Using Technology in the (I)ESL Classroom

Digital Native or Digital Immigrant? “Digital Natives, Digital Immigrants” by Marc Prensky What level are you?

So, what? IESL and some younger ESL students are digital natives! All students need computer literacy for success.

Why aren’t teachers using technology in the (I)ESL classroom?

Why are teachers using technology in the (I) ESL classroom? To teach, assess and practice language objectives To be flexible in a variety of contexts and classroom settings To be responsive to different learning styles To increase student motivation & reduce anxiety To provide opportunities for student-centered learning To provide access to authentic language and increase cultural awareness To give immediate feedback for error correction

How is technology being used in the (I) ESL classroom? As an aid for the instructor ◦ Authoring, course management and presentation programs like FrontPage, Blackboard and PowerPoint Self-guided, student-centered learning (Teacher = Designer) ◦ Language-learning software, and multimedia like Focus on Grammar Online and Authentic English resources found on the Internet As a life skill for work and community ◦ Using technology to complete a task, produce writing, communicate with others and find information

So, what does the research suggest? Presentation Software ◦ To help teachers design activities that are multi-modal, permanent, portable and environmentally friendly (Hanson-Smith, 2000 & Earp, 1997) Multimedia ◦ To increase listening and reading comprehension (Merlet, 2000) Internet ESL Listening and Reading activities ◦ To help develop L2 learners oral skills (LeLoup, 2005) , blogging and other communicative writing ◦ To increase language production and student interest (LeLoup, 2003) Course Websites and Blackboard ◦ To reduce paper, provide transparency, increase student autonomy and desire for life-long learning (Isbell, 2000 & Okamoto, 2001)

Best Practices for Teachers Research the benefits and challenges of the technology Use technology appropriate to the goals for each level in the program Choose technology that supports the Washington State Technology Standards for ESL Technology Standards Find funding sources for hardware, software and other materials Ask for technical training & technical support ◦ Information and Communications Technology (ICT) for Language Teachers Create opportunities to share examples of how to integrate technology into our classrooms RIGHT NOW

Bibliography NCLE (January 2002). Uses of Technology in Adult ESL Education. National Center for ESL Literacy Education, Earp, Samantha (Dec. 1997). More than Just the Internet: Technology for Language Teaching. CAL Digests, Merlet, S (2000). Understanding Multimedia Dialogues in a Foreign Language. Journal of Computer Assisted Learning, 16, Hanson-Smith, Elizabeth (2000). Hands On Teacher Training: Presentation Software. Technology-Enhanced Learning Environments. Alexandria, VA: Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages. ( ) Jean W. LeLoup and Robert Ponterio (December 2003). Second Language Acquisition and Technology: A Review of the Research. ERIC Clearinghouse on Languages and Linguistics, EDO-FL LeLoup, Jean W. & Robert Ponterio (2005). On the Net: First, You Have to Hear It! Oral Language Practice. Language Learning & Technology 9 (3): 4-8. Retrieved from Kelly, Charles (2000, March). Guidelines for Designing a Good Web Site for ESL Students. The Internet TESL Journal, VI (3). Retrieved October 10, 2006, from Boswood, T. (1998). In Boswood, T. (Eds.), New ways of using computers in language teaching ( ). Alexandria, VA: Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages. Isbell, Katharine & Jonathan Reinhardt. (2000). Web Integration: A Model for Task-Based Learning. In Hanson-Smith, E. (Eds.), Technology in the classroom (45-55). Alexandria, VA: Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages. Okamoto, T., A Cristea & M. Kayama (2001). Future Integrated Learning Environments with Multimedia. Journal of Computer Assisted Learning, 17, 4-12.

TechnologyWhat is it?How can we use it? 1. PowerPointPresentation Software for Computers 2.Blackboard/ Angel Course Management Software (used online) 3. Web sitesFaculty Web Pages Available Online for Students 4. InternetFree Education Resources and Authentic English 5. MultimediaVideo, Digital Recorders, Cameras (Audio-Visual Materials) 6. ExcelSpreadsheet Software 7. /BlogsBlog = short for Weblog (web + log) = short for electronic mail 8. Computer Labs Student-Centered, Self-Guided Learning Classrooms

Jill’s Classroom Examples of Using Technology Use youtube to build background knowledge for pre- or post-reading. ◦ Prairie Dog Vacuum Prairie Dog Vacuum Use a class blog for online journaling. ◦ ESL Class Blog ESL Class Blog Use Media Services for speaking self- assessment. Use PowerPoint for grammar presentations and/or writing prompts. Use a website for class management. ◦ ESL Class Web Site ESL Class Web Site

Media Services 3 rd floor of the Library Contact: Kenji Tachibana or David Gronbeck Services for Students:  Produce PowerPoint presentations  Create posters and visuals  Edit videos  Edit still images  Rehearse class presentations  Collaborate with your peers on projects

TechnologyWhat is it?How can we use it? 1. PowerPointPresentation Software for Computers Teaching Grammar, Low-Level Writing Activities, Speaking Games, Teaching Strategies 2.Blackboard/ Angel Course Management Software (used online) Online Quizzes, Class Communication, Grading, Linking to Sources 3. Web sitesFaculty Web Pages Available Online for Students Class Information, Linking to Resources 4. InternetFree Education Resources and Authentic English Linking to Resources, Researching, Teacher-Created Activities 5. MultimediaVideo, Digital Recorders, Cameras (Audio-Visual Materials) Using YouTube, Using media services for recording 6. ExcelSpreadsheet SoftwareManaging Grades, Attendance and Student Reports 7. /BlogsBlog = short for Weblog (web + log) = short for electronic mail Online Journaling, Writing Assignments, Classroom Communication 8. Computer Labs Student-Centered, Self- Guided Learning Classrooms FOG software, Net IDs, Mavis Beacon