How to Use Technology to Support ELLs
in Your Classroom
 |
Common Sense: 5.18.2020 by Jeff Knutson
Quality edtech for ELLs isn't easy to
find, but great options do exist.
English-language learners (ELLs) come
into our classrooms with a wide variety of specific and unique needs for
language acquisition. It's hard to talk about them all as one group -- ELLs
represent a diverse range of students in every sense. It's needless to say:
Working with ELLs is often challenging and also highly rewarding.
Because there are so many apps and
edtech tools available today, you might expect to find lots of them made
specifically for English language development (ELD), bilingual, or
dual-immersion classrooms. Unfortunately, this isn't the case: Tools designed
specifically for English-language learners are few and far between (though
there are definitely some out there).
So, what's the best way to find and use great digital tools with your ELLs? A lot will depend on your students' specific needs, but here are a few things to think about when finding the best tools for your classroom.
1. Look for ELL-friendly supports in
the tools you're already using.
Lots of online tools have built-in
features to support differentiated instruction for a variety of learners.
Newsela offers texts at five variable Lexile levels, many in both English and Spanish.
ThinkCERCA offers leveled
texts with scaffolding for students reading at different levels, including
audio versions of texts.
Khan Academy is one popular example;
the site offers a translated version of its curriculum in 12 languages.
2. Build basic online resources and
productivity tools into daily routines.
From basic translation to productivity
tools for consumers, a lot of everyday apps and websites can be great for
supporting ELL-centered learning activities.
3. Get creative and repurpose a
digital-storytelling tool.
Storytelling is an excellent,
interactive learning activity for ELLs and bilingual learners of all ages and
language abilities.
4. Find tools that specifically address
your ELLs' needs.
5. Supplement instruction with an
online language-learning tool.
Language-learning tools for travelers
and consumers are everywhere and easy to find.
Tools to try
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