I’ve had zero experience in teaching English Language
Leaners, other than my classroom sits next to the ELL room at school. I always
assumed that assistive technologies were merely geared towards special
education realm. However, after reading a few of the articles that were posted,
that is far from the truth. Technologies can also benefit ELL students in many
ways. For instance, teachers for ELL students utilize online software such as
Read Naturally and Rosetta Stone to help student grasp the language and focus
on writing skills.
Both of these websites offer a variety of different
activities to the students that help them build confidence while learning
English. Students build fluency through the use and increase their vocabularies
while building sentence structures.
In addition to the use of software technologies
discussed in this week’s readings, I found this approach to be very helpful and
observing in passing and talking to the ELL teacher next door. Assistive
technology is considered any device that is used to improve the functional
capabilities of a student. Therefore, I feel that using these types of
teaching strategies can technically be considered a form of assistive
technology for ESL students. I think any type of engaging,
visual teaching will not only help ESL students, but will benefit all the
students in the class. Other examples of technologies that will help ESL
students include word processing spelling and grammar check, translation
devices/websites, and computer programs that allow students to listen to speech
or emails.
Also, since I’m on an iPad kick after last week, I came
across this interesting article that was published by the Tamapa Bay Times. The
article goes into how the school received a grant and bought iPads to help
benefit ELL students.
I also have zero experience in teaching English language learners. I have heard about some of the apps that are available for students learning English as a second language but have never used them. The programs Read Naturally and Rosetta Stone seem to be beneficial tools for ELLs. The programs help them with their vocabulary and social skills. I have found that the translation devices and websites can be a little tricky at times because not everything can be translated perfectly every time but I would be willing to give them another shot. I like how you brought in a current article about technology and ELL students. This shows how important it is to get assistive technology available for English language learners.
ReplyDeleteDale,
ReplyDeleteThank you for the article. I am glad this topic exposed you to this population. You are correct that technology does not always have to be high tech devices. In my experience, some of the most useful assertive technology was the lowest tech ones.
Dale,
ReplyDeleteFor once I have more experience with a topic in this class than you do! In my experience, it wasn't the fancy technology the students were using, it was more the daily struggles of figuring out what that vocabulary word meant in context. The common core curriculum that has been implemented makes it extremely difficult for ELL learners because they no longer are working on the "math" part of problems, but have to first figure out what the question is even asking. With my ELL learners, we had word walls that we were continually adding on to so that they could pick out words from the context and try to decode what the question is asking them to do.
Thank you for sharing that article- it was very insightful! I do agree that iPads will be the "next thing" in technology because of all the apps out there. Even little things like spell check or zooming in texts for the visually impaired.
Kim made a great point that I hadn't even thought of in regards to ELL. It must be very difficult for an English Language Learner to not only work towards mastering a language, but simultaneously being expected to master grade level mathematical concepts! Word problems can be tricky for any student, but for an ELL student they could potentially be a nightmare.
DeleteOn a side note, one interesting thing that I saw our ELL classroom do with technology was use simple cameras for a homework assignment. The students had to take pictures of things in their environment, or passages from readings that they did not know the words to or the meaning. This was a fun way for them to learn new vocabulary relevant to their personal life and the kids seemed to really enjoy the project.