BLOG TASK 2 - MCQ

Here is a set of multiple choice questions using Microsoft Excel based on the topic of Simple Present Tense.
Here is the link to my worksheet :
Simple Present Tense - MCQ

ESL WEBSITE EVALUATION

1. The ESL website that has been chosen for the evaluation is BrainPOP ESL . The website is a web-based comprehensive English language learning program for teachers and students which engages animated movies to introduce conversational English that also covers on grammar concepts and vocabulary words. There are tons of interactive exercises included as it encompasses all four major language skills which are listening, speaking, writing and reading. First, there is 'Words, Words, Words' that introduces on the flash card feature. Second, 'Read It' teaches the alphabet and builds to reading comprehension exercises. Next, 'Write It' progresses alongside 'Read It' starting with the alphabet and moving to guided paragraph-writing. 'Hear It, Say It' is the language lab for the learners to listen to the English words and follow it with the correct pronunciation. Not only that, learners will also have the access to games and quizzes that vary from the lessons in the navigation bar provided. The movies are leveled into Level 1, 2 and 3 which every level has six units and each lesson builds on the previous one, assuming no prior knowledge of English and bringing the student from the earliest stages of English learning to sophisticated, content-based lessons.  

2. Learners or visitors will be able to access to the website as the website offers several free lessons to the unsubscribed users. However, the contents are limited to only six units of each level. In order to have a full access of the website, learners would need to pay for certain amount in the ‘subscribe’ section on the website. In terms of the website’s practicality, the website offers clear and organized instruction menu as the navigation bars provided are comprehensible and it also provides a ‘Quick Tour’ in exploring the website.

3. I would say the website is an innovative way of English learning as it engages animated movies to the learners. When I was a school student, I do not have any recollection of English lesson that used movies as a medium of learning or in self-study. Most of the time, the traditional way of teaching such as chalk and talk and using textbook were practiced during my school time. Last semester when I was doing my practicum, I had used a clip of movie to the students in introducing one of the content's lessons in the classroom and students were excited to look into the learning process. I believe that this website is very interesting as to acquire learners or visitors goals in learning the target language.

4. I would say 'Yes' to the question as the website contains animated videos, games and audios which they cannot be included in a textbook/ workbook. As the lessons are built around the animated movies, learners are needed to watch the movies to be introduced with the lessons and tested with the exercises and quizzes provided on the website. The feature of flash cards, graphic images and audios require the learners to have a technological device in order to access to this application.

5. One of the theories of language learning that underlies the application of the ESL website is scaffolding by the theorist of Vygotsky. This theory consists of the assistance to learners in order for them to achieve certain stage or process where they cannot achieve by themselves. Using the website, learners would be assisted by the visual representations of the animated movies which this type of assistance can be called as visual scaffolding. By being visually scaffolded, leaners will not only see the images, audios and words but they can be heard as well. Therefore, learners will not only focus on the essential lesson’s content but they will acquire the language at the same time. Other than that, the theory of multiple intelligences by Howard Gardner can also be related to the application of the ESL website as he has identified seven distinct intelligences. Those who have core of intelligences of verbal-linguistic, visual-spatial and musical, video can be a useful tool to use their strength intelligences to strengthen their weaker ones.

6. Based on my observation, the website could bring a certain degree of opportunity for the learners to acquire the target language as it incorporates all four major language skills and offers variety of games and exercises that cover on the lessons. Besides, there is a section of ‘You Can Do It!’ on the website that gives grades to the learners after they answer the quiz questions. Learners will also have a chance to review their results after completing it. As for teachers, the website has a ‘Teaching Tools’ navigation bar which it provides the lesson overview that outlines the lesson objectives and content. It also gives the link to a printable pdf of the three complete lessons provided for each animated movie with a variety of activities and supporting materials.

7. I would like to use the application in my future work as I believe that animated movies bring several advantages in learning language. According to Bates (2013), animation is a useful tool for learners who find spelling and grammar a challenge as it distracts the anxiety of the technicalities away and enable them just to concentrate on the story or movie instead. Besides, Bates (2013) also mentions that animation provides an exciting and dynamic platform to engage with the lessons. With the innovative way of introducing the lessons built with the animated movies, it caters students with different learning styles as the website would be helpful to those who prefer visual-spatial learning style. Thus, the website will be one of my references in English language teaching and learning in future.

In-Class Task : Electronic Worksheet

This worksheet contains two exercises that will test ESL learners on Grammar area which is 
Count and Noncount Nouns. 

Learners will be experienced using word processing software which is Microsoft Word in completing the crossword puzzles and using coloured fonts to complete the second exercise. 

Here is the link to the electronic worksheet:  
https://www.dropbox.com/s/14p1lsweglg8fb2/1.docx

The Introduction

• My name is Nur Bazilah Binti Khairudin and I'm 23. I was born in Muar, Johor and currently staying in Shah Alam as a student of B. Ed TESL in UiTM Shah Alam, Section 17.

• To be honest, my computer skills are in the average of noob to geek because there are only several areas that I apply in my daily life by using computer because my education field that I'm taking right now only requires me to use simple or basic software but I would proud to call myself a geek because sometimes I love to explore new things that fulfill my personal interest such as photo editing, video making and music editing.

• I would say my knowledge on software is far more better that my knowledge on hardware because I do rely on the 'computer savvy' to help me if I had hardware problems that I could not handle it by myself.

• I had several chances in learning via computer when I was at younger age because when I was in Form 1, I learnt several basic computer skills at school which it required me to key in data in Excel, writing several type of documents in Microsoft Office etc. While I'm studying TESL, there are several courses that gave me fruitful experiences in learning via the computer such as Computer Literacy as I need to do some stuff on the HTML coding and presentation on the invention on my own computer product.

• During my practicum, I was in the afternoon session so most of my classes were started late after the recess time and by the time my classes started, library and computer lab that are equipped with all the computers and projectors were closed. But on the bright side, I managed to bring my own laptop and portable speaker and get a borrowed portable projector from the school office and use it in the classroom. In  my opinion, I would say that every lesson that was integrated with technology skills had attracted students' attention in paying more attention and developing their interest in learning as it provides attractive audio and visual representations.

• Based on my view in terms of technological skills, I believe that technology helps a lot to change students' view and perspectives in learning as it provides variety sources of teaching materials rather than stick to the old-fashioned way of teaching.

• Since I'm quite fond in technology, I do really hope that this course could enlighten me on useful knowledge in creating several educational software that could benefit to my future as an educator. Based on the insight given by my lecturer on the first class, I believe that this course will expose me with several ESL websites and software that may help me in planning my lesson and up-to-date with the current issues. 

• The topic chosen for my Academic Exercise is a study on the implementation of group work in secondary ESL classroom. I chose this topic because I believe that teaching and learning style contributes to the effectiveness of meaningful learning. However, my study would not only focusing on the positive effects as it also will investigate on the negative effects of group work in secondary ESL classroom. Thus, it helps teachers to be more careful in implementing the particular way of teaching and learning style in their classroom. I'm planning to schedule meetings with my supervisor at least once in two weeks as I need as much feedback as I can. This will make sure that I will be in track and have a smooth progress of work.