Beyond Worksheets: Technological Tools for Supporting New English Language Learners in A Mainstream Classroom Meghann Rumpf Perry Multi-Media Project April 27, 2011 CEP 506 University at Buffalo

Learning Goals Educators will be able to: Use technology to support content acquisition for new English Language Learners Evaluate internet-based resources for contribution to learning Effectively utilize existing school-based resources

Purpose Statement Professional Development Because: Educators need to know their students Educators need resources to save time and improve pedagogy ESL teachers can support mainstream teachers The integration of new students with limited English language skills into mainstream, English only classes creates many challenges Support Tools for Educators Background research Lesson support Communication tools Support tools for new students Atmosphere that is welcoming and supportive Internet can bridge home country or secondary country with new country Focus on current knowledge and understanding Communication tools TECHNOLOGY

L ANGUAGES SPOKEN BY ELL/LEP STUDENTS IN THE BUFFALO PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Current Issues Refugee arrivals throughout the school year Many new students are labeled as SIFE Students With Interrupted Formal Education  Low literacy levels  Missing academic content for grade level ESL is required by NYS based on testing Bilingual Education is only available for Spanish speakers Many resources are only in English/Spanish Refugees often speak languages of lesser diffusion Limited resources: recently laid off classrooms aids hired to provide language support to new immigrants Limited access to interpretation and translation services

Classrooms of the World Video Uses – Background discussion  commonalities – Connect to students – Show that all are welcome – Diversity Awareness Source: Wikipedia ol_in_Dadaab,_Kenya_refugee_camp.jpg

Background Source: divetheworldburma.com through Creative Commons Source: Vmapas through Creative Commons 4/South_America_Political_Map.jpg Demographics – Where are my students from? CIA CIA Languages – What language(s) do they speak? Ethnologue Refugees, Immigrants and US -how do your students get here? refugee program

Background Family situation Culture BRYCS Look at traditions Other resources -New York Times -Buffalo News -Ethnic groups’ newsletter, blogs Source: World News Network through Creative Commons n_Arab_leadership_brings_peace_to_Lebanon_an/

Worksheets from Websites Numerous options – ESL, literacy focus, subject area Reinforce teaching, practice Great for ideas, brainstorming – Vocabulary lists – Diagrams – Connecting with community of educators for ideas

Limited Contribution to Learning

Higher Contribution to Learning

Printable Books

Power Points Internet based Create your own Support learning for all students Visual scaffolding

Think About Planning time Decide what you are looking for before you start – Level, pictures, topic, type of activity Need to adapt

Avatars Welcome Classroom rules Giving directions – Assignment – Daily tasks Students can create  give “voice” to their words without worrying about pronunciation

Screen casts and captures Teaching/modeling – Internet access – Using software – Math Problem Solving – Editing process ELLs can show understanding without language barrier

Animation and Videos Discovery site – Scaffolds to address CALP Verbs – You Tube Video You Tube Video – Grammar Rock Grammar Rock

Blogs Share ideas with community of educators Grammar questions Make sure you check accuracy blogs from ESL teachers to their students Teaching with personal authentic text Teaching with personal authentic text

Scanned Images Simple scanner and then screen capture to make image malleable, options: – Add text in native language – Simplify English text – Add pictures – Add pictures for some words – Cover the text  encourages kids to talk about the pictures not worry about reading the words Makes the text less intimidating for newcomers

Picture Books التوت البري ما هو لون السماء ؟ مظلة العالم منطاد

arm leg sun

Translation

Other Ideas Google Documents Internet Based Games Software for English Language Acquisition Resources for Family Engagement Content specific sites Early Literacy Development Software Internet Picture Dictionaries Virtual Field Trips Audacity for recording oral language Podcasts for assessment –online portfolio Interactive Storybooks

Evaluation Today What did you learn? What thoughts/ questions do you have? Do you have specific examples related to the content you teach? Tomorrow What tools can you start using immediately? What will you need to move forward?  Pick one technological tool to add this week  Add a new tool every week For more information and links: Chapter 10 of Integrating Educational Technology into Teaching by M.D. Roblyer and Aaron H. Doering and class Wiki: