TASK 1: ESL Website Evaluation

 Question 1

This particular website, ManyThings, it focuses on second language learners and also foreign language learners as well. Basically, this website provides activities for almost anything that an ESL and EFL learners should do. Some of them include vocabulary and audio where learners can listen to it while reading the text provided. This may aid them in terms of pronunciation. This method is similar to drilling where learners listen and repeat. Apart from that, there are Grammar activities to ensure the learners understand some parts of speech in English such as adjectives, verbs, articles and homonyms.

Example of Random Sentence which focuses on drilling to ensure learners are familiar with Grammar rule patterns.

Example of Sentence Machine where it provides random sentences to show how sentences can be constructed according to the sentence structure or syntax.

They also provide a podcast where learners can listen and repeat in order to get the correct pronunciation for words (verbs) that seems very confusing for the learns. For example, an audio where it repeats words "have, has, had, had, say, says, said, said, do, does, did, done". Click here to listen to an example.

There are many interesting exercises that can be found in this website such as Grammar flash quiz or easily known as multiple choice questions. The learners are required to choose one correct answer regarding Grammar. Furthermore, this website provides the well-known Hangman to focus on vocabulary. Some simple activities that may seem fun to younger learners is the matching game. They just have to match pictures with the correct word.

Feedback are given immediately after finishing the activities. For example, the Grammar flash quiz:

Example of Grammar Flash Quiz with feedback.

Not only it gives the number of correct answers but it also states the time taken for the learners to complete this certain activity. Other activities, too, provide immediate feedback.

Not all activities or games provide different levels of proficiency levels. A few number of activities such as WordMeister Games only provides:
1) Level 1 - Not so difficult.
2) Level 2- Not so easy.
3) English for special purposes (ESP)

 Question 2


The learners who intend to use this website as a tool to learn ESL, are required to have Java in order to do a few of the online activities provided. Some require Java but some do not. 
What is Java? Click here for more information.

Apart from what is needed to play the games or do the activities, learners must read the instructions first before proceeding. It may be difficult when the learners do not pay much attention it as most the games or activities are not the common ones for instance drag and drop or matching. Click here to try a game called Word Drop. 

 Question 3

This website somehow reminds me of my childhood days. Back then when I was 7, our school was fortunate enough to have computers in our class. I still remember we used to play Jump Start (it was only available on CD, it was not yet available online like nowadays). One of the focus of this software was language learning. It had many games and also drilling. The sing-a-long game helped me in terms of speaking and pronunciation.

Moreover, I used to go online to play games when I was 9. My purpose was to play only but I gained knowledge in terms of language indirectly as I play. Some of the websites include Neopets, Barbie, and Disney Channel.

 Question 4

It is clearly that this website presents more than the textbook or workbook. It is more interesting and fun rather than having to write the correct answers down on textbook or workbook. Learners can do various of things. They can drag and drop, match pictures with the correct vocabulary or even use the left and right key on the keyboard to move around. 

Plus, learners can improve in terms of listening and speaking skill as audio is provided.

 Question 5

This website focuses on drilling as the learners repeat a few sentences to gain the Grammar rule pattern. Based on the feedback and continuous numbers of sentences provided, it depicts Cognitive Learning Theory where they analyse their own learning as they do the activities. After getting the answers wrong, they are given chances to get the correct answers. From here, language learning comes from internal mental activity.
 Question 6

I would have to disagree because of some reasons. First of all, when it comes to language, it is more to how a learner can actually use it to communicate with other people, in this case it is English. According to the Oxford Dictionary, language is defined as the method of human communication, either spoken or written, consisting of the use of words in a structured and conventional way.

Despite of the interesting games and activities, the learners cannot use the language for commucative purposes. Based on my opinion, it helps to introduce a vast range of vocabulary and Grammar patterns. Even if they got all the answers correct, will they be able to apply it in real life? This is the real question when it comes to learning using CALL program. 

 Question 7

Yes, I would use this for my future work because it can help me to do revision with my students. Even though this particular website did not give any notes or lessons about Grammar but it provides many activities and drilling. For example, I could teach my students about subject-verb agreement in my lesson then continue doing exercises from this website. They can do multiple questions regarding this topic until the get the gist or idea about the pattern. Sometimes it is confusing for students either to add "-s" or not to. 

Example:

1. Dae hates dogs.

2. She likes him.

3. He loves her.

By doing this activity multiple times, students will understand that it is needed to add "-s" to a verb when the subject is singular.

By drilling, they can understand better. Not only that, my students can actually learn in a better and enjoyable way rather than the traditional way of learning by using pencil and pen.

Thank you to http://www.manythings.org/