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Technology in the ELL classroom

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Having excellent technological skills will make a major difference in the lives and futures of English language learners (ELLs). Their careers will increasingly rely on the ability to maneuver easily in technological environments, and to learn new technology quickly.

There are a number of challenges that educators face when trying to help ELLs get up to speed, including language barriers and limited access to computers and the Internet. While ELL students are often at a disadvantage when it comes to learning about technology, however, they are also extremely motivated and enthusiastic about technology when they have meaningful access to the instruction. By taking a moment to observe and reflect on your ELL students' learning needs, you will be able to help them successfully transition to a "high-tech" society and a successful future.

The resources in this section offer a number of ways to build your students' technical skills, from teaching students the most basic computer vocabulary, to creating dynamic multimedia lesson plans using educational websites.

Technology and ELLs

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How are you using technology in the classroom?

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These articles focus on the ways that technology can support ELL instruction, as well as strategies that teachers can use to help ELLs with limited experience learn the language and skills needed to build technical proficiency.

Preparing ELLs to be 21st-Century Learners (Colorín Colorado)
Getting Students Where They Need To Be (Colorín Colorado)
To Triumph in This Country/Triunfar en Este País (PBS Teachers)
The Word and the World: Technology Aids English-Language Learners (Edutopia)
Interactivity Seen as Key (Education Week)

Using Instructional Technology

These articles focus on strategies and lesson plans related to using technology in the classroom.

DSL — Digital as a Second Language (everythingESL.net)
ESL Lessons for Adult Students (Education World)
Research Building Blocks: Examining Electronic Sources (ReadWriteThink.org)
Paying Attention to Technology: Writing Technology Autobiographies (ReadWriteThink.org)
Kids' Vid: Multimedia Projects for Students

Technology Trends in the Classroom

These websites are tracking the creative ways that instructional technology is being used around the country.

Edutopia
Education Week
Spotlight on Technology in the Classroom (Education Week — $4.95)
3 Ways Educators Are Embracing Social Technology (Mashable.com)

The Impact of Media on Children

How is increased screen time and exposure to our multimedia world affecting kids and their education? Learn more from these webcasts, video clips, and articles.