Advantages of Integrating Technology
There are a number of advantages that come from integrating technology into your ESL (or ELL) classroom, but one of the most important comes from the flexibility in instruction that technology can offer. Roblyer and Doering (2013) note, "In many ELL settings, teachers need to deliver instruction across a wide range of proficiency levels" (p. 290). Luckily for these teachers, technology can help! This presentation outlines many of the possibilities for flexibility in the classroom. In this way, technology (once you as a teacher are familiar with) can make your job just a touch easier. Rather than spreading yourself thin coming up with mini lessons for all of your fluency levels, let apps or other technology resources help you teach.
Disadvantages of Integrating Technology
Along with striking advantages, there are a number of disadvantages as well. These disadvantages usually fall under the locus of overall technology use in the classroom. This article illustrates this point well. And, as I suspected, the advantages outweigh the disadvantages. Overall, there are few disadvantages for utilizing technology with ESL/ELL students that cannot be solved by the many essential conditions we discussed in the last blog.
Specific Activities, Programs, Etc.
My favorite activity from the chapter has to be videoconferencing. With the ease and accessibility of programs like Skype, students across the world can learn from each other. Roblyer and Doering (2013) claim, "many FL teachers claim that...aspects of video communication actually make teaching and learning more effective" (p. 293).
I also really loved the suggestion of radio broadcasts such as NPR for more advanced students (Roblyer and Doering, 2013, p. 296). Similarly, teachers now have access to easy podcast creation software that can allow their students to submit oral language samples. Roblyer and Doering (2013) continue, "This use of podcasts gives teachers greater ease in assessing students' individual speaking skills" (p. 297).
Roblyer and Doering also suggest using learning games or learning apps to reach your ESL students (2013, p. 296). Speaking of apps Daily MOMO has to be my favorite so far. Most ESL apps on the market are directed towards young children (think toddler or early elementary students), and for ESL learners this can be rather insulting. Daily Momo on the other hand keeps it simple and mature for upper level learners.
Check out this video about the app:
Reference
Roblyer, M.D. & Doering, A.H. (2012). Integrating educational technology into teaching (6th ed.). Columbus, OH: Merrill Prentice Hall.
