<Software Package> Recommended!
Eye Speak
“Eye Speak” is a software program with which students can practice English pronunciation. This software is incredibly beneficial for EFL/ESL learners because this software makes pronunciation practice very effective. Firstly, you hear the model speaking. Secondly, you speak the same sentence and record it. Thirdly, you receive feedback. The feedback is the best part of this software. The model speaking and your recorded speaking are digitalized and the data appear in a waveform. As a result, you can “see” the differences between the model speaking and your speaking.
The two data are also analysed in terms of pronunciation, pitch, timing, and loudness. The distinctively different parts are shown in segments respectively; therefore you can focus on practicing the parts repeatedly. Lastly, this software makes a portfolio for you and shows how you make progress.
This software has several positive aspects. The model speaking by a native English speaker can give learners good input. Learners can get enough feedback, possibly more than classroom teachers can do. They can speak English without hesitation if they work at home. The program promotes learner autonomy. As mentioned, this program’s feedback is excellent in its speed, quantity and quality. The guidance is clear enough for learners to practice independently. The contexts focus on the communicative approach; therefore, you can apply this practice in the real-world use and also you will become accustomed to listening to the English sentences. Strictly speaking, the contents of this software are far from interactive behaviour and do not include any productive or creative activities. Even though the sentences are not decontextualized, you may become bored from time to time. However, focus on the practice of pronunciation and gain confidence. In the classroom application, I would like students to test each other’s speaking. After enough practice, they can become good assessors too.
No comments:
Post a Comment