| TOEICPrep (ESL) | Chorus « CALL |
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Alexis, The Encomium TOEIC Test Preparation
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The Alexis System The Alexis system is a browser-based program that allows users to prepare for the TOEIC using 10 Picture Modules, 5 Question-Response Modules, 15 Conversation Modules, 6 Short Talk exercises, 15 Reading Modules, 13 Error Recognition Modules, and 4 Reading Activities. These activities mirror the item-types found in the TOEIC. We will look first at the browser delivery system, then at each of these activity types. Browser Interface This CD-ROM comprises web pages and Shockwave/Director files (interactive animation that is delivered by a free browser plug-in), delivered by a standard browser interface. This is an advantage for two reasons: it requires no software installation on the user's machine, and it uses software the user is likely to have already. There are, however, problems with the implementation. First, a Macromedia Shockwave plug-in is needed to run the program. This plug-in is not available on the CD-ROM; instead, the user must go to Macromedia's site to download it. (The Windows version is 633K, and the Mac version, 829K as of May 1, 2000.) Second, although the program can be run off-line, there are a few links that require an Internet connection. Neither the CD-ROM jewel case nor the program itself indicates that the user will need to be online to access certain links, nor, more importantly, are Internet links marked as such from the pages of the program. This is likely to confuse some offline users who will click on a link and wait. A simple parenthetical statement saying, for example, "requires Internet connection" would easily have solved this problem. One minor problem with the Internet links is that one points to ETS's home page (http://www.ets.org) as a source of information about the TOEIC. In fact, the user will find little information about the TOEIC on this site. The TOEIC is administered by the Chauncey Group, a subsidiary of ETS, thus the TOEIC website is found at http://www.toeic.com. Finally, the web design of the program itself is inelegant. The home page is an overly long list of contents that is hard to navigate. A better navigation would have taken advantage of a menu system or a frames architecture to limit the amount of text on a single page. Navigation between the modules requires using the "back" button on the browser to the main menu and selecting the next module. Similarly, links that state merely "click here" make the web design look amateurish. The Listening Modules The listening modules consist of a picture and a set of four choices describing the picture. We see the first item from Picture Module 1.1 below, along with the text for the correct answer given. The user is given the option of seeing a hint, seeing the written script, and getting substantive feedback on all answers. These reflect good instructional design. However, the navigation is confusing. When hovering over the photograph, a "pointing finger" appears, which would normally indicate that there is a link available. There isn't. The hint button stays illuminated once it is used, giving no indication that it can be used over again for multiple hints. Finally, after finishing a set of items, the user can review the questions, but unfortunately cannot do so selectively. For example, I wanted to look at Question 7 again, but had to not only page through Questions 1-6, but also answer each of them correctly a second (or third) in order to return to #7. This will be extremely frustrating for users who are doing well, and only need or want to review the occasional item. More troubling is the content. For the same item presented above, the choices are: A. The computer is broken. The feedback for item C says: "No, wealthy means RICH, but this is clearly a workman." I'm disturbed by the implications here. Although the distractor is trying to address a possible confusion between the pronunciation of "welding" and "wealthy," the feedback implies that the understanding should be based on the implication that a "workman" [sic] wouldn't be wealthy. This sort of problem isn't unique. In Listening 1.2, Picture 2, there is a photograph of girls in tutus. The first distractor asks about their shoes, which can't be seen. The feedback indicates this. The third distractor asks about whether they are jumping, and the feedback says they aren't. But, (and this may be nitpicking—but these tests are about nitpicking), if we can't see their feet, are we sure they aren't jumping? The correct answer states, "they are happy." However, one can see only one face out of the three (and she doesn't look all that happy.)
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Copyright 1996-99 Title: Version Reviewed: Single license, Mac/Win: $99.00 US Site License 0-10 [1] $500.00 System Requirements: Macintosh: OS 7.5 or higher; 16MB RAM; 4X CD-ROM drive; VGA monitor; speakers optional Both systems require a Netscape or Internet Explorer browser with a Macromedia Shockwave plug-in, as well as an Internet connection to take advantage of the external links on the CD-ROM. Quick Summary:
According to Gilford (1996), this test came about because of requests from the Japanese Ministry of International Trade and Industry to the Educational Testing Service (ETS) in the mid-1970's. It measures the listening comprehension and reading skills of individuals whose native language is not English. Businesses worldwide use TOEIC scores for evaluating employees. Given the growing popularity of the TOEIC, the growth in the number of test-preparation courses and software packages was inevitable. According to my own quick research, a Google (http://www.google.com) search of the words "TOEIC preparation" returns 2,080 entries. The Alexis System is just one among hundreds, apparently, trying to address the need for test preparation. Online Demonstration: Samples can also be found at: http://www.faceweb.okanagan.bc.ca/toeic/ Screen Shots:
Last updated May 3, 2000 Copyright © 2000 Maggie Sokolik and Jim Duber All rights reserved [1] I was amused that the Encomium web site states that 0 licenses cost $500 and up. Apparently, we all owe Encomium a lot of money!
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