English As A Second Language

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 Evaluation Scale (scale 0 = not applicable, 1= not recommended, 2 = fair, 3 = good and 4 = excellent) 

Description of Content

This review is based on a full version, single-user licensed copy of the software.  It came with a CD-ROM, an audio CD and the manual, which included current copies of the INS documentation and information for naturalization application. 

Navigation and Structure

After a very simple install of a few files, the program needs the CD-ROM to run.  The shortcut is found in Start\Programs\Educational Activities 2010\Citizenship.  The program window runs on a full screen with a centered area window of approximately 7x5 inches.  After the startup screen, the main menu allows navigation to the different lessons (14 totals).  The instructors can change the program options from doing written quizzes to recording the answers and saving the files to the hard drive.  It seemed very simple to use and follow.  Good knowledge of the English language is required.

Instructional Applications

The software along with the audio CD can be an excellent tool in helping applicants prepare for the citizenship exam.  An instructor can monitor and evaluate students’ progress through audio files or printed reports.  The CD can run on any player so the student can practice away from the classroom.

Additional Information

This program runs well on Windows 2000.

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 Evaluation Scale (scale 0 = not applicable, 1= not recommended, 2 = fair, 3 = good and 4 = excellent) 

Description of Content

The EASY, English Academic Success for You, ESL series meets the needs of the beginner ESL student in Middle and High School, Adult Education, Distance Learning and Family Literacy.  The 6 VHS videotape, or 6 interactive CD-ROM, Series has detailed lesson plans and many reproducible worksheets, tests, homework, quizzes and tests.  Also the videos incorporate a How to Use video in nine different languages:  Spanish, Korean, Cambodian, Hmong, Russian, Farsi, Mandarin, Vietnamese, and English.  The CD’s have audio prompts in the above (and other) languages.  The activities have been developed based on the California State ELD Standards.  Each lesson provides the following three things:  standards, proposed objectives, and necessary materials.

The VHS video series is recommended for “in-class, teacher-led instruction and for check-out for students to take home for family literacy.”  The CD-ROM version is recommended for “supplemental practice for students in self-paced mode in a classroom or computer lab.”  An important feature of the CD is the interactive speak-listen-compare practice.

Navigation and Structure

The EASY program consists of six units:  The Basics, Interactions, Feelings, At School, At Home, and The Time.  Each unit reinforces the grammar and other instructional objectives in previous units.  Instruction ranges from basic phonics to conjugating present tense verbs.  (See www.easyeld.com for a more comprehensive scope and sequence chart.)  The lesson plan scripts are divided into three segments:  instruction, story, and practice.

Instructional Applications

In many classrooms today in rural states, ESL students are unable to attend class at a specified time because they have to work.  Trying to teach beginning ESL students as they are integrated into ABE classes can be frustrating for an instructor.  Therefore, the EASY CD’s will provide an excellent opportunity for these students to participate in valuable learning.  The videos are also great tools for students to check out for reinforcement practice.  Of course, if there is an opportunity for active teaching, the videos are a great source.  Students will make much faster progress in this manner.  Overall, teachers will find the EASY system to be very valuable because they can teach both individually and in small groups.

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Evaluation Scale (scale 0 = not applicable, 1= not recommended, 2 = fair, 3 = good and 4 = excellent)

Description of Content

This website has materials for teaching and learning the English language.  The materials are aimed at ESL teachers and students and it appears to provide adequate information for all levels, although the site is geared towards higher-level ESOL students the Adult Basic Education serve.

Navigation and Structure

It is easy to navigate.  

Instructional Applications

This site is a good resource for instructors who are new to teaching English grammar to ESL students.  It could also be used for low-level ABE students who are unfamiliar with the conventions of the English language.  

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Evaluation Scale (scale 0 = not applicable, 1= not recommended, 2 = fair, 3 = good and 4 = excellent) 

 Description of Content

The site provides an objective for each lesson, spoken vocabulary with tests and answer key available, streaming video with text available and questions and answers about the video, language activities, and life skill applications followed by a final assessment.  There are five stories with four episodes for each – a total of 20 categories supplemented by several activities.  Written directions may be read in Spanish.  Stories cover the areas of employment, family, taxes, parenting, and accessing learning opportunities.

Navigation and Structure

Access is very easy.  A teacher just completes a registration process and then shows the student how to access the site – log in and log out!

Instructional Applications

This is a terrific site for ESL students to practice their listening skills in a real world experience.  Students will be thrilled with the opportunity to listen to vocabulary and text while at the same time reading it.  This reviewer highly recommends this site not only for all types of ESL programs but also for low-level readers.  

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Evaluation Scale (scale 0 = not applicable, 1= not recommended, 2 = fair, 3 = good and 4 = excellent)