We all know that when students are actively engaged they retain more material and are more likely to stay focused. One of the ways teachers do this is by incorporating technology. Mary Ann Zehr states in her article, "Teachers should focus on seeking out technology that encourages interactive learning by English language learners and not be preoccupied with whether the technology is designed particularly for such students." I totally agree with her. Just like good teaching is good teaching for everyone, interactivity is also good for everyone. Whether it by interactive by using technology or through games etc... Zeher suggests that teachers of English language learners should use technology to help them practice reading, writing, listening and speaking. Students can interact with native speakers on the web to practice listening and speaking. They can go on Web quests to practice reading and writing. There are also many games on the web that students can use to practice grammar and writing skills.
Another quote from this article that I like was; "having access to the latest technology in school motivated her students. Kids adore technology of any kind-the newer the better. English language learners are no different." This again proves that whatever the technology, if it is engaging, authentic and purposeful it will engage any type of student.
Click here to view article.
Clearly, some good points made here. Engaging, authentic, and purposeful are good key words with authentic being the most important in my opinion. When we make authentic tasks for kids (using technology or not) then the learning and the task become purposeful and engaging as a result.
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I agree with almost everything you have stated in this blod entry. The role of technology in the classroom is to foster interaction and improve the learning of all the students. As long as the interaction serves a purpose in increaing student involvment then it has done its job as far as I am concerned. To the point of using the web for interaction with native speakers, I believe that skype is definetly the way to go. It will allow the students the oppurtunity to converse with native english speakers, but also a chance to see how their mounths form the sounds and words. I font know much ESOL, but I believe visual aids will help.
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