Russian verbs of motion are complex, therefore the material on this site deals with explaining the grammatical aspects of motion verbs in the Russian language. It is interactive showing the motion in a specific scenario. Then, after the situation is completed, the learner answers questions pertaining to the grammar.
Type of Material:
Jave-based interactive webpages (exercises and moving pictures)
Technical Requirements:
Java must be installed on the users computer. Dial up connectivity is not recommended by reviewer
Identify Major Learning Goals:
Enhance comprehension of motion verbs in Russian language
Target Student Population:
Entry level students to intermediate
Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills:
Student must have basic understanding of Russian
Content Quality
Rating:
Strengths:
The content and purpose is made very clear in text. It is very well organized. Each piece of information builds on the previous and assesses the understanding. In the final step, the user has the opportunity to click on a link that will explain in more detail what he or she possibly did not fully understand through the exercise. Russian is well represented with the examples used in context for better comprehension. The focus is not only on the use of verbs of motion but also on the use of common expressions.
Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool
Rating:
Strengths:
This is a very useful teaching resource; especially when used as a supplemental resource. My only recommendation would be to elaborate with more examples and more visual images on the main page. Students of today are visually minded and this will not only attract them but also add to the number of learning styles being represented.
This is a good tool for independent study as long as the student has an understanding of the basics. The concern/recommendation would be toward having a notation at the beginning of this module explaining what concepts should be understood before trying to learn the material presented here. Another way of accomplishing this same task would be to add a small self-test so the individual user may see if they are ready or not.
This is a static page (outside of the Java applet) and is therefore not very engaging. From a self-taught students position, I found it useful, but can see where the student that is not as passionate for the language may have difficulties engaging. Suggestions would be to add either JavaScript activities that would require engagement or to use Flash for interaction; either one would increase engagement with the presented materials.
These materials can be integrated with other materials that have been presented. Integrating this into a course as is would work as a supplemental item to the course covered information.
Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty
Rating:
Strengths:
The learners that would read this information should have already been exposed to cases and the system of conjugations that are presented as well as the basics, therefore this would be familiar information. This site does not require technical documentation. However, some explanations regarding the use of moving pictures can be provided. For example, users can be provided with a direction on how to modify security options so that moving pictures would display properly on their computers.
The site offers Java examples to better explain the verbs of motion. Students would find this aspect very attractive.
Creative Commons:
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