TASK 1: Website Evaluation

Assalamualaikum, hello, hi

For today entry, I will write about an English learning website. And the lucky website is englisch-hilfen.de learning English online http://www.englisch-hilfen.de/en/english_lessons.htm

1.    1.   This website is to teach English for second language learners. This website is originated from Germany, thus it is ran by non-native speaker administer. Although overall, this website is to teach English but it focusing on teaching grammar, specifically and vocabulary. It has special links for explanation and exercise for grammar and vocabulary. For grammar and vocabulary, the exercises are filling in the blank, it’s either writing a full sentence, a world or placing the answers in the correct categories, and choose or tick the correct answers. Other than just grammar and vocabulary, this website also provides with a section for exercise, which further divided according to level of proficiency. For the exercise section, there are many other ways used to test the learner. Games such as ‘Hang-a-man’, crossword puzzles and others are used. This is a good way for exercises as by using games, learners will not be demotivated or afraid of making mistakes, instead this makes the learners feel comfortable and enjoy the learning process. Learners can receive immediate feedback on the exercise. Some answers are also provided with further explanation. Exercises levels are differentiated using the number of years of using English. I don’t agree with level of proficiency is defined according to the number of years one learns the language. There might be some gifted learners who learn and improve themselves faster than the other. However, learner can define themselves and choose the appropriate level of exercises for them to try.

2.   2. This website is free for anyone to use. There is no registration needed, whether for learning, trying the exercises or downloading worksheets for teachers and students. I consider this website as very friendly user and helpful. The interface is simple and easy to understand.

3.    3.  For teaching grammar, I believe it is a universal way of using table to illustrate and explain how the rules work. Just like in my English classes, reference books or any other English grammar website, englisch-hilfen.de also uses table in explaining grammar rules. In teaching vocabulary, this website uses topic in which are universal and could easily be familiar to the learning. I did encounter this method when I was in my secondary school. Teacher used topics which we were familiar with, and triggered us to come up with more words or vocabulary that were related to that particular topic. The games as exercises are brilliant. During my microteaching and also practicum, I did use games for my teaching. Crossword puzzles and ‘Hang-a-man’ were the same games that I used. Although using technology is more fun than just using mah-jong paper and whiteboard. This website uses the simple and easy ways in teaching English, as well as making the learning process fun.

4.     4.  I don’t think none of the exercises from this website, can’t be done in normal classroom setting by using only books and whiteboard. The basic, simple way of testing, using fill in the blank. ‘Hang-a-man’ or crossword puzzle, these methods have been conducted before in class. Maybe the use of multimedia and technology are what makes this website more interesting. Instead of bringing and using many books and a dictionary, this website provides link for exercises and even digital dictionary.

5.    5.  I believe this website practices the traditional teaching method, where teaching grammar is more important. Grammar is viewed as the most important aspect in learning English language. Grammar explanation and grammar exercises links are place on top of the website. Drilling is used by this website in teaching grammar and vocabularies. There are tons of exercises and test for the learners to use. The exercises are further divided according to appropriate level. Thus, giving the leaners vast chance in testing their knowledge, comprehension and understanding.

6.    6.  The interface is user friendly, as the links are place at the suitable places. To me, the font style and size are also suitable. There is no broken link (updated until the day I posted this post).  Each lesson is conducted properly, as it starts with text related to the topic, explanation, grammar explanation and exercises. Furthermore, learners can receive immediate feedback to their answers. Although this website is a bit traditional, information wise, it helps a lot. However, I would suggest the admin to improve the layout as well as integrating other interactive learning style, such as using video.

7.   7. I would use this website for exercise but not as the main place to learn English. As I said before, englisch-hilfen.de focusing more on grammar and there are many other aspects which are also important. The exercises and tests provided are great as they are properly selected and categorised according to level. As for the level, I find it is hard to define one competency based on how many years of learning the language. Hence, this is another reason my I’m not using this website as the main place to learn English.  

this is only from my perspective. it might be different than you. so, click on the website and try for yourselves.

p/s: many ways to learn

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