English Language Learners benefit from the use of technology in the classroom. It addresses diverse styles of learning, and reinforces vocabulary and concepts through pictures, graphics, and videos. Students are given the opportunity to express their individuality and find a voice when transitioning to the new language. Technology and media correlate with factors of motivation- it is important for students to read and learn in ways that are particularly interesting to the individual. It prevents high levels of frustration and stress when approaching literacy. In addition, parents and teachers can use technology and general popular media to stay informed on the latest news and updates.
Children love what technology has to offer- fun and excitement. So why not incorporate technology into the classroom as an additional learning tool for ELL students? Technology holds diverse means for learning the English language in unique and enjoyable ways. ELLs can benefit from using technology and the media in school because it provides an alternative way to learn, communicate, and engage with mainstream society. In the article, "The Power of Social Media in Language Acquisition," the author provides various examples of how media can be utilized in the classroom for English language development. Teachers can use technology resources such as Edomodo, Edublogs, Twitter, Facebook, Google+, and LiveJournal. All of these sites are connected to education and can help learners become more familiar with reading the English language in all aspects of vocabulary, grammar, and conversation. For example, Twitter can allow students and teachers to communicate with one another outside of the classroom environment. Students can practice reading English grammar, vocabulary, and conversations through their classmates' posts. Teachers can provide immediate feedback to ELLs by replying, favoriting, or retweeting their post. This is a fun and enjoyable way for students to practice mainstream language when school is out of session. Another advantage of social networking is that it get rids of fear children may struggle with when participating in the classroom. Research shows that ELLs feel more comfortable expressing themselves through social media rather than in the classroom. One teacher observed their ELL student frequently posting on the class’s Edmodo discussion board due to a fear of expressing herself to classmates. As the year progressed, the student transferred the skills acquired from Edmodo to the classroom. “Her proficiency with language advanced, her comfort level seemed to increase, and her level of engagement was greater.” ELLs can ease their way into comfort with the English language through practice and use of social networking.
Popular media is widely used among people around the world for a variety of purposes. Popular media is enjoyed by many- it is entertaining, it covers ideas and issues of universal concern, and it changes and adapts with the times to deal with new situations, issues, and concerns of the day. Popular media informs society of the latest and greatest practices, which is seen as a high advantage in education. Teachers can incorporate characteristics of popular media into the classroom and engage both students and parents into the learning process. Parents can use popular media and technology to explore, discover, communicate, and learn about ELLs. Articles, blogs, current events, Facebook, etc. are great ways for anyone to be informed on the world around them which can be narrowed down to a particular topic of interest. Popular media can provide parents with resources on ELLs and positive involvement with their child's learning experience. Implementing ideas and practices derived from the popular media in home and school environments allows ELLs, parents, and teachers to explore, learn, and engage in various ways to reach success in the classroom.
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| Technology enhances phonological and awareness and phonics for ELLs |
