Educating Linguistically Diverse Students
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I chose to present the chapter on technology. It was interesting to read about the different ways that technology can be used to teach English language learners. One of my very favorite ideas from this chapter is the use of Living books. This is where a student can listen to a book in their native language and then listen to it in English. I think this is great because students are not only more comfortable, but also can listen for comprehension first, then practice skills needed to read English. Here are the notes from my handout.

  

Using Technology with English Learners

 

Important Ideas

  • Technology can enhance language instruction by offering a broad range of opportunities to expand teaching and learning environments.
  • CALL- Computer Assisted Language Learning- a software program that has been used an effective learning tool.
  • Computer mediated teaching prepares students for the information society of technology society.
  • Often times, teachers have to take the responsibility of getting the technology themselves.
  • Teachers must be willing to shift the paradigm from the old lecture and textbook style and embrace the new technology.

 

Specific ways that technology is being used with TESOL

  • Communication with classmates and  penpals via email- Studies show that students that use email to improve their communication skills are more likely to feel comfortable sharing ideas. This also allows for differentiated instruction because children are able to work at their own pace.
  • Video conferences
  • Chat sites
  • Internet telephone calls
  • Language software program
  • Living books- children listen to book in their own language and after understanding theme and content, can then listen to it and play the games in English.
  • Web Pages- promote cooperative learning, higher-level cognitive skills and creativity.

 

Teachers Role

  • Tutor, supervise, assist, be the technician and screen software
  • Examine content, site availability, appropriateness of the lesson and prepare an alternate plan incase of technological glitches
  • Demonstrate value for the child’s culture by creating assignments that reflect interest and multicultural appreciation.
  • Allow students that are familiar with using computer to help those that are not.

Ami's Presentation-
Ami explained how important it is to incorporate different elements like art and drama into a lesson when teaching English learners (or any learners for that matter!) She gave a great example of how you can use art to ask questions. She used a picture of ice cream and asked questions about what the picture was and what the picture was not. She also talked about how you can incorporate information into a play or readers theatre. Good job Ami and thanks for super fantastically delicious ice cream cake!!
 
Valerie