Reflections
GROUP REFLECTION
Working together as a group was both challenging and beneficial. At the beginning of the assignment, we struggled with organizing or aligning schedules as we had different commitments outside of the assignment. Through constant and effective communication, online meetings and clear division of tasks we managed to tackle the challenge. Collaborating together enhanced our assignment quality as we shared knowledge from different perspectives. We grew personally by being more empathetic, resilient and adaptable towards each other and to challenges. On the professional side we gained confidence in using digital tools and how to incorporate them in our teaching practice.
Group Evaluation: Website Design, Usability & Pedagogical Effectiveness.
Our website successfully balances visual appeal, usability, and instructional purpose. The bright, learner-friendly design and simple navigation menus make it easy for Grade 7 learners and teachers to explore resources. Interactive features such as embedded videos, quizzes, worksheets, and voice-recording tools promote active learning and support different learning styles. CAPS alignment is clearly integrated throughout lessons, ensuring relevance to the South African curriculum. The structure encourages independent exploration while also guiding teachers through prepared materials. Although navigation is intuitive, future improvements could include more accessibility features and additional multimodal content. Overall, the website effectively supports engaging, inclusive, and technology-enhanced English learning.
Individual : Fortune Dlamini
This group project was a challenging one, but I invited that challenge as it made me use critical thinking to make sure I find information that will better explain how technology can support learning of a language. When I began the assignment, it was a difficult task to try and make sure that CAPS requirements fall in line with the creativity that the assignment requires, however, working with my group was a great way to get ideas and to stay focused. This experience was a great learning experience that made me understand literary and communicative pedagogy, which has made me more confident for my future as an English teacher who can design interactive lessons.
INDIVIDUAL REFLECTION (MOLOKO)
My main challenge was aligning the lesson plans with the CAPS requirements while ensuring that they were interactive and creative. I had difficulty in integrating resources that helped with engagement in learning. I overcame this challenge by working with my group members and researching effective digital tools that correspond with the lesson objectives. I managed to create and include engaging activities that enhanced learning and met the curriculum goals. The overall assignment improved my lesson planning, deepened my digital knowledge and how to accommodate various learning styles while ensuring that the content aligns with the curriculum outcomes.
Individual : Alice van Molendorff
As the web designer, my biggest challenge was balancing aesthetics with educational structure. I had to ensure smooth navigation, student-friendly visuals, teacher-accessible downloads, and CAPS compliance. I improved my digital literacy, design thinking, and understanding of how technology supports ELT. Collaboration and continuous feedback guided the final product, and I now feel more confident creating educational digital platforms.
Reference: CAPS Senior Phase Home Language Grade 7. (n.d.). Department of Edcation. https://www.education.gov.za/Portals/0/CD/National%20Curriculum%20Statements%20and%20Vocational/CAPS%20SP%20%20HL%20%20ENGLISH%20GR%207-9%20%20web.pdf?ver=2015-01-27-155553-090
Department of Basic Education (DBE). (2011).
Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement
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