SPAN 696

Fall 1998

 Web Site Evaluation

Russell Nichols

Intermediate Spanish 107

"Siempre adelante" by Jorge H. Cubillos

http://www.udel.edu/cubillos/span107.html
            
 

Content Educational Value:

Activities include: (a) five simplified reading texts; (b) grammar review exercises for each chapter; (c) seven topics to write on after viewing visual cues; (d) connections to newspapers, magazines, and radio in Latin America and Spain; (e) e-mail connections to individuals; and (f) coordination with television programs.

The principle focus is reading fluency and written expression. However, other components (listening: television, and interactive communication: e-mail) are also considered.

Design Qualities:

Using the site is uncomplicated. The main menu is always on the screen; therefore, the home page is accessible from any exercise. The graphics and art serve a purpose and have good variety: the paintings go from Goya (1800) to Hal Marcus (1995). The art loads slowly, but that gives the viewer time to study the painting in segments as well as in whole.

Technical Qualities:

The site is easily accessible and open to everyone. All the segments work except the "Culture Tests". The grammar reviews require a CD-Rom.
 

Effective Communication Tools:

The e-mail component allows for interaction with users in other countries. The newspapers, radio, and TV allow for interaction between students and resources.
 
 

Spanish 506 - CAI

(Computer Assisted Instruction) for first semester students of Spanish by Faculty, University of Texas, at Austin

http://www.sp.utexas.edu/506/
 

Content Educational Value:

This first semester Spanish course has links to homework exercises, homework answer key, grammar structures, and answers for a supplement to the course. It does not have links to other locations, collaboration and discussion possibilities, nor is it a project-based learning experience. It is, in my opinion, simple straight forward, and uninspiring. It does, however, provide lots of repetitive exercises of various sorts.

Design Qualities:

Going from the home page to the desired material is easily enough done; however, getting back to the home page can involve multiple clicks. Some of the graphics appear to be free-hand drawings of amateur quality and arranged in a jumble.

Technical Qualities:

All the parts can be accessed except the "Spanish Oral Proficiency Passoffs". 

Effective Communication Tools:

There is no indication that any communication goes on except that between the user and his/her interaction with the material.