Software Evaluation #1
Title of Software: Pronunciation Power
Producer: English Computerized Learning, Inc.
Target students: 4th grade to adults
Proficiency level: all level
Description:
Producer: English Computerized Learning, Inc.
Target students: 4th grade to adults
Proficiency level: all level
Description:
Pronunciation Power teaches pronunciation in 52 American English sounds. The most useful component of the program is the way it teaches the proper tongue and lip position.
This language program comes in two levels based on the students’ language abilities and knowledge. Pronunciation power 1 is geared for beginner to intermediate students.
The program is used by students to practice pronunciation. The program has 12 languages, and the students start with the language they are learning.
Once the language is chosen, students get to pick from 4 tabs: lessons, exercises/ activities, dictionary and games.
a. Under the lesson tab there are 18 vowel sounds and 41 consonants sounds, and 11 cluster sounds. The students chooses a vowel sound, for example (e) as in bet. The students have their headphones on and they get to listen to the sound at the same time a picture of a mouth is desplayed from a front view and a side view. This picture indicates the proper position of the mouth when making the (e) sound.
b. Under the exercise tab, keeping consistent with the same sound it provides 15 sample words with the same (e) sound. For example, you will have the word bet. If the students do not know what bet is, then they are able to click on the word and a picture pops up. This picture reflects the meaning of the word along with a sentence. The students can use context clues strategies.
c. The dictionary tab has a lesson of its own. This tab has 3 sub tabs, text, alphabet and sound. The text has options to choose from. The students can choose to find words that contain, start with, end with or exactly math a sound. The alphabet option has all 26 letters with their sounds and words with the proper letter. The sound option has words that contain, starts and end with the sound (e)
d. The program has also a game tab, however, at this time Northwest Vista College does not have the rights to it yet.
Practice pronunciation 2, is very similar to Practice pronunciation1 but is geared to intermediate and high level learners.
Evaluation:
Overall, this product is excellent. Is a great teaching tool. I will recommend it to all language learners. Remember it has 12 languages you can learn from. The students have the option to clarify the meaning of the new word with their language. This program is useful to the students, keeps their attention and students do not feel intimidated by it because they work at their own pace. Students use it with their headphones, and you can see them moving their mouth imitating the picture from the computer. Currently, I am working with cosmetics departments to get a donation of small mirrors. Students can make use of them by looking how they place their tongue and lips when pronouncing letters. This program has been helpful especially with the (s) and (th) sounds.
As a benefit with this program I have noticed an increase in their vocabulary such as proper pronunciation. This program uses the analytical approach. It contains many of written and audio texts. The program utilizes what the students know about language structure and with proper examples it improves their vocabulaty skills.
On the negative side students are not able to interact with each other, students are isolated with their headphones on the computer. What I do is assist them when I notice that they have been sitting on the computer for too long, I practice with them the sound of the words.
The program is used by students to practice pronunciation. The program has 12 languages, and the students start with the language they are learning.
Once the language is chosen, students get to pick from 4 tabs: lessons, exercises/ activities, dictionary and games.
a. Under the lesson tab there are 18 vowel sounds and 41 consonants sounds, and 11 cluster sounds. The students chooses a vowel sound, for example (e) as in bet. The students have their headphones on and they get to listen to the sound at the same time a picture of a mouth is desplayed from a front view and a side view. This picture indicates the proper position of the mouth when making the (e) sound.
b. Under the exercise tab, keeping consistent with the same sound it provides 15 sample words with the same (e) sound. For example, you will have the word bet. If the students do not know what bet is, then they are able to click on the word and a picture pops up. This picture reflects the meaning of the word along with a sentence. The students can use context clues strategies.
c. The dictionary tab has a lesson of its own. This tab has 3 sub tabs, text, alphabet and sound. The text has options to choose from. The students can choose to find words that contain, start with, end with or exactly math a sound. The alphabet option has all 26 letters with their sounds and words with the proper letter. The sound option has words that contain, starts and end with the sound (e)
d. The program has also a game tab, however, at this time Northwest Vista College does not have the rights to it yet.
Practice pronunciation 2, is very similar to Practice pronunciation1 but is geared to intermediate and high level learners.
Evaluation:
Overall, this product is excellent. Is a great teaching tool. I will recommend it to all language learners. Remember it has 12 languages you can learn from. The students have the option to clarify the meaning of the new word with their language. This program is useful to the students, keeps their attention and students do not feel intimidated by it because they work at their own pace. Students use it with their headphones, and you can see them moving their mouth imitating the picture from the computer. Currently, I am working with cosmetics departments to get a donation of small mirrors. Students can make use of them by looking how they place their tongue and lips when pronouncing letters. This program has been helpful especially with the (s) and (th) sounds.
As a benefit with this program I have noticed an increase in their vocabulary such as proper pronunciation. This program uses the analytical approach. It contains many of written and audio texts. The program utilizes what the students know about language structure and with proper examples it improves their vocabulaty skills.
On the negative side students are not able to interact with each other, students are isolated with their headphones on the computer. What I do is assist them when I notice that they have been sitting on the computer for too long, I practice with them the sound of the words.
Here is the link if you would like to take a look at it: http://www.englishelearning.com/en/pp1.html
1 comment:
Rosa,
I went to your blog to tell you what a WONDERFUL job you did in your presentations last night on Egbert and on the Quick Share. In addition, I found gold in your software commentary--Pronunciation Power. I have made it a favorite, and since I do a lot of articulation work (see my posting of today), it is a useful addition to my armamentarium! Thanks so much for the excellent and enthusiastic description, complete with examples from your work at NorthWest Vista. I know that your students must LOVE being in your class.
Carol
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