This web site is designed to provide a resource to college age students who want to learn a foreign language. It is a collaborative project,produced entirely by volunteers. The web site offers a variety of languages presented in text and audio: Chinese, English, French, German, Spanish, Arabic, Japanese, Korean, Polish and Portuguese. The vocabulary is categorized and presented in both graphic and audio formats. Users can also find grammar guides, for now in French and Spanish, as well as some readings and interactive exercises.
The vocabulary section deals with learning basic vocabulary needed to speak the language. The grammar section features interactive audio based quizzes. The third category is lecture or interactive reading. This section helps the students develop comprehension skills by letting them hear the reading of a text. It also provides translations of vocabulary and phrases that are underlined in blue.
Type of Material:
Annotated, audio-enhanced readings and grammar exercises
Recommended Uses:
Supplement to in-class
Technical Requirements:
Windows Media Player 9, Quick Time, or Real Player.
Identify Major Learning Goals:
Reading, listening, vocabulary development
Target Student Population:
Mid-beginning learners of the given language
Content Quality
Rating:
Strengths:
The purpose of this web site is clear and well stated. It is designed to guide college age (or above) learners through the process of learning a foreign language of their choice. For each language there is a choice of three headings which include vocabulary, grammar and lecture/interactive reading. The fact that the practice exercises and quizzes provided use language that is contextualized and authentic is a very positive feature. Learners type in or select the forms needed within a given contextual/syntactic frame and by pressing the enter key, receive immediate feedback. In the case of incorrect entries, the correct form is displayed.
The stories in the interactive readings are contemporary and engaging. Because they are annotated, even low beginners can read them with ease. Intermediate learners will simply enjoy their content.
This site is full of information that can support learning a foreign language. It not only focuses on basic vocabulary, but includes stories which are read to learner with the option to repeat and play back confusing or difficult parts. It also includes in addition to words and sentences, pictures of animals and other objects that the learner can ?mouse over? to hear what it represents in the foreign language.
Currently, the French and Spanish collections have grammar guides, with audio renditions of example sentences used to teach grammar. There are also readings that would serve equally as well as texts for listening comprehension or dictation. The readings are at beginning or advanced levels and have vocabulary glossing.
This site is a work in progress as each language collection continues to grow.
Concerns:
There were no external links presented on this web site. External links may provide the learners with additional resources in addition to this site to enhance their learning of the language.
Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool
Rating:
Strengths:
Although these materials can be used by language educators as homework assignments and/or projected in live classes for group reading and practice, the site is designed primarily for self instruction. Self-directed learners will find this site very useful for vocabulary practice. The development of more reading texts will provide more language in context,preferred by some learners to lists of vocabulary.
Even in beginning language classrooms, the vocabulary can be projected and the audio can be played for choral practice. These texts can be read in class and used for dictation or pronunciation tasks.
Concerns:
An individual learner tracking system of assessment would allow students to check their progress.
Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty
Rating:
Strengths:
This site is easy to navigate. Its simple design allows users to go from point A to point B with no problem. There was no video on the site, but there is effective incorporation of audio files so learners can experience the spoken forms.
A variety of male and female voices pronounce words clearly and distinctly. The user can repeat and practice with the simple manoeuver of the mouse. It is a very straightforward program.
Concerns:
The audio is clear and understandable, but requires some adjustment. A more colorful presentation might serve to capture and maintain learners? attention.
Creative Commons:
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