TASK 2 : website evaluation

website: http://www.englishbanana.com/


1) What does the application attempt to "teach"?

The application attempts to teach English through games, worksheets and quizzes. The website is beneficial for both students and teachers as it is as well works as a resource so that teachers can use other channels by using this website. For example, on the front page of the website, there are related ‘sites for teachers’ and ‘other resources’ to teach students and also as a reference for teachers. This application is mainly to teach Basic English language in ESL classrooms. Students from primary levels can be identified as the target audience since the learning is more fun yet simple. Not only that, the website welcomes everyone, despite the educators or learners- to download, print, copy, sell and distribute freely all the materials from EnglishBanana.com. That’s worth visiting this website. All knowledge is shared with everyone.

2) What sorts of things is the application user expected to do with regards to learning content?

The website is freely opened and accessed by everyone. Therefore, the usage of this application is unlimited since it provides a wide range of English games. For example, there are many different captivating pictures in the grammar area and by looking at it; students will automatically know what they need to do, without reading the instruction first. Regarding to the questions, there are only short commands on each exercise/game such as, “Match each picture with one of the words below. Type each word in the space provided”. Even though the students are given a simple command like that, the contents of this website is easy to understand and simple to conduct by primary level students.

3) What sorts of computer skills is the application users expected to have in order to operate/access/use the application?

Since this website is especially created for primary (or also known as elementary) level of students, the website is a no-fuss, hassle-free website that is exceptionally easy to access. Users shall not be afraid to access this application as it requires no registration, no email contacts, and all in all, no Captcha or word verification (like most website has nowadays.)

Students with basic computer skills are likely to use this website since it is easy and simple. Just type ‘Englishbanana.com’ in the search engine, the students are one step closer to master English language. However, adults should know that some application in Englishbanana.com might want the user to use Plugin in order to play selected games.

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?

It took me awhile to think of the answer in this section. This is because, I never get the chance to use the application, not even in secondary school. During my student years in SMK St. Mary, we had loads of computers. The only time I used the computer was during ‘Kelas Komputer’ that is paid monthly. Even though there were countless PCs, it was all stolen by thief that broke in the school and took everything. The PCs were donated ‘compulsory’ by students of St. Mary which we had to pay RM 50 as a ‘donation’.

When I was doing practical in Klang High School, the classes that I taught were Advanced level. Therefore, with such fluent English skills, I decided not to teach them through websites as I find most of the websites are amazingly easy and not challenging.

5) Can you pinpoint some theories of language learning and/or teaching underlying the application?

Krashen’s Acquisition-Learning Hypothesis is the most suitable to describe the application. According to this hypothesis, there are two means of second language performance. They are ‘acquired’ (subconsciously) and ‘learned’ (consciously). These processes are related to the websites because students tend to obtain what they learn without them knowing it, especially when they are playing the enjoyable and amusing games. However, the students learned consciously during the part where they are doing exercises based on their syllabus. According to Krashen, ‘learning’ is less important than ‘acquisiton’ (Schutz, 2007).

*p/s: this application does not require the use of Bloom’s Taxonomy as it is not arranged according to students’ level of thinking. It is arranged alphabetically.

students are able to try the audio device given in the web

6) How well is the constructivist theory of learning applied to the chosen website(s)?

Constructivism is a theory that refers human to construct knowledge and meaning based on their experience. This term refers to the idea of learners themselves, construct meanings as they he/she learns. Vygotsky (1978) highlighted the most of the social and practical elements in learning by saying that the most significant moment in the course of intellectual development occurs when speech and practical activity, two previously completely independent lines of development, converge.

In this case, the website integrates students to learn by instructions (without examples given). This means the students are learning by themselves and as they learn, this experience will automatically make them understand better even though they perceive it naturally.

7) In 1980s and early 1990s, there was a major debate on ‘whether the computer was “master” or “slave” to the learning process (Higgins and Johns, 1984). In relation to your evaluation – was the computer a replacement for teachers, or merely an obedient servant to students?

Back during my parents’ years in secondary schools, there was no computer at all. In fact, they never thought the word ‘technology’ really exists someday. Teachers were classified as the most knowledgeable human on earth, the person who has the noble job and also someone who has the power inside and outside of the classrooms. So the question right now is, how can a profession be replaced by a technology that is made by us human?

Everyone knows that computers are made by human. And I have to admit the usage of computers nowadays are hard to resist as it lessen the burden and help us to find what we really need especially in doing assignments. All in all, computers work as a medium to help ESL students BUT, it cannot replace as a teacher to us.

8) Would you like to use the application yourself in your future work? Yes/No? (give reasons)

Depends on my level of students. If I get the chance to work in primary schools with no digital problems, I surely will use Englishbanana.com as an in-class activity. This method will definitely attract students as it is helpful and beneficial towards enhancing students’ language learning process. The images, colours and activities are perfect to use as it brings fun, joy and meaningful learning experience! Other than that, I would really suggest this website to be used by other primary teachers. First look, never been better!

9) Suggestions/Recommendation.

My suggestions would be regarding the games and exercises in this application. The games provide excitement but I am sure the students get carried away as it offers thousands of different games. Some of the games doesnt even provide language games at all, for example, 'Ask Guru Joe'.On the other hand, the exercises are incredibly easy that it might make students feel bored during the fill-in-the-blanks session. Some of the exercises are not suitable for Malaysian students as they have to answer on the English providence. Apart from that, this website is very useful for lower intermediate ESL learners.

Ask Guru Joe, anyone?