5 Evaluation activity
In the following activity you will evaluate an app used for language learning.
Activity 2 Evaluating a resource
If you have a smartphone or tablet, download a free app that offers language-learning courses, such as Duolingo or busuu from your app store (or check for something else you like the look of under the Education > Learn a new language category in your app store). Spend 20–30 minutes trying out the different features it provides and then consider the questions below. If you do not have access to a smartphone or tablet or would rather evaluate another resource, perhaps one that you use regularly or a free resource you’ve found online, then do so.
Score a mark from 0 to 5 for each question, or N/A if the criterion is not applicable to your resource
Language learning: | Score (0 to 5 or N/A) |
---|---|
Name of the app | |
Reading: does the resource provide texts in the target language? | |
Listening: does the resource provide audio in the target language? | |
Writing: does the resource offer opportunities to write in the target language? | |
Speaking: does the resource offer opportunities to speak in the target language? | |
Vocabulary: does the resource offer specific activities for vocabulary acquisition? | |
Grammar: does the resource offer specific activities for grammar practice? | |
Pronunciation and intonation: does the resource offer specific activities for pronunciation and intonation? | |
Cultural information: does the resource include information about customs and traditions in the areas where the language is spoken? | |
Use of visual content: are images and videos stereotypical or stock images? Do they represent the diversity of the areas where the language is spoken? | |
Language varieties: does the resource include different regional or national varieties of the language? | |
Pedagogy: | |
Description: does the resource description match what the resource does? | |
Teaching: does the resource present, explain or model language or does it just test it? | |
Progress: does the resource allow the user to track progress or see previous attempts? | |
Scaffolding: do activities in the resource progress in difficulty in a way that supports the learner? | |
Feedback: does the resource provide feedback? Is it just right/wrong or meaningful explanations? | |
Quality of content: does the content have any errors/omissions? | |
Use of media: does the resource make use of sound, images and video in a meaningful way? | |
Differentiation: does the resource offer different levels depending on ability? Can these be accessed directly? | |
Engagement: does the resource keep the user interested or are activities repetitive? | |
User experience: | |
Interaction: does the resource allow users to interact with each other? | |
Interactivity: is engagement with the resource content active or passive? | |
Sharing: does the resource allow or encourage sharing content? | |
Badging: does the resource provide recognition that can be shared on social media? | |
Price: does the user need to pay to download the resource? Is there a trial version? | |
Registration: does the resource require the user to register? | |
Advertising: does the resource include pop-up ads? Are these distracting? | |
Technology issues: | |
Interface: is the interface clear and uncluttered? | |
Navigation: is the resource intuitive to navigate, with clear menus and options? | |
Instructions: does the resource offer instructions on how to use it? | |
Stability: does the resource freeze or crash? | |
Gamification: does the resource have game-like features to increase engagement? | |
Support: does the resource have a help section? | |
Offline work: does the resource require an internet connection to work? |
How did the resource score? Did going through the questions help you to think about what the resource offers and lacks? Spend 5 to 10 minutes writing a short reflection about how engaging with the questions may be useful or not when you next consider a resource.
Laura says:
One of the things I think is important when I choose an app is what criteria are the most important for me at the time, so which ones I will prioritise above others. For instance, the gamification aspect is fun, but the stability of the app is much more important.