Journal 1 Chapter 26 Technology

Technology can simplify content delivery.  The use of multi-media can lend meaning visually and bridge gaps that occur when presenting information through the use of lectures, worksheets, or even reading aloud.  This approach can help increase student understanding through listening and comprehension skills.  Research shows that English learners grasp and retain concepts more efficiently when content is supported with technology.  The ability to replay a video, podcast, ebook, or any other source of technology is advantageous to both the teacher and the student.  Inevitably there will be various levels of abilities within an ELL classroom.  The technology can be personalized and repeated making the teacher more effective and more of a facilitator. 

The selection of what the student is listening to or viewing on the internet or other source of technology is an excellent way of differentiating instruction simply by scaffolding the level of difficulty of the technology resource.  The ability to teach vocabulary at different levels through technology interested me the most.  In a single class each student could theoretically be viewing something about a subject and no two are looking at the same thing.  For example, a brand new Level 1 student can be taking a tutorial on how to operate a computer through a website.  A Level 2 or 3 student, that already knows the functions of the computer, can assist the new user and work in collaborative pairs and gain confidence by being a teacher in this activity.  Level 3 and 4 users could be listening and reading along with a book on tape and then sharing with the group an oral assessment on what he/she just listened to. 

The ELL student is able to strengthen multiple areas (listening, speaking, and reading) from a single source of technology, the internet.  The use of online communities, blogs, social media, and other websites create an environment in which most students have a comfort level in participating in.  These types of resources are so valuable because they can be accessed at any time.  Students that are committed to becoming excellent students and have a strong desire to acquire that second language don’t have to be in school to gain experience or knowledge.  EPALS, a classroom email exchange resource I am just learning about, should be used by every ELL student in our school.  EPALS is a student oriented email system that creates email pen pals.  Over 6,000,000 students currently participate in the program from over 100 countries all over the world.  What better way for an ELL to share culture, history, and possible family connections through this student-friendly and safe site.  Students can relate culturally to a pen pal from their home country and share what new experiences they are learning.  The ability to share triumphs and frustrations as the new language is being acquired lends a completely different level of support, the support of peers, something that a teacher can’t replicate.  Teachers are all aware that peer pressure and influences are major contributors or detriments.  Including culturally relevant materials and opportunities in the lesson help create a learning environment that makes the student more comfortable.  Alleviating stress and confusion in the ELL classroom through technology helps the student focus more on the skill that is being acquired and less on their own struggles and deficiencies. 

Allowing the student to access information through technology masks the fact that they are doing schoolwork.  Video games, once thought of as the great competitor to education, are now being embraced to teach middle and elementary school students.  The use of a hand-held controller or joystick to input academic information is quickly becoming part of school instruction all over the country.  Taking an activity that the majority of students enjoy, video games, and placing it in an academic setting is yet another way to cater to the needs of your students by allowing them to show mastery through multiple input devices.  In our own classrooms we see every day how changing a routine, such as target time, from a pencil and paper based activity to a classroom response system creates an excitement and competition from the students.  The use of technology allows teacher to bombard the student’s senses with multiple levels of instruction and activities.  The ability to differentiate and customize learning opportunities through technology is endless and it’s something that must be embraced.