1) Teachers face challenges in educating a large population of English language learners who have high transience. ELL students need extensive language exposure through hearing, writing, speaking and reading English.
2) Computers can provide valuable language experiences for ELL students by offering supplemental instruction tools like computer-assisted instruction.
3) Websites, software, and productivity tools allow ELL students to practice their English skills independently and without judgment, supporting language development through repetition in an engaging way.
2. Problem Statement Teachers face the challenge of a large population that does not speak English and have high transient rates. For this large population, becoming proficient in a new language is a very difficult transition. Students learning a new language need as much language support as possible. English language learner (ELL) students need a variety of language experiences. They need to hear language, write language, speak language and read language.
3. Strategy Computers can play an integral part in providing ELL students with valuable language experiences as they learn a new language. Computer-assisted instruction (CAI) can be a supplemental teaching tool for teaching English language learners.
4. Internet for Instruction howjsay.com- very neat website that will pronounce words for ELL students
5. Internet for Instruction Internet Picture Dictionary- great for younger ELL learners. Show a picture of the word in addition to correct spelling. Also has instructional games.
6. Internet for Instruction Breaking News English- site that offers current events articles and exercises to improve reading comprehension
7. Problem Statement Students can produce accurate communication in the classroom (usually as part of a scripted exercise) but are often unable to communicate successfully in English outside the classroom.
8. Strategy Students needed to interact in the classroom more like they would under real-life circumstances.
9. Tool Software Readable Blog- This blog exists to helpEnglish learners improve their English skills. Posts include easy-to-read stories, interesting current event information, links to downloadable MP3s of English stories, tips for good writing, websites with grammar quizzes, and lots more.
10. Tool Software Skype- Skypeallows you to make calls to other Skype users. This is a good tool to teach pronunciation or speaking skills.
11. Tool Software Sketchcast- It functions as an online "whiteboard" where you can record your explanation and have students practice their English writing by logging in and leaving comments about the sketches. Looks like a blog.
12. Problem Statement Much like multiplication facts, your ABC’s, addition and subtraction, language development is improved by repetition which can be dull and uninteresting.
13. Strategy Utilize computer vocabulary games to develop language skills. You get the drill and practice in a more entertaining form.
14. Instructional Software www.manythings.org- This website is for people studying English as a Second Language or English as a Foreign Language. There are quizzes, word games, word puzzles, slang expressions, anagrams, a random-sentence generator and other computer assisted language learning activities.
17. Problem Statement The most effective learning environments are those that are supportive and open, allow for mistakes without ridicule, and encourage students to try, even if they might make a mistake.
18. Strategy The computer is an excellent resource for giving students the chance to practice English skills without worrying about the response of other classmates or even the teacher.
19. Productivity Software Audacity- Audacity is free, open source software for recording and editing sounds. It is available for Mac and Windows operating systems. Click on link to view YouTube video of how Audacity can be used in the ELL Classroom
20. Productivity Software Easy Writer: This software lets students read and correct real compositions from other ESL students. This is the only software program that lets students work with authentic writing and authentic errors. Recommended for all intermediate to advanced ESL students.
21. Productivity Software Kidspiration- students organize their research using Kidspiration and then use their outlines to help them write sentences.
22. Resources English Language Learner and Technology, SouthEast Initiatives Regional Technology in Education Consortium, 2005. http://www.ccsf.edu/Resources/Teaching_ESL_Using_Technology/resources.htm http://www.eslteachingandtechnology.com/