Ten Point Evaluation of Software

 

1) What is the name of the software?

 Software/Website Title: “English Listening”

Website URL: Android (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=vn.scdgroup.bbclearningenglish&hl=en)

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2) What is the intended purpose of the software or website?
  The ‘English Listening” app is designed for English language learners (ELLs), for beginning, intermediate and advanced levels.

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3) What is the content of the software or website and how is it presented?

  The app mainly divides the content into three sections: beginner level, intermediate level, and advanced level.  Under each level there are four or five subcategories, related to language skills like listening and conversation, reading, grammar and pronunciation.

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4) What external documents (some guides) does the software or website include? Are they effective?

 Two main things include: a chat link to practice English with other students and native speakers.  And a link to other apps.  I think both features are very effective and will encourage the ELLs to participate more actively in learning English.

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5) In what ways is the software or website interesting to the target audience?

  I think the variety of programs and the authentic conversation should prove interesting to any ELL.  There are stories, real news stories, headline news, and drama among other things.

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6) For what language goal(s) is this software or website useful/effective?

  The app focuses on listening and conversation.  But I believe it goes much beyond that.  I think they added new features later on to make the app more encompassing.  New features include grammar, pronunciation, and quizzes. 

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7) How can teacher use this program or website to offer practice to students? Assessment? Feedback? Of what kinds? (give examples)

  I think the teacher can benefit greatly from this app in many ways.  The grammar section can prove interesting to some students.  The conversation section can be used in class to improve students’ comprehension and speaking skills.  The students can be encouraged to use the vocabulary in their writing.  And finally, the built-in dictionary can be used for other new words.

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8) Is this software or website easy to use? (i.e., navigation, layout, etc.)

  Yes, the drop-down menu is attached to every page.  And it is easy to get back to the main page.  Besides, the categories are clearly divided and well-organized. 

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9) What are the strengths of this software or website?

Three distinguishing features: this app is interactive, it engages the ELL and keeps him involved; it is fun to use, having a variety of programs and different tools; and it is authentic, presenting real life situation and genuine conversation.

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10) How can this software or website be improved?

  I think this app is worth five star rating.  However, I think a section for videos would be an added feature for some learners who are used to audio-visual learning.  Another area improvement is the grammar section, which seems to be brief and just focuses on the grammar rule.  There should be more examples and more explanations in this section.