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 has 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 point. 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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