Website Evaluation #3 - Don Quijote
Software/Website Title:Don Quijote
Website URL:
www.donquijote.org
Grade/Age Level:
Any grade level but I think it is most useful for beginning learners, intermediate learners, and teachers of Spanish.
Language & Content:
The intended purpose of the website is to provide resources and opportunities for Spanish Language learners. It also provides members a network of other people who are teaching or learning Spanish as well and makes communication accessible and easy to do. The content of this website is very diverse. First, there is a lot of information about studying abroad through the Don Quijote schools. These schools offer classes at any level in many locations all around Spain. The courses can be from 1 week to a semester. Second, this website offers a “Teacher’s Corner”, which is essentially a blog where teachers can meet and discuss issues/concerns/successes with other teachers. Third, this website provides a list of resources for language learners. These include: PALABRA DEL DÍA SPANISH LESSONS VERB CONJUGATOR SPANISH ALPHABET COMMON ERRORS SPANISH NUMBERS DICTIONARY TEST YOUR LEVEL LITERATURE SPANISH LOVE FRIENDSHIP SPANISH GAMES SPANISH MEDIA SPANISH LYRICS POPULAR SAYINGS JOKES IN SPANISH
WAP TRANSLATOR and the NEWS! Finally, there is an entire section dedicated to the culture of Spain. There is much more on the website but these are the main attractions.
The external documents that the website includes are resources about tourism in Spain and other activities/events that are happening in Spain currently. Also, this website has dictionary links and other external resources that are useful for the Spanish Language learner.
This website is interesting because it offers a variety of activities and attractions for both the learner and the teacher. I think that the “teacher’s corner” is a great way to get teachers together. Also, learners can search and find the news, grammar, and jokes all in Spanish at the same website.
This website is useful for the acquisition of Spanish through travel, study abroad, networking, and resources found on the site. It offers practice for grammar and vocabulary through lessons and activities (games, etc.) It also offers a “test your level” section which tests your Spanish abilities and rates you accordingly. Finally, this website offers assessment in the form of peer review/help through blogs and networks.
This website is very easy to use and because there is so much information you are always coming across something new. The tabs on the left hand side of the website are self-explanatory and the entire website is filled with pictures and auditory sound bites to help you out. The strengths of this software are that there is so much content that you can find really useful information and practice for mostly any learner or teacher. This can also be a weakness if you are not used to searching sites or technology. However, there is so much useful content at www.donquijote.org that I believe it is more of a strength than a weakness. Also, although you have to sign up to be member to use most of the resources, membership is free and it only takes a minute to sign up. Plus once you have your membership you instantly are connected to an entire network of students and teachers that are all interested in learning/teaching Spanish. The “network” aspect of this site is very cool. This software can be improved by adding lessons/content that is geared to higher-level Spanish learners. As of now many of the resources are at or below the intermediate level. I would like to see some more advanced literature, grammar, and dialogue for higher-level speakers.
Overall, Don Quijote has a lot to offer a Spanish language learner and is filled with many wonderful resources.
posted by Christine Parker @ 9:55 PM
4 Comments:
I always enjoy resources like the "teachers corner". It gives the users a connection not only with the perspective of the site creator, but others like themselves from around the world.
Looks like it's got a lot of good stuff. You kind of gloss over weaknesses though. While it may be a great resource, I have to assume that there are some weakness (though I may be wrong). Are the activities wonder? Do they need to be supplemented? What about interaction. If it exists, how could it be made better?
Dan
Dan-
Yes there are weaknesses with this site. I mentioned that I would like to see some higher level material because many of their lessons or activities are very simplistic and geared toward the beginning learner. I am not sure what you mean by "are the activities wonder" but if you mean "wonderful", they are decent. Nothing too spectacular and could definitely be supplemented. I do not think this site is a one stop shop but it does offer some good information and is quickly accessible. The interaction between teachers is fine, I like it and the forum doesn't overwhelm me as with Tapped In. However, that is my personal preference and I am sure others would find the interaction too minimal for their taste. Have no fear...I am still on the hunt for a great complete resource but unfortunately there are always certain pieces that could be improved on every site. Maybe one day I will create the perfect one:-) But don't hold your breathe.
Oops, sorry for the typo. That must have been "wonderful", but I really can't remember now :)
I don't even recommend that you look for a one-stop-shop because it doesn't exist. When it does....we'll be out of work :) The best you can really hope for it to string together resources that suit your instructional needs. This isn't too much different that those huge boxes of activities that my teachers collected over the years. I suppose we have just reduced the storage space necessary with technology.
Dan
Post a Comment
Links to this post:
Create a Link
<< Home