computer skills are the users expected to have in order to operate/access/use the application?
Both websites only require basic computer skills. However, there are some exercises which needed the users to download it using the adobe reader software. But in eslmonkeys.com, the users are required to register a username in order to use some of its applications. I found that this part is very annoying. I was having a hard time wanting to register, seems like the register application is not working properly. The rest, I guess the basic computer skills would do just fine.
4. While you are “playing”/”accessing”/”assessing” in the website(s), does it remind you of anything you do (or have done) in a classroom, or with a teacher, or with a fellow classmate, or in self-study?
Yes. The exercises in both websites were the kinds that what mostly we have in school. From drillings to fill in the blanks, pictorial passages and free writings, it sure reminds me of how I learn English back in those days. =P Oh, the students get to learn/test their writing skills through writing in forums and message boards which I think is very creative =)
5. What setting will the website(s) best used in: independent study lab with no teacher available, lab associated with a class, a class teacher-led class with one or a few computers?
It is in my opinion that these websites are best to be used independently by the users. The way I see it, the websites promotes independent learning for the users. However, not all users are in advance level of their language skills. Thus, the website also suggest for users to have mentor or online peers to help them with the learning process. So, I guess it is better to used it in a class teacher-led class since learners do need someone who is knowledgeable in that area to help them in anyway.
6. Can you pin point some theories of language learning and/or teaching underlying the application?
Well, the way I see it, it’s mostly drilling all the way and maybe some scaffolding here and there.
7. How well are the Vygotsky’s constructivist theory of learning and
Well, I can’t really say that there are much of these two theories being applied in those websites. In www.eslgo.com, the admin provided a site for non native speaker to learn and develop their language skills. The site suggested few exercises for teachers and students that can be adapt or use in class. Apart from that, the websites also have a forum whereby students can chat and discuss anything relating to music with other online users all over the world. Indirectly, this promotes students to appreciate music and also a way for students to practice their writing skills. But after looking through, I doubt that both website applied those theories. Maybe they just use the ideas of the theories to outline the whole thing.
8. In 1980s and early 1990s, there was a major debate on whether the computer was “master” of or “slave” to the learning process (Higgins and Johns, 1984). In relation to your evaluation – is the computer a replacement for teachers, or merely an obedient servants to students?
I don’t think that I would agree with both statements. It’s true that computer, mainly the internet provides thousands of answer that we needed. But it can never provide the best answers like the ones that a teacher can give us. Computer can’t really give the accurate answer the way we wanted, because it has been program and often the answer for one question is vary. So, how do we suppose to know which one is accurate? Thus, it can never be a replacement for teachers. Where can we get better explanation than from a teacher? As for the obedient servants, I would say it is more as a helping tool for students to get information.
9. Would you like to use the website(s) yourself in your future work?
I would suggest my students to try to do the exercises in both websites at home so they can practice it on their own. And maybe I would adapt some exercises or adapt the ideas from the website so I can use it inside the class. But to use the websites in the class? I doubt so.
10. Suggestions/Recommendations.
It would be best if the users don’t have to log in/register in order to use certain applications in those websites. This is supposed to be a website to help people to learn English, not to annoy them with this thing. Maybe an upgrade of the site to make it more funky and informal.
Phew! =P aiyakk..exceed time sikit..sorry
2 comments:
ok, 9/10
thank you sir!! =)))))
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