This website is a fun and interactive tool that can be used to prepare students (Spanish language learners) for an exchange program, traveling abroad, or even a virtual field trip in the classroom. It provides support and activities for students at the beginner or intermediate level, through the inclusion of cross-word puzzles, audio clips, quizzes, and even e-mail hints and pointers for interacting in the Spanish culture.
Type of Material:
Resource
Recommended Uses:
Independent study or whole class work
Technical Requirements:
None
Identify Major Learning Goals:
To engage users in realistic and practical activities that will help them develop their current level of the Spanish language.
Target Student Population:
Learners of Spanish
Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills:
Depending on the language level of the student, he or she may need basic vocabulary skills for reading blurbs and listening to audio clips. As a beginner, the site is friendly and inviting, because there is still quite a bit of English being used.
Content Quality
Rating:
Strengths:
While this site seems to be geared for those that are preparing to travel to a Spanish-speaking country, it is very useful for helping one develop their use of the Spanish language. The site is very easy to navigate through and offers a variety of activities that especially target listening and reading skills. Writing and speaking components can easily be incorporated into the use of this site.
This website can be commended for its versatility and casual, interactive style. It offers users a variety of choices for their level of Spanish development, while incorporating culture into the learning process. In addition, users are able to choose in which context he/she would like to learn or practice certain vocabulary. Cross-word puzzles and other links give users more opportunities for expanding their language development.
Concerns:
The content presented here is certainly designed for older students. There is a section marked Cool Spanish, which includes different dialogues, vocabulary lists, and explanations of slang in the Spanish language. However, while it may be helpful to learn some of these expressions, the topics range from slang words used in an argument to sexual swearwords. If this site is being used in a high school classroom, the instructor must carefully monitor the use of this section. Perhaps in this setting the website should only be used during small group instruction or in a whole class setting.
Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool
Rating:
Strengths:
This web site encompasses many options for developing instructional activities. They are conducive to being integrated into an existing curriculum and allow an instructor to develop quality learning assignments. Once again, the versatility and variety of activities found on the site contribute to its effectiveness as a teaching learning tool.
The features and activities that are offered on this site support independent or small group work. Students may be lead through the website in a whole class setting, but I believe it would be more beneficial for students to navigate through the site based on their needs and interests. It is certainly helpful as a teaching resource in that teachers may use the tutor section to support small group instruction. Print-outs and video clips are also beneficial for helping students learn in a smaller setting or even as a whole group. This site is truly adaptable to the needs and skill levels of ones students.
Concerns:
None
Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty
Rating:
Strengths:
This website is welcoming and easy to navigate through. The user will enjoy exploring the various sections and activities, as it is clearly laid out and organized.
The layout and color features are attractive and inviting to the user. Labels, buttons, and links are very distinct, and the user can easily navigate from section to section. The audio and video clips are clear and do not require any downloading. Transcripts are also provided so that one may follow along or even print them out for an extension to the activity. Another feature that allows for personal involvement is the feedback pop-up request. A pop-up appears which asks the user to share his /her experiences with the site. If a user has any questions, the FAQ section is helpful. An email question service is also available for those who may have comments, suggestions, or questions.
Concerns:
None
Other Issues and Comments:
None
Creative Commons:
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