Task 3 is here =)

1. Why do you think evaluation of CALL courseware, websites, materials etc important?

I do think that it is important because it helps teachers to have better understanding on the subject matter that they are going to teach to the students, deeper beyond their surface assumptions. The analogy would be same with the process of passsengers going through custom checkpoint at the airport and get their approval to board the flight. Teachers should take into consideration of several aspects before deciding which CALL courseware, websites or materials to be introduced to the students such as age factor, level of cognitive capability as well as its attractiveness. Therefore, doing evaluation beforehand avoids teachers to feel intimidated with the learning activities that they give to the students later on.

2. How do you think Hot Potatoes JCloze may help your students learn English?

Technology sometimes does wonder to mankind, including in the educational field. By having Hot Potatoes JCloze as a new interesting gateway of learning English, it is hoped that students will put more interest in learning this particular language than learning it through traditional way. Focusing on the grammatical aspect that is the pillar of effective English communication, it is a good way to use JCloze as a mean to teach grammar by asking the students to do the JCloze activities prepared early on rather than asking them to complete the activity sheets or copying questions from the whiteboard which are time consuming. Besides, this teaching tool also helps to arouse students' interest when teachers are able to create an activity that is attractive to the students with colourful backgrounds, pictures and fonts so that it would please them to appreciate the knowledge conveyed. Most importantly, the students can receive the feedbacks as soon as they answer the questions on the JCloze activity and this is why Hot Potatoes is so hot that should be given two thumbs up!!