VSTE

Virginia Society for Technology in Education

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Technology Considerations for English Learners

Due to a sudden shift in virtual learning, how can we effectively use technology with English Learners (EL) in a virtual classroom setting? How can we communicate effectively with ELs? Incorporating technology in the virtual classroom with ELs is an excellent way to support the four language domains. With technology, students can listen, speak, read and write.

A reciprocal relationship exists between reading and writing and reading informs writing. Speaking and listening are the foundational skills for reading and writing. These four language domains are essential for our ELs as they are learning English and with technology, ELs are able to produce and express language. Furthermore, technology allows ELs to have equal access to the language as their native English speaking peers.

Here are a few considerations to keep in mind as you shift to virtual learning for ELs:

immersive reader icon

1. Use trusted translation and interpretation based on the guidelines set by your district

Two excellent tools to use are the dictate feature and immersive reader in Microsoft OneNote and Word. If you have a student that is unable to write in their native language but can speak in that language, it is an excellent way for them to show what they know! Seeing the joy on a child’s face when they see their speech come to life is so exciting. Immersive reader will read text aloud highlighting text as it reads and the language can also be changed for translation.

2. Use audio books for ELs to hear and read text

Another way I love using technology with ELs is by giving ELs access to audio books. The technology we have at our fingertips is just phenomenal. Students are able to listen to a text in their native language and then hear it in English. Additionally, they are able to see the text on the screen. You can even change the interface to the native language. One of my favorite free websites to use for this is Unite for Literacy. (uniteforliteracy.com or Unite Books app) Students can explore a wide range of texts in a variety of languages with beautiful graphics.

3. Utilize multi-modal resources

Another great technology resource for ELs is Discovery Education. The amount of multi-modal resources within Discovery Education is outstanding. For the videos, ELs greatly benefit from the closed caption and transcript features. Being able to listen and see the text on the screen and in print supports ELs with their language development. For the reading passages, the audio feature allows the text to play and students can change the speed of the audio. Students can even see the text be tracked along the screen as they listen. Additionally, students can go on Virtual Field Trips which is so important right now! If your district doesn’t already have Discovery Education, they are offering districts free accounts during the closure.

4. Tech buddies for ELs

Consider having a tech buddy for ELs. Assign an online tech buddy, either a same language student or a tech savvy classmate to support ELs with tech. Additionally, ensure ELs know where and who to go to for tech support when they need it.

5. Clear and concise Communication

Ensure when you are giving information through tech resources that it is clear and concise. Remember that both families and students will need support with the tech resources you share, less is more!

During this time, if technology is unavailable for an EL, consider the phone capabilities they may have. Perhaps they can email or text. Consider having printed paper copies with offline resources of daily or weekly choice boards they can complete with no tech requirements! These activities could include listening, speaking, reading and writing activities. It is vital to ensure during this extended closure that our ELs are still able to access the learning materials even if they do not have technology available to them. With or without tech, our goal for our ELs is to allow for opportunities that they can actively engage in listening, speaking, reading and writing! I hope you will find these resources to be useful with your ELs!

Written by Mandy Livings. Mandy is an Elementary English Learner Program Specialist in Prince William County Public Schools.

Empowering Student Voice

In case you haven’t heard, #FlipgridFever is a real thing! This educational tool has made quite a name for itself in the world of teaching. Amplifying student voice is key if we want our students to take responsibility for their learning and understanding, as well as being proud of sharing what they know. As teachers, we are trying to teach our students that we should respect each other’s rights, feelings, opinions, beliefs, and values. What better way to demonstrate that than using Flipgrid for students to share those things through book reviews amongst their peers.

A few Instructional Technology Coaches from Prince William County Public Schools put our heads together to create a collaborative Book Review project using Flipgrid as the main tool, so students could give personal reviews of books after they’ve finished. Students across multiple schools are able to share their reviews, as well as watch reviews from their peers. The students are being introduced to a larger peer group with differing ideas than they see in their own school buildings, enabling a broader perspective and larger conversation about their books.

Filpgrid allows students to share their thoughts on books with many other students, giving them the power to evaluate texts and empowering them to think actively about the texts, rather than just passively moving from book to book. Keeping students engaged in their learning is a challenging task. Teachers are always looking for student-centered activities that involve students incorporating their interests, while making their own choices. Flipgrid is the perfect platform to take student voice to the next level. We’ve seen students who rarely raise their hand in class review several books since we opened up our book review stations.

Not only are they working on their writing and oral language skills, but they are more confident in sharing their own voice on a forum like Flipgrid. While they may be shy in class, the feeling that they are alone when recording in front of a camera affords them the security they need to share their thoughts without the pressure of speaking in front of a group. They are reading, thinking about reading, and talking about their reading in authentic ways. Flipgrid has given purpose to their reading. This activity provides a win for students and the teachers!

Written by Sara Ross and Kevin Weaver. Sara and Kevin are both Instructional Technology Coaches in Prince William County Schools.