Software Evaluation # 3

Leapfrog SchoolHouse by Leapfrog Enterprises, Inc., 2001-2002
This software is a multisensory program for English language learners. There are 36 theme-based books in 4 different English language levels. The books that I looked at are targeted for grades PreK-2. I would say that this program is especially helpful for beginners and intermediate level learners. The goal of this program is to develop early literacy skills by focusing on phonological awareness, vocabulary acquisition, listening and reading skills. The way it works is by inserting a cartridge and a book in a "laptop" that has an electronic LeapPad pen attached to it. To begin, use the pen and touch the GO button in the page. You continue by following the instructions that you hear. These instructions come in 6 different languages, which is a very nice feature for the beginning level students. There is a lot of interaction going on as you start hearing the story. Each book that you insert has a vocabualy list at the end. These are the words being taught throughout the story. I use the word taught to describe the function of this program because that is what is nice it. It doesn't only read you a story. Each page includes vocabulary words with illustrations. Using the LeapPad pen, the instructions guide you to point at the illustrations or the words as you hear its pronunciation. The books are divided into several parts.Each part has more vocabulary, sentences, or it's a whole different story in itself. The last part of the books also includes an assessment activity. It checks for understanding by asking you questions that you answer by pointing at the picture. The books that aimed for intermediate or more advanced learners also give more complicated instructions. If you choose the instructions in English, this also helps in the development of the language. What I like about this software is that it gives you immediate feedback. It repeats the instructions if you are not doing it correctly. It also praises for good performance or asks you to try again if you make a mistake. Some additional accessories available are a battery charger and earphones. This is good if you want a student to use it while teaching others and with a battery charger, you can take use it anywhere like on a road trip if you are parent and own one of these, which I think is a great idea. This product is designed for one-to-one interaction, and having one of these at home could really help as a tutor. A potential drawback is that it doesn't give the teachers any feedback on student progress, but you can observe the students' interaction because you don't have to use the earphones. You can also buy the teacher manuals, which might include more ideas for assessment. I feel that this software is most appropriate for students who strugle the most because of the repetition and illustration that this software provides. For classroom usage, I can see another minor drawback of this software. That is the cost because ideally you want to have enough for all your students to use in the classroom. The good news is that this product meets the requirements for federal funding resources. If you would like more information, here is the website.
www.LeapFrogSchoolHouse.com

This is an interesting video that I found in YouTube. It's a song composed of many different languages. If you get a chance, read the comments added to the video. Everyone has an opinion in regards to what language is the best. It's pretty funny.

Quick Share

www.languageguide.org
This website is great for learning not just English but 10 other languages. There are over 20 choices to choose from as your native language and over 10 languages to learn. The wesite provides a pictorial vocabulary guide, which also includes the pronunciation of each word or phrase. The vocabulary is also sorted into different themes, such as animals, jobs, plants, and so on. Depending on the language you are learning, there are also grammar explanations and activities to read and do. Some even include readings at different levels that you can listen to and read at the same time. Overall it is pretty easy to use. I've had my students use this site before, and they love it. They even enjoy learning the vocabulary in the other languages not just in Spanish.

Maroma Hotel from the beach

Maroma Hotel from the beach
Originally uploaded by Opelika Album.

I found some pictures of Playa Maroma! This is where I went on my honeymoon nearly two years ago. It is a private resort near Cancun, Mexico. I can't wait to go back. It is one of the most relaxing and romantic places I have ever been. I guess I should post and share my photos too. I can't wait to go back.

Reading Post #10

I have used the Internet before to get lesson plan ideas, websites for webquests, to create rubrics, and to make worksheets such as puzzles.I have also found some articles of relevance to share with my students, such as why learning a second language is important.Egbert mentions a few interesting websites. I would like to use the "computer-assisted language learning" journal site and the "software reviews" site, since I plan on applying for a grant next year.The "free-esl materials" + teachers website sounds pretty cool too for lesson plan ideas on vocabulary acquisition.In our school we have to now have a working, up-to-date website where we must enter announcements, post assignents, weblinks, and so on.They are really trying to incorporate technology district-wide. Flickr as stated by Richardson can help learners interact, share and learn from each other in creative and interesting ways like capturing the daily lives of a community or a classroom. Classroom projects, student work, pictures of field trips, or presentations can be captured live and posted to share with others.It sounds like a fun idea to use Flickr. We just have to know the details, its potential, risks, check for appropriateness and quality of the content before bringing it into the classroom.

Software Evaluation #2-Rosetta Stone

Rosetta Stone Language learning Success by Fairfield Language Technologies
This software is designed for beginners, intermediate and advanced level learners. The goal of the program is to teach a second language, over twenty available, in the same manner we learned our first language. That is in context and not through translation. It consists of three units with up to twelve lessons in each.The lessons use real life pictures and videos in written and spoken text.It allows the learner to develop reading, listening, comprehension, writing, and speaking skills. It also has curriculum management and record-keeping capabilities of learner progress. Aside from the test section, the activities allow for the learner to make as many errors through a guided activity where it prompts you the correct answer if you make a mistake. This software is for one-to-one interaction with the computer. It helps the learner achieve his or her personal goal while learning language skills in a naturalistic approach. It also allows the learner to practice pronunciation since the voice activated feature allows them to compare their pronunciation to that of a native speaker. When practicing the writing skills, it looks for spelling, punctuation, capitalization, and syntax. It also highlights where the error is made when necessary. The narrative section found in unit 3 is clearly advanced. The stories are longer and you can even read or listen to history or grammar lessons. My favorite thing about this program is that the learning is done through context and that it guides you the correct answer. The photos are good examples too because they are real-life pictures. If I could change something about it, it would be to add a unit of culture, since you can't learn a new language without leaving the cultural perspective out. I also like that the the first unit or beginning level is manageable. I have found that the beginning level in other programs is pretty difficult or advanced for a new learner. I am also wondering if there are any teacher tools available, but I think that overall its a great software to use for ESL or EFL students.