Folktale Comes Alive: A Virtual ESL Learning Package to Engage ESL Learners

Abstract

Folktales serve as a source for creative inspiration that leads to the emergence of several works in modern literature. However, despite these sterling qualities of folktales, it is endangered with extinction. The project aims to preserve the cultural and heritage of the indigenous Semai folktales through the English language teaching and learning in fun, interactive and creative ways. Thus, the ESL virtual learning package developed includes a fascinating virtual puppet shows with an E book entitled The Legend of Cen Cemana accompanied with English language activities that cater for the highflyers, intermediate and beginner’s level students. The innovation was developed as a means to preserve the cultural heritage of the Semai and most importantly is to integrate the interesting folktale into ESL teaching and learning to engage learners. Legend of Cen Cemana was chosen because the folktale explains about the Semai beliefs and the universal values the elderly Semai used to pass down to the younger generation through oral tradition. The product is commercialized through collaboration projects with schools and ESL teachers. A short survey pertaining to student’s experience and opinion using the English Language Learning package was conducted. The finding shows students received positive effects while using the virtual language learning package (the virtual puppet show, the e book of Semai and ESL language activities). Thus, preservation of Indigenous folktales through the innovation initiatives is the best way to preserve the Semai cultural heritage and the effort should be well received and supported by the government and the Ministry of Education.