What methods of educational technology help supplement the acquisition of language skills in ELLs, and what technology resources are available to ESOL teachers?
After completing the non-linear PowerPoint assignment, I began wondering what other assistive technologies could be used to help students, specifically English Language Learners (ELLs). Through my classroom experience, I realize the potential of differentiating instruction with the help of technology, but I would like to look further into not only how technology directly affects students, but the teachers as well.
Most of the articles I read focused on the various technologies that are used directly by students in order to foster language and skill development. Teachers encouraged student use of tools such as iPods, web-based programs, multimedia software, recording devices, e-books, email, and discussion boards. All of the articles stressed that assistive technology did, in fact, expedite student development, interest and success, but it is best used as a supplemental tool for classroom practice. Technology may teach students some skills, but it shouldn’t be the main means of language acquisition. When students used assistive technologies, they developed reading, writing, listening and real-world skills as they practiced what they had learned in class.
Another article addressed the various resources that ESOL teachers had at their fingertips. Between TeacherTube, ESOL flashcard makers, lessons and practice sheets from Childtopia, or forums, the ESOL teacher is never left to him or herself to help their students. The Teachers Network gathers teachers for educational discussions in order to help them to adjust their teaching to best assist ELLs. Interestingly, there is also a social networking site called “Educational Technology for Bilingual/ESL/ELL Educators” that also has a wealth of resources to help all teachers. I also read and article about connecting with parents using technology to continue building language skills at home, a point that I found very intriguing.
I have only read 5 articles, and I am confident that I will find other strong evidence to support to enhanced growth of ELLs through the use of technology as well as places teachers can turn when they need a little help themselves. I do wonder what I may find regarding the availability of certain technologies based on finances, but I am hopeful that I will find sufficient evidence for myself as well as my future students. I also question the use of technology to connect with parents who are also language learners for the same reason.
Green, T. (2005). Using technology to help english language students develop language skills: A home and school connection. Multicultural Education, 13(2), 56-56-59. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/216522745?accountid=28167
Patten, K. B., & Dorothy, V. C. (2007). iPods and english-language learners: A great combination. Teacher Librarian, 34(5), 40-40-44. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/224877584?accountid=28167
Rowland, J. L. (2007). Closed-Captioned Video and the ESL Classroom: A Multi-Sensory Approach. Journal of Adult Education, 36(2), 35-39. Retrieved from EBSCOhost.
Starkman, N. (2008). ELL Spoken Here. T.H.E. Journal, 35(4), 32-34,. Retrieved from EBSCOhost.
Waters, J. K. (2007). ESL Technologies: The Universal Language. T.H.E. Journal, 34(1), 34-40. Retrieved from EBSCOhost.
It is a wonderful posting about ELL.
ReplyDeleteWhat are the best technology resources good for ELL?
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ReplyDeleteThere seems to a lot of technology marketed for this demographic. It will be a challenge to sort out what has been proven effective. You might also narrow research on specific technologies....tablets, iPods, and eReaders come to mind. The ability to easily record and listen back to your own voice would have significant impact on ELLs.
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