Randall's
ESL cyber listening lab
is a commercial site that supposed to enhance and support learning
listening skill. The site is divided into three columns. The first
column consists of advertisement related language learning, culture
videos, website information, teacher resources and Randall’s pick
for language learning from Amazon. The second column has the
contents. On the top, some of the sites designed by the same author
are mentioned. After that we find the content which mostly is
mostly listening materials. These materials are divided into
six sections, General listening quizzes, basic listening
quizzes, listening quizzes for academic purposes, 20 minutes -
vocabulary lessons, language learning and life tips, long
conversation with real video. The last column has an instruction to
use this site. This website is designed by Randall Davis . He
provides his E-mail , twitter account and facebook page so people can
contact with him if they need .
The
purpose of Randall’s ESL site is to enhance English listening skill
for any level of difficulties and communication skill. The site
contains what we expected to enhance the listening skill. It provides
different types of listening activities like conversations, listening
quizzes, etc. according to the level of students and deals with
functional language skills and everyday life situations and topic.
Also, the site has vocabulary lessons and activities which help the
learners in preparation for the listening activities. So the purpose
of the site is clear and the contents reflect its purpose. Moreover,
the site provides useful links to other website. Randall’s ESL site
contents expand the experience of the user, but it does not promote
any social biases to gender, race, religion, etc. The site
offers an advertisement that does not overshadow the content and
distract or annoy the learners.
The
design of this website is good but not great. At the right side there
is some white space that could be exploited in a better way. The
colors used are mostly light mauve and yellow. It gives the
impression that this website is not professional but when you go
through the content you find it is really good. The text is easy to
read but not to everyone. Some people will be distracted because of
the colors. The page does open in a reasonable way without problems.
The design elements of the site don’t hinder the accessibility of
the site. Students and teachers can use the website for free
with no login requirement.
The
content is easy to use. It is easy to access even for those who are
hearing impaired. The website has enough information to make
visiting useful and informative. The voice in audio records
is very clear and each lesson have activities such
as pre-listening, listening exercise, vocabulary and post-
listening. Also, in each lesson it is clarified the learners'
level, topic, and type of audio record, speakers, and length. Readers
can easily download the audio and there is a written form for the
audio. There are a lot of links for Randall's other websites. It is
clear and easy for learners to move from one website to another. In
addition, Spelling and grammar are correct . Also,
we can navigate from page to related page easily without becoming
lost. .. This website has a strong points. It is recommended for
young and older adult use. It can be used at easy, medium, and
difficult levels for beginner, intermediate, and advanced users. The
material of this site are current and accurate .
The
site grade level is appropriate to be used in the language classroom
for example teachers ask their students to complete certain exercises
as classroom activities. The site is also ideal for Learner autonomy
where learners engage in the listening activities on their own. The
content is attractive for learners since it covers everyday life
situation and topics of their needs.
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