The application attempts to teach grammar comprising of various subjects such as verbs, nouns, adjectives, adverbs, prepositions and more. It also has a wide range of options for teachers to plan their lessons, share views and supports interactive e-learning platform.
2. What sorts of things is the application user expected to do with regards to the learning content?
The user can start learning Grammar for example, by clicking at the tabs at the Homepage. The learning content of Grammar will enable the user to read and understand various grammatical subjects. After having learnt these subjects, the user will be able to take a quiz that is of multiple choice format. Upon completion of these quizzes, the user can also contact the helpdesk for any clarification of non understandable solutions.
3. What sorts of computer skills is the application users expected to have in order to operate/access/use the application?
The computer skills that are needed for using this application are very basic. Anyone who knows how to use the computer and to get online will be able to use this application.
4. While you are “playing“/”accessing”/”assessing” the application, does it remind you of anything you do in a classroom, or with a teacher, or with a fellow classmate, or in self study?
Yes. It reminds me of my self study. Usually, when I study by myself, I am used to read and understand each sentence before proceeding to another sentence. This application reminds me of doing that. It also reminds me of sitting for a quiz or exam, when I have to make a decision on the right answer. Most subjects in this application also relates to what I have studied in my classroom especially in the subject of grammar.
5. Can you pinpoint some theories of language learning and/or teaching underlying the application?
The language learning theories used in this application are process-oriented theory and condition-oriented theory. Process oriented theory is used in the learning methodology for each subject. This is done by having steps in learning one subject. The application links the learning parts in accordance and therefore, a process oriented theory is applied. The condition-oriented theory is applied after one masters the process oriented theory by learning. The condition-oriented theory is based on the quizzes that are derived in a multiple choice manner. One will have to make conditions and select the right answer in order to proceed.
6. How well is the constructive theory of learning applied to the chosen website(s)?
The constructive theory that is based on experience and knowledge of the learner can only be constructed if the user frequently uses the application. The constructive theory of learning is not well applied in this application. The theory needs the users to familiarize their surroundings to the application which is not done in this application. It only focuses on learning/teaching and not on the effective way of teaching.
7. In 1980s and early 1990s, there was a major debate on ‘whether the computer was “master” of or “slave” to the learning process (Higgins and Johns, 1984). In relation to your evaluation – was the computer a replacement for teachers, or merely obedient servants to students?
From my observation, it is quite subjective to rate the computer as a master or slave to the learning process. This is due to the fact that, the computer does act as a teacher to certain extent and it also does become a slave to certain extent. The computer cannot entirely replace a teacher. In the application, it is merely instructions and details in explanation. A living teacher could have expressive ways to make things more understandable.
8. Would you like to use the application yourself in your future work?
No. The application lacks a lot of interactive mediums that are needed for users today. Language learning should be done in a fun way with more games, animation and sounds. In my opinion, if this application was to be used in schools around Malaysia, it will not be able to gain students’ interest in learning English. The application is also only suitable to adults who want to learn very seriously.
9. Suggestions/Recommendations.
The application should first focus on the strategy used to teach or learn. This strategy can be figured out by looking at the various language learning theories. The focus on different age of users will also be preferable as most users have different interests and learning methods. Generally, the outlook of the application also could be much improved by engaging a better layout. The graphical users interface (GUI) for the website is quite out of date and should be replaced with a better one. The application could also add more interactive features such as Adobe Flash. The quizzes that are only limited to multiple choice questions can also be further developed. The application should also have sound so that the users can interact better with the application.
Evaluated by,
Syahirah binti Mohd. Radzi
2005478653
U8B
