Problem
Students who study Spanish reading, writing, and grammar must first learn the
infinitive form of verbs, and then learn how they are conjugated
depending
on
the person
or thing being discussed or spoken to. These verb tenses follow
several different rules depending on the type of verb, and
some verbs do not follow rules and instead are "irregular." The differences in the various types of verbs makes learning them challenging.
This
project introduces the learner to basic Spanish irregular
verbs, the different types of verbs, and the rules of conjugating
them in the present indicative tense. My goal was to create
a simple online program to show how verbs are conjugated,
with
a self-quiz to help learners reinforce their knowledge.
Background
The intended audience for the project is college students studying beginning
Spanish, or learners in an online Spanish course.
The program
is designed to be viewed online using a browser. There are
no conditions of use, rules, or regulations. Constraints
for the learner would include the need for them to have basic
computer skills, and a computer available with the ability
to access the Internet.
Method
I designed this Web site using Fireworks to create the banner and
rollover buttons. The page was exported to HTML with slices
for the buttons and banner, and then opened in Dreamweaver
to add the content. Layers were added to create areas of the
screen that open and close on each page as the user clicks
links for the various options. The use of rollovers, and the
openable and closeable layer areas provide interactivity to
better engage the learner.
To help with navigation, back and
next buttons are included on the screens, and the menu appears
on all pages.
A self-quiz was added to the
last screen for the learner to check
their
knowlege of the topic. The quiz uses layers to
allow the learner to click on one of the answers, and see
feedback about whether their answer was correct or incorrect.
Hints
were provided in the incorrect answer layers to help the
user understand why their choice was incorrect.
I incorprated a friendly avatar, the dog (a photo of a family member's puppy),
who I planned to "speak" when the correct answer was clicked on the quiz.
The inclusion of
text, images, and interactivity helps to make the program
more engaging for the user. The graphics and colors
were chosen to make the program more appealing and the topic
more enjoyable for the learner.
Activities
In this project I created a simple program about the basics
of conjugating verbs in Spanish. I accomplished my goal of
creating a multimedia program that incorporated the elements
I wanted to include: text, images, and interactivity. I feel
that these elements make the program more usable to the learner,
and help to engage the learner's interest.
Evaluation
I feel that the program would be valuable as an introduction to Spanish verbs,
and could be expanded to include additional screens with more
verbs than the examples shown in the program. It could be used
as an informational link on a Spanish learning Web site, or
as an activity in a Spanish class.
Reflection
The Spanish Verb Conjugation program was fun to create and
I am happy with the results. I struggled a bit with learning
how to use layers, and need to revisit that to check the
style sheet. I hope to update and build on it at a later
date when I have more
time
to
devote
to
it
(and
when
my language
skills have improved).
In creating the program, I was able to improve
my skills in Dreamweaver and Fireworks, and in creating
an online quiz.
As I worked with the material I improved my Spanish skills
at the same time.
My next step might be to expand the program
and quiz to include more verbs, as the sample of verbs
I incorporated is very
small compared to the number of verbs that beginning Spanish
students are required to learn. |
