http://www.manythings.org/vocabulary/
The website provides beginner level ESL learners with fun and interactive exercises that promote vocabulary development and practice. Students have the opportunity to choose from a wide variety of vocabulary lists of words and practice with different types of fun word games, puzzles and quizzes. The activities presented in the website do not require an extensive experience with online learning and could easily be used by learners who have minimum experience or exposure to technology.
I am concerned, however, about the complete absense of the sound effect in many of the activities. I am not sure to what extent vocabulary words can be taught only by the presenation of their spelling and with no reference to pronunciation. Moreover, is the interaction with a computer enough for vocabulary practice? Could students learn how to negotiate and apply meaning in the appropriate context on the basis of no other interaction except of this of student/computer?
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Very interesting questions Maria! I cannot agree more with you that it is important to have this audio option in vocabulary CALL tools which can also reinforce students' pronunciation skills.
ReplyDeleteAs far as context is concerned, I think it's the teacher's role to design a writing activity in which students can practice the vocabulary learned.
I think the lists of vocabulary words provide a measure of scaffolding- vocab is learned in shorter or longer lists, depending on the level of the learner, and vocab is learned in logical groups, such as parts of the body, weather, colors, etc.
ReplyDeleteI do agree with you as well, Maria, that lack of audio could prevent long term acquisition of the words in terms of proper pronunciation. In fact, lack of audio could lead to some long term fossilizing of mispronunciation. Also, many of the games seem to disguise fill-and-drill activities, which encourage proper spelling, but not necessarily proper contextual use of the words.
Also, you are right- there is not much learner collaberation or negotiation of meaning, which also impedes long-term acquisition.
This sight seems to be a good way to introduce vocabulary, and promote sight acquisition, but more is needed for pronunciation, contextual use, and long term acquisition.
I don't think audio is a serious issue. There are a number of sites that provided guides to pronunciation and audio clips that are always just a click away on the new. I think Kristen's point that many of these activities are old school drills with bells and whistles is a valid one.
ReplyDeleteI like this website because there is so much variety, but I definitely agree that it would be better if there was sound. Sure, they could probably find the pronunciation somewhere else, but I think the more accessible you can make something, the better. Students don't always want to go out of their way to learn.
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