Tiffani Clarke EDUC 366 WAU

What is Multimedia? Multimedia is a combination of audio, text, graphics, and animation. Multimedia is usually recorded and played, displayed or accessed by information content processing devices, such as computerized and electronic devices but can also be part of a live performance.

Multimedia and ELLs Multimedia has proven to be effective in improving literacy of English-Language Learners. Using multimedia for as a tool for learning vocabulary words has been shown to be successful. In a study where multimedia was used to reinforce vocabulary words during a storybook read- aloud the ELLs benefited from the use of multimedia, and it improved the vocabulary growth of the students. This allowed the words to be represented verbally and non- verbally which provided the additional information they needed to make sense of the words they were learning. The study concluded that compared to the ELLs who weren’t exposed to multimedia to reinforce their learning the ELLs who were exposed to multimedia learned more words than their ELL peers. They also caught up in vocabulary knowledge of their English only peers.

Application WebQuest A WebQuest is an inquiry- oriented activity in which some or all of the information acquired from the activity comes directly from the student’s interaction with the Internet. WebQuests can be used to introduce a topic or unit, assess the knowledge of students, short/long term study, or conclude a unit of work. WebQuests can be used for ELLs to improve their literacy skills while keeping up with mainstream class expectations.

WebQuests cont… WebQuests benefit students by activating multiple intelligences and making meaningful connections to real-life events which enhances literacy. This is an example of “learning by doing”.

Application Online Literature Circles Literature circles are a collaborative approach to instruction that integrates the reading of a book with discussions of information in the book. Small groups of students my work together and each individual selects an aspect of the book for which they will provide the research and discussion.

Online Literature Circles cont… Literature circles help promote cooperative learning and are beneficial to ELLs. It allows them to participate in a low-anxiety setting which will help build confidence. It gives students a chance to expand their vocabulary and interact with students who are proficient in English. Interacting with students who are proficient in English is good because they serve as a model of grade-level language skills. Literature circles also provide an opportunity to gain a better understanding of the text by interacting in discussion, the discussion build knowledge and develop higher order thinking skills.

References Silverman, R. (2009). Using Multimedia to Promote Vocabulary Learning: Supporting English Language Learners in Inclusive Classrooms. Journal of Educational Psychology. Retrieved March 3, 2010, from How to Use WebQuests in the Classroom - What Is a WebQuest? – The world's Largest Searchable Directory of Reviewed WebQuests. WebQuest Direct. Web. 04 Mar The Reading Teacher : April 2007 : Abstract of Web-Based Inquiry Learning: Facilitating Thoughtful Literacy With WebQuests. International Reading Association. Web. 04 Mar ikpeze.html&mode=redirect ikpeze.html&mode=redirect Reading Rockets: Literature Circles. Reading Rockets: Reading Comprehension & Language Arts Teaching Strategies for Kids. Web. 05 Mar Barnes, K., R. Marateo, and S. Ferris Teaching and learning with the net generation. Innovate 3 (4).