Software/Website Evaluation #3


Website Title: Primary French

Website URL: http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/primaryfrench/

Grade/Age Level: Elementary School age; 5-12yrs.

Language & Content: French

1) What is the intended purpose of the website?

To teach French to speakers of English in the elementary school age-group. The website informs that the ‘Primary French website is a pilot project.’ It invites users to email feedback ‘to inform development of subsequent language resources.’

2) What is the content of the website and how is it presented?

Primary French is a well designed, highly interactive Beginners French website. The homepage is laid out in English with links to the topics and external documents, but once the program begins, all lessons are in French. The user can opt for a flash (animated) version or a non-animated version. The flash option loads quickly and even while it loads a cartoon-imaged ‘punk’ kid rides expertly up and down the screen window on his skateboard. Primary French has the feel of a software program. It consists of 2 graded levels - Level 1 and Level 2 of French in authentic situation in conversation mode.

Topics include greeting people, counting, my family, my pets, and What’s your name? Each topic or lesson is composed of a suite of 5 reinforcements. The first sequence is based on careful, oral enunciation of lesson elements; the second lays out the material enunciated in written form; the third encapsulates the material in pop song or rap rhythms, incorporating a variety of True-False question formats; the fourth sequence builds on the basic material ‘en France,’ taking the learner to extended situations, in which the element is practiced with wider community interaction; the fifth sequence invites the learner to print a worksheet and practice the lesson elements.

3) What external documents does the website include? Are they effective?

External documents on the website include teachers’ and parents’ pages on the use of the materials; BBC pages replete with resources in a variety of formats and media for teachers, parents, and children. These include educational language games, in various subjects for different age groups. The mix of external documents is very effective in that parents and teachers can link to a multiplicity of pages on which they can get detailed and comprehensive information on various aspects of elementary and secondary British schooling and on syllabuses.

Children can find numerous interactive edutainment sites, where they can play games supportive of school study, e.g. the Sandcastle quiz on phonemes. Some materials capitalize on topical events, e.g. the Final Countdown, which is a game built around the recently concluded World Cup.

4) In what ways is the website interesting to the target audience?

The website is likely to have high appeal to its target audience of mid-to-upper primary schoolers, because it is not 'starchy.' Prior to the start of the game children are introduced to trendily-dressed, 11 year-old Roller and his ‘gang’ or ‘mates.’ Roller is likely to appeal because he is cast in the image of a performing pop or rap artiste.

As an interactive performer, microphone in hand, he leads some of the True-False assessments. There is also a multi-ethnic, inclusive feel. For example, in sequences such as My Family, the cartoon figures come in different complexions. There is much interaction, especially in the catchy tunes and the invitation to perform and sing-a-long.

5) For what language goal(s) is this website useful/effective?

The website caters both for independent use by a student at home, or for classroom use. The parents and teachers pages contain comprehensive guidelines for getting the most out of the website. For instance, the following is a suggested use for teachers:

With an interactive whiteboard:
By using an interactive whiteboard you can both teach the language and demonstrate to the class how to use the website independently. Work through the sections with the class, encouraging maximum participation in repeating the language and joining in the song.

The language goal is formal French, although the material itself is mainly conversational French.

6) Does the website offer practice? Assessment? Feedback? Of what kinds?

The website offers copious practice in oral, aural, and written modes, in interesting, iterative formats. Additionally, the sidebar of the site offers the components of the lesson, such as the songs and worksheet, for print and use separately. Assessment is built into the lessons themselves in the quizzes and interactive games.

Although the assessment is a Thumbs up from Roller, True/False, and Oui/Non, it requires good listening skills, attention to oral and written French expression, and critical judgment. The user cannot move on if the answer is incorrect. However, only three choices are offered, one of which is correct. There are no penalties for wrong answers, but assessment is supported by revision, in that the user can opt to do the lesson Encore.

7) Is this website easy to use? (i.e., navigation, layout, etc.)

The website is easy to use. An external document informs that the game allows for the computer screen to be adapted for children with vision disabilities and dyslexia. According to site information, Primary French operates under a partnership between bbc.co.uk and AbilityNet toward this end. Even outside of this, the website is very easy to use. Its instructions are in English and movement requires just a click of the mouse on forward and backward arrows.

Its user-friendly, interactive, and iterative features make it seem more like a software program. Its animation, applause, and curtain fall at the end of sequences give it the semblance of a live performance. Additionally, the choice of characters and the pop music effects are likely to involve youngsters in the lives of the characters.

8) What are the strengths of this website?

Strengths include: the material is authentic; its interactive and well-chosen youth characters can be a motivational; its external links provide a wealth of resources; it is totally in French; revision is built into the lesson. Additionally, the website provides good iterative reinforcement in oral, aural, written and song formats.

9) How can this website be improved?

No suggested improvement I would like to make. This website is well-crafted both in terms of content and affective appeal. It brings together parent, teacher and child. Its language philosophy is laudable in that it promotes language in use, yet it does not sacrifice content.