This object uses various media to assist a student in learning general English language skills or in preparing for the Australian IELTS. The site primarily uses television to provide a culturally rich experience with the language.
Type of Material:
Resource
Recommended Uses:
In class or independent assignments
Technical Requirements:
Media player
Identify Major Learning Goals:
Listening, viewing comprehension
Target Student Population:
Learners of ESL/EFL
Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills:
Mid-beginning English
Content Quality
Rating:
Strengths:
This site has countless videos and sound files which actively engage the learner with “follow-along” study guides, activates, and quizzes. Each topic is presented within a module which provides the video along with the associated study materials. The content is authentic, giving real-world situations within many types of social situations from formal business talk to casual street conversations.
Concerns:
None
Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool
Rating:
Strengths:
The material can easily be used in the classroom setting individually or in its entirety in a face-to-face classroom, an on-line course, or a hybrid. The content is not only divided by skill level, but also into various themes such as specific types of simple greetings or language that is used in business. Providing the transcripts for each episode makes it much easier for the learner to pause the video and read what was just spoken. Clear study notes, activities, and quizzes are presented on-line and many offered in a document format, allowing the user to follow along with the video (or audio).
Concerns:
None
Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty
Rating:
Strengths:
The Learn English section of the site is very pleasing to the eye, the menus are easy to navigate, and fluid based upon the selections made. The video and sound are of exceptional quality. The forum is well-presented, with a reasonably sized font and clear organization of topics.
Concerns:
Viewing the page at a default zoom value, the text was very small and difficult to read. Using 150% made the viewing manageable, but at the expense of constant scrolling. There is also a significant amount of blank space between tabled objects, leaving emptiness where larger content could have existed. As the images change, so do the links they point to, leading to a rush to get to the appropriate link, or a delay while the loop repeats itself.
Other Issues and Comments:
None
Creative Commons:
Search by ISBN?
It looks like you have entered an ISBN number. Would you like to search using what you have
entered as an ISBN number?
Searching for Members?
You entered an email address. Would you like to search for members? Click Yes to continue. If no, materials will be displayed first. You can refine your search with the options on the left of the results page.
Searching for Members?
You entered an email address. Would you like to search for members? Click Yes to continue. If no, materials will be displayed first. You can refine your search with the options on the left of the results page.
