Reviews of Dogs Don't Look Both Ways

Reviews of Easy Writer Interactive Software
 

Tony Williams, Wida Software, IATEFL (International Association of Teachers of English as a Foreign Language) CALL Journal, July 2000

"This (program) stands out for its ease of use and also its originality...The author...has a clear view of the real language standards of real students and the tasks are not pitched impossibly high...(A) program like this...throws (students) a lifeline.

 
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The Ken Beare, ESL Guide, about.com.

"The process is appealing, as it does not seem to be top-down...but rather a community of ESL learners working toward improving their written communication skills...I highly recommend this program not only as a tool to help students  with their writing skills, but also as a tool to develop their grammatical prowess."

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about.com
Easy Writer and the Grammar HELP! Student Workbook:  Guide Rating - rating

This is an excellent package with the choice to buy the handbook or the interactive CD, or both. While the package is expensive, it is extremely effective and well worth the investment for those who are serious about their ESL program. Easy Writer © has been thoroughly well tested on-site in many ESL programs. I especially recommend this program for ESL programs that include literacy components in the curriculum."   

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Connie Belanger, CONNECT, Canada's Resource Publication on Technology and Adult Literacy

"The program is very easy to use, even for novice students. It follows the same format for each level of the program, so once students have used it a few times, they find it very easy to navigate through the program independently. The content is adult oriented, with interesting and authentic stories which provide good reading practice, as well as error identification and correction practice."

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Pamela Couch, Language, Learning and Technology, September 2000

"Easy Writer is a useful tool for helping students develop editing skills, which may ultimately improve the readability and accuracy of their writing...Easy Writer is one of the few ESL instructional tools based solely on student-produced writing; this source of authentic language is often overlooked in ESL materials (Bird & Reid, 1995). The use of genuine student writing has a two-fold benefit: it provides real examples of errors in context, and it may motivate students by allowing them to work on texts created by other second language learners...Another strength of the program is the use of guided feedback for levels II, III, and Expert, and the amount of grammar support provided throughout. The explanations are contextualized, as are all of the exercises, which is an effective method to help the writer view grammar as a way to convey meaning rather than as an isolated skill (Benander & Roach, 1995)...Easy Writer provides clear, guided practice in identifying and correcting the grammar, punctuation, and spelling errors often found in ESL/EFL writing."

TEACHERS

"(T)his is a very good editing program using error analysis in reading passages that were written by students like yourselves.  The topics are interesting and reflect a diverse array of cultures and backgrounds so you will surely enjoy the time you spend with Easy Writer." 

San Jose Community College

"I commend the authors and editors on putting together such a good collection of basic skill builders in grammar and punctuation.  This type of drill is what is needed and often avoided in classes."

"The author has captured the concept spoken of so frequently in the Fluency First approach in addressing mistakes in accuracy;  students need to begin to recognize their mistakes, be able to explain them and then make corrections, and this is more effective if the corrections are made first to systematic errors."

"This program is very popular with the students."

TEACHERS

"(T)his is a very good editing program using error analysis in reading passages that were written by students like yourselves.  The topics are interesting and reflect a diverse array of cultures and backgrounds so you will surely enjoy the time you spend with Easy Writer." 

Brunilda Peña-Febre, Northampton Community College, Adult Literacy and Workforce Development Program, May, 2005

"Easy Writer software is an ideal program for students and teachers alike. Learners are highly motivated because it is a self directed program reinforcing grammar skills. It assumes the learners' responsibility for learning, involving group participation as well as self assessment.   A teacher who prefers to take on the role as a facilitator and partner in the teaching-learning exchange will find the software ideal because it supports this type of learning process."

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STUDENTS

"It's a very interesting and helpful program for ESL students and even for English-speaking students...

"Thank you for giving us the opportunity to learn from this software."

"It's fun!I bought one for my grandmother!"

"The students love it!"