English language (EL) learners can benefit greatly from the variety of technology tools available in classrooms today, nevertheless, as we work with EL students it is important to recognize how specific EdTech tools can directly support language acquisition and proficiency. Technology today can offer students with opportunities to collaborate and converse with peers, reach out to classrooms across the nation and country, and participate in platforms where their voices can be heard.
Here are some tips to think about when looking for technology to integrate into your EL classroom or daily practice for EL students in your classroom.
- Look for tools that get them talking!
It is critical that students learning a new language have opportunities to use the academic language that is attached the subjects and topics they are learning. Using technology tools such camera rolls, and video can support students in understanding specific academic language and also help to spark academic conversations between students.
- Show a Youtube video that highlights content vocabulary needed to understand an upcoming unit or chapter.
- Have students capture photos of events or objects and describe what they see - practicing academic discourse, listening, and speaking with their peers.
- Have students create movies or stories to share their understanding of topics to support classroom discussion.
- Participate in a flipped classroom approach to learning which is a reversed teaching model that allows students to access video instruction at home as homework.
- If possible prerecord lessons in students home language so they can preview prior to learning.
- Look for tools that allow for new experiences and multiple perspectives to be shared.
Connecting digitally with classrooms and experts from around the world can provide your students with opportunities that support student’s identity, global citizenship and academic growth. Skpye in the Classroom is one platform where educators can connect digitally with classrooms, experts and educators from around the world.
- Take your class on a virtual field trip to provide students with experiences that build background knowledge.
- Connect with experts that can answer questions and dialog with students to practice listening and speaking with an authentic audience.
- Video conference with students and or experts in countries that live in EL students home country.
- This could provide an opportunity for EL students to be the classroom expert and share the wealth of cultural knowledge with their peers.
- Look for tools and strategies that allow for student’s voices to be amplified.
- Blogging and vlogging (video blogging) can be a great opportunity for EL students to amplify their voice. Vlogging can be used as a stand alone tool but it could also be used as an support in creating a blog post. Students can record their thoughts on video then listen to their own words to type a blog based on thinking recorded on the video.
- Social Media is another tool to support students in creating posts that are clear and concise. This also supports students in adding volume to their current writing practice.
Leave a comment to share how you use technology with emergent bilingual students.
Tova
Instructional Excellence Coordinator
Department of Personalized Learning and Instruction
