assignment #1...Website Evaluation

Mufida Ali Ghwela P48346
Website Evaluation for www.manythings.org
This website is described as a fun study site for learners of English as a Second Language (ESL), and as a Foreign Language (EFL). There are word games, puzzles, quizzes, and exercises to practice various grammar rules, vocabulary lists, and the writing of various sentence patterns. In addition, there are activities to investigate proverbs, slangs, and idioms. This site is unique in that offers visitors “listen and repeat” podcasts that teaches songs and tells jokes. In my point of view, the site’s title “Many Things” is appropriate, as visitors to this site are offered a wealth of information on the parts of the English language as well as various activities to promote learning. Actually, I glanced about four websites, but this website attractive me more because of its way in delivering the knowledge by using images and videos of how to pronounce different sounds in English.
The content is clearly defined on the home page as it focuses on the four skills of language; listening, speaking, reading and writing. In my opinion, the content of this site is accurate, good, useful and usable content, easy to navigate, as well as entertaining presentation of content. For example, the content of the Vocabulary section is not only accurate and complete, but is also well organized. For example, the “Beginner’s English Vocabulary Words Lists” are divided into the following categories: Body, Colors, Days of the Week, Months, Numbers 1-10 and Numbers 1-20. Users are instructed to study a set of words then choose a game. Instructions for games, puzzles and quizzes are described in simple terms and the content is tied to the vocabulary lists. The site does a great job of intertwining content and fun.
Crucially, multimedia elements are available in this site. The website makes exceptional use of technology to promote learning, as users can choose from a variety of activities to practice the English language. The site’s use of graphics, sounds, and animation is effective to reinforce learning. Familiar sounds are used to indicate correct and incorrect responses; a bell and buzz respectively. The graphics and animation work together to keep the user engaged in the learning process. To a large extent, the multimedia is interesting and relevant, for instance, the videos of pronunciation and minimal pairs. Also, feedback is given throughout the activity and is summarized at the end.
In terms of font and color, I can say that they are attractive and visible where the color is very simple and clear almost white. The home page is tidy and the front is visible, and the headlines are in bold font. Actually, it was a priceless, exciting and enjoyable experience for me. Absolutely, I would recommend this website to the students especially the beginners as it will be helpful and invaluable for their benefit.