APPLICATION REVİEW-BBC LEARNING ENGLISH

ABSTRACT Learning a foreign language has become easier and more accessible with the help of developments in technology, especially the progress in smartphones. People who are eager to learn a foreign language or a second language don’t have to attend classrooms physically anymore. Particularly in pandemic times, a variety of technological devices, materials and contents compatible with these devices have been developed. Apps in smartphones present many rich materials to the learners or users. This paper includes the analysis of language learning application (BBC Learning English App) which is categorized under four headings. (Technology, Pedagogy, User Experience and Language Learning). (Aguilar, 2017, 253) Keywords: app, language learning, technology, pedagogy INTRODUCTION There have been great improvements in smart phones in recent years. They have larger screens-size, high quality audio, extended storage, enhanced text-entry, faster connectivity etc. With these developments, a lot of apps. can be downloaded for free and be used anywhere. In this study, BBC Learning English Application is analysed under four headings. Evaluation of BBC Learning English App. 1. Language Learning The app presents some language skills for users. One of them is the “reading” section. Reading texts are lined up as “learn with the news, learn with drama, business English and everyday English. ” Learners or users can choose any topics relevant to their levels and interests. For instance, in “learn with the news” section users can both read the news around the world and learn the new vocabularies. Young learners who find the news boring can find magazine contents. Figure 1: Screenshots of the app However, exercises that check the learners’ understandings about the texts seem to be insufficient. On the contrary the website of the app that has plentiful activities, there is only quiz part. For children, there are stories which are animated in drama part. Children can read the transcript firstly and then watch the animation. Drama section is formed as series so that durability can be achieved for users. Besides, there is a part for teachers that includes tips how to make reading parts more enjoyable. The app offers audio programs of reading texts, the news, grammar parts etc. Furthermore, learners can download these audio materials and listen whenever or wherever they want. To exemplify this, in “learn with drama”, children can watch or listen to each part without utilizing the text supports. After listening, users may take the quizzes to check their knowledge. Unfortunately, it can be criticised that in the app there aren’t any contents related to writing or speaking skills. While acquaring a new language, skills, especially speaking, are important. That can be a big disadvantage for users who want to specialise in communication in the target language. When presenting a vocabulary, 6 minute listening parts and the transcript of these parts are offered to the learners. Each day, a topic is discussed which includes the new words. In audios, explicit learning( the meaning of the words is given directly) stands out. The speaker talks about a topic and explains the important words and their forms in the target language. Explanations are supported with the examples. Users are required to be intermediate level. They can use the quizzes at the end of these sections. The app does not provide any other activities to practice the vocabularies interactively. Grammar teaching is another learning tool. The grammar is taught as 2- 6 minute English videos in different levels. However, users can not choose their levels that is one of the disadvantages of the app. For example, the topic “conjuntions” are introduced in upper-intermediate level. On the other hand, “verb patterns” are intrudeced in lower intermediate level. Thus, it can be said that users/learners are expected to reach at least lower intermediate level to use the app. Learner can both watch and study the grammatical forms. In teaching, Grammar Translation Method is used, which has the grammar forms, and supported with the examples. All the rules are explained in the target language. At the end of the lesson, users can practice the rules in quiz section. There could be more activities such as “fill in the blanks, matching” etc. Despite the insufficiency in grammar teaching, the app presents pronunciation of the target language wisely as 2 minute video series called “Tim’s pronounciation workshop”. In each video, a pronunciation rule is explained in an enjoyable way. Therefore, users can raise their awareiness in phonology and speak the languge accurately. Nonetheless, they should be at least intermediate level to get the meaning of the videos. In the app, different cultures are taught implicitly such as “Dragon Fest” in China or “October Fest” in Germany. Therefore, it creates an environment that presents the target language. It tests the reading comprehension with questions about each text. So, it can be observed that the app aims at teaching the target language in intercultural aspects as well. To mention the visual content, there are a variety of stock images that take users’ attention while studying English. Some of them are authentic and some are cartoon. These photos are daily updated according to the subjects of the programs. Furthermore, the app includes a little old English in drama sections which teaches the writers such as Shakespeare or Lewis Carroll. 2. Pedagogy As for pedagogy, except from speaking and writing skills, the app enables diffrent kinds of programs that give users the chance of gaining language competence. From lower intermediate to upper intermediate different levels are available. Meanwhile, the app offers a wide range of contents from daily news to old stories. It also provides learners to save their scores and encourage them to obtain the desired outcome. They can follow their own progresses in “ my learning” section. However, it will not be appropriate for learners who have no experience in English before. The app gives feedback to the users who take the quizzes at the end of the programs. Thus, if users choose the wrong answers it clarifies the right ones and makes the subject understandable and meaningful. The app also directs users to the program related to the answer. Besides, there aren’t any mistakes in the software since it has been prepared by elite team producers, writers and ELT professionals. As known, BBC is one of the oldest media so it gives great importance to praticability of the app. Each program has one or six minute listening and video parts. Drama series for children are both audible and animated. Learners can read or listen to the programs relevant to their levels. 3. User Experience In every part, levels of the programs are indicated on the right corner so that learners can choose the correct one suitable for them. These programs are updated daily to keep users’ interest alive. However, it can clearly seen that apart from quizzes there are no alternatives which may enhance learners’ competence in the target language. Besides, the lack of writing and speaking skills can be said a major deficiency. In spite of the fact that, the content has an interactive form. As users are listenig to an audio the program will continue to play in the background even if the screen is turned off. Users can share BBC Learning English content via Facebook, Twitter, e-mail or any other app that supports sharing. They can pick the any programs and click the “share” button. The app is totally free for users. They only need internet connection to download the app and programs. Even, they do not have to sign up the app. Yet, an account seems to be required if they want to follow their self-development. 3. Technology The interface of the app is very clear and easy to use. Learners can easily see the levels on top right corner. Even children or users who aren’t good at using the technology can access the parts. The platform has three categories which are named as “homepage, programs and my learning”. When tapping on the programs part, users can see the sections as in category and A-Z form. “In my learning” section, users can continue the programs that they follow and they can also take a glance at studies they have finished in history section. As the app is downloaded, there are no instructions about how to use it. However, users may not have difficulty thanks to its clear and easy interface. Some of the programs work through internet connection or mobile data although some are downloable. Thus, users should be careful about their internet connection and speed as there can be freezes. As for the gamification, no activities are included especially for the young learners. So, it may be boring for users who are under the age of 15. Actually, games could be a good option that keeps children more engaged in the target language. SUMMARY In conclusion, BBC Learning English App provides users an incredible, entertaining, timely lessons, transcripts and quizzes. Maybe, learners can not learn English from zero owing to the insufficient materials related to writing and speaking skills. But it still enables regular updates and the lessons are rated by difficulty. Users are supposed to be at least in lower intermediate level. To sum up, users/learners who haven’t any facilities to develop their English may take the advantage of this valuable tool. As an English teacher, I have been using the app for about ten years both in my classes and for my self-development. My ten year old students especially like drama section. Considering its mobility, the app offers an individualized language learning out of the classes and make learners more autonomous in their learning processes. References Rossel-Aguilar, F. (2017). State of the App: A Taxonomy and Framework. calico journal (onlinv) i33n 4201–7258, 253.