Learning Edge ESL Web site
Introduction
The Learning Edge
(Evaluated by Brian Rahn) is a pilot program funded by the Canadian government as a way to promote English literacy. The site is designed as a newspaper with each article representing a lesson. In keeping with the newspaper metaphor, the main page is the current issue and several back issues are available through the site.
Navigation
From the front page on, every page on the site includes audio content to help maneuver through the site. Help is generally narrated text with each sentence highlighted in blue as the narrator reads it.
The lessons take a variety of forms. Some are pure text which is highlighted as it is read. Most allow the user to choose either an animated cartoon or a page of text. A select few offer a cartoon with the text overlaid and highlighted as it is read. They all cover practical topics in simple, approachable English.
Content
Each lesson includes at least one Learning Activity for the user to explore after the article. Most include vocabulary building, comprehension testing, and free-form writing. Naturally, even the test questions are narrated and highlighted. Since the articles cover practical topics, some include additional content, such as recipes and safety tips.
The Learning Edge offers a fully interactive, friendly environment to learn basic English. The primary detractor is that, while the site offers several different lesson formats, the front page does not indicate which format and Learning Activities each lesson will use. Users that wish to stick with one format may find that frustrating. In addition, the site's instructions are only available in English, so the site is not appropriate for learning the most rudimentary English.
Summary
I sincerely hope Canada elects to continue this project. The site is a powerful, comprehensive introduction to English. The practical topics also make it suitable for autistic adults which may have trouble with activities outside their day-to-day routine.
Rating
I give this site 4 out of 5 spinning plates.
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