REFLECTION 5

Reflection on presentation week 3 (Group 10-12)

During week 3 of the semester, class of ENGL 4740 continues with the presentation by Group 10, Group 11 and Group 12. For Group 10, they successfully presented on Speakapps software which is the technology, service, and content provides online solutions for the teaching and practice of speaking skills. It contains many features such as Tandem; content management system that focuses in speaking interactions, Landblog; blog with video and audio functionality which is embedded into a virtual classroom, Video chat; a video conference that can supports up to six participants using audio and video, and Open Educational Resources (OER); a site to save and access oral production and speaking interaction task. All of these features can be access for free with high-speed internet connection. However, there are some limitations such as for Tandem, it is limited for two participants only which make the lesson less interactive and Open Educational Resources (OER), the contents are uncoordinated which led to an unspecified level of speaking.

For Group 12, they had chosen Write The World website in order to help learners’ writing skill. This website specifically focuses to enhance writing and critical thinking skills of high school students. Some of the impressive features provided by the website are writing competition, writing prompts and private group that can be created by the teacher. The website also offers fascinating topics for the learners that can help in enhancing their writing ability such as flash narrative, poem, short story, interview, reflection and free writing. Besides, students can upload their writing prompts and ask for their works to be reviewed and unleash their inner critic. However, writing prompts cannot be categorized according to the level of study. All in all, Write The World website is a good medium for younger writers to show and express their talents in writing and also helps in improving their thinking skills as well.

We believed all presentations have their own strengths and weaknesses, however, in our opinion the most suitable language learning site for English learners is British Council Learn English Teens website presented brilliantly by Group 11 because it is very comprehensive as it provides exercises and practices for every skill; listening, writing, reading and speaking for all learners from different level. Apart from that, this website offers a lot of amazing features that can help learners in improving their English, such as interactive videos, music, literature, books, film, games and interactive activities. All of this features can be use for free to ensure learners to fully enjoy their experience in learning and using the website. In addition, the website also provides courses that are taught by English language experts from British Council. The unique criteria of this website are highlighted by the interface; graphics and multimedia. It uses a well-designed graphic to enhance the learning process. Furthermore, the background of the website page is clear and pleasing to read. Besides, it also applies three CALL approach which are behaviorist, integrative, as well as communicative approach. For example, the website is applying behaviorist approach as it gives corrective feedback to learners and also offers problem-solving task that related to the communicative approach. Last but not least, this website also applies integrative approach as this website is used as a tool to connect with people through social media such as Facebook, Twitter, and Gmail. Thus, this website is very practical and user-friendly which definitely suitable to be used by students in order to enhance their knowledge and skills in the English language.