Technology in the ELL Classroom By Michaela Galvin “If we teach today as we taught yesterday, we rob our children of tomorrow”. – John Dewey

My Hypothesis (the least important part of this powerpoint) *Technology and is presence among our youth is growing at an uncontrollable speed. *Inevitably, the students of today will have to use technology throughout their educational experience, and throughout their ever-changing lives *We must work- researching and remaining educated, and collaborating with other professionals- to find the best and most effective ways to help our students learn with/have a positive experience with technology

Burning questions What are the strengths and weaknesses of using technology to acquire a second language?  What are the best Strategies and Practices using technology in the ELL classroom?  What are some ways that technology may hinder student success/progress? Enhance?  Should we consider language learning through technology as a positive means of instruction/experience, or a substitute for opportunities for face-to-face, authentic communication in L2?

Article 1: Technologies Use with ESL Learners in New York State By Carla Meskell & Jonathan Mossop Looks at the use of 12 Low English Proficiency (LEP) schools in New York State From 1996-2006, ELL population in NY increased 100% Half of these schools report using technology with ELLs, although number of ELL specific software is extremely low (4.9% of programs used are ELL specific)

Question to consider: With such limited funding and available resources, how can we use technology to create opportunities for active use of authentic language among our ESL students? Elementary Level Middle School High School Allow students to use technology to catch up to peers at their own pace, and discover visual aids to enhance understanding Practice literacy through various modalities (videos, websites, creating word or Powerpoint documents) -Progress monitoring Graphic support to stimulate writing/creation Research historical, scientific, or geographical concepts Construct designs or models for real-world situations, perhaps designing rooms, farms, buildings, etc. Resource programs like National Geographic presenting regular opportunities and topics for students to research and problem solve Communication with families, professionals, peers, and teachers Looking into topics of interest, discovering information and developing critical thinking questions

Article 2: Preparing ELLs to be 21st-Century Learners By Kristina Robertson Identifies 5 major challenges of using technology in the ELL classroom: language barriers, limited access, different levels of experience, school infrastructure, and the need for teachers to “keep up” with ever progressive technological advances Highlights the ability of technology to empower students to have control over their own learning Describes the most effective techniques for teaching computer literacy as hands-on labs, step-by-step instructions, large graphics, information in small chunks, and real-world exercises Encourages educators to act as advocates to help their students learn to use technology in a positive way

Implications for Educators The world of technology is vast, and can seem immense… Reach out to colleagues, experts, and even your students to continue learning Take risks with your students. Let them explore (on previewed and school appropriate programs, of course), and give them a chance to collaborate with and teach their peers Robertson emphasizes the importance of establishing meaningful goals when using technology in the ELL classroom. Provide students with clear expectations, while allowing them some choice in terms of means of research and presentation Continue to reflect on ELL progress and experience with technology. If one task or source turns out to be a “dud”, look for something better and try that with your ELLs! Implications for Educators

Resources & Food for Thought…. 4:30-7:30 Carla Meskell & Jonathan Mossop. Technologies Use with ESL Learners in New York State. National Research Center on English Learning & Achievement. University at Albany State University of New York. (http://www.albany.edu/cela/reports/meskill/meskilltechuse.pdf)   Robertson, Kristina. Preparing ELLs to be 2st-Century Learners. Colorin Colorado: Technology & ELLs: Technology in the Classroom: Articles. (http://www.colorincolorado.org/article/preparing-ells-be-21st-century-learners)