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.