Digital Tools to Support English LearnersSTRATEGIES AND RESOURCES FOR LANGUAGE ACQUISITION AND ACADEMIC CONTENT
PRESENTED BY SUE DOMANICO, ED.D.; EDADVANCE
Goals for the sessionConsider how to use digital tools to access three common frames for learning for English Learners
Explore free or low-cost websites and apps that can support language acquisition and access to academic content for English Learners at all proficiency levelsTranslation and pronunciation
Dictionaries and vocabulary
General language learning
Study aids and fluency
Diversity in the English Learner population• Quality of previous education
• Prior English learning experiences
• Literacy of the family
• Socioeconomic status
• Mobility
• Family displacement
• Cultural isolation
• Exposure to social unrest or war
• Cultural differences between educational systems
Special challenges for teachersFilling in gaps in background knowledge
Helping students to navigate the nuances of English grammar, slang, and multiple meanings of words
Differentiating between difficulties in comprehension caused by language versus learning disabilities
Providing students with strategies to tackle academic vocabulary necessary to master course content
Recognizing and valuing the experiences and knowledge that students bring to the school setting
The English Proficiency StandardsHeavy emphasis on academic language in addition to survival/communication proficiency.
More explicit connection to career readiness skills in addition to life skills
Use of technology to expand resources and relevance
“Why Adult Learners Need Technology in Their Education,” B. Marcetahttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=22-JpqpCE1M
Why digital resources?Many of the same outcomes can be reached without technology (textbooks, flashcards) but…
Digital skills are part of literacy in today’s society. These include the ability to find, evaluate, organize, create and communicate information.
Digital tools ◦ are more interactive and engaging (gaming theory)
◦ can provide more options and nuances (images, pronunciation)
◦ Are easily accessible from a variety of available devices (Smartphones, tablets, iPads)
◦ Are neutral and non-judgmental, help to lower the affective filter
◦ FUN
Digital literacy skills for adult learnersWhat kinds of digital learning should students be exposed to in class?
◦ Basic computer literacy
◦ Information and communication
◦ Digital information literacy
◦ Internet literacy skills
Need for instructors to be facilitators of learning and learn requisite technology skills alongside their students (LINCS Issue Brief: Integrating Digital Literacy into English Language Instruction)
LINCS; Concepts in Action: Integrating Digital Literacy Activities Into Planning, Companion Learning Resource
Digital tools for EL learning frames
Frames for learningUniversal Design for Learning
Language Experience Approach
Realia/Total Physical Response
Universal Design for LearningBased on work by Anne Meyer and David Rose in 1990’s
Takes advantage of different parts of the brain ◦ Affective Networks: the WHY of learning (engagement, motivation)
◦ Recognition Networks: the WHAT of learning (representation, present in different ways)
◦ Strategic Networks: the HOW of learning (action & expression, different ways to demonstrate mastery)
UDL Overview: http://www.udlcenter.org/aboutudl/udlguidelines_theorypractice (4:30 min)
http://www.udlcenter.org/aboutudl/udlguidelines_theorypractice
UDL resourcesCAST UDL Studio :
◦ Text◦ Free online public domain text sources: http://www.online-literature.com/
◦ Audio◦ Recording and editing software, sound effects, music, audio books: https://librivox.org/
◦ Video◦ Online sources for free video, video search engines: https://www.google.com/videohp
◦ Images◦ Public domain images: http://pics.tech4learning.com/
◦ Animations◦ Online animation tools and free online public domain animations: http://www.amazing-animations.com/
For a complete listing of resources:
http://udlstudio.cast.org/help;jsessionid=BB9FB2AB144F46AC6F2A1AA3EFC05F6E *
More from CASTUDL Book Builder
◦ Develop your own digital books
◦ http://bookbuilder.cast.org/
CAST Science Writer*◦ Web-based tool that scaffolds the process of science class and lab reports
◦ http://sciencewriter.cast.org/welcome;jsessionid=31CC8DBD1C89F99C424A2C2651F2FDCC
CAST UDL Editions◦ Classic texts in an online interface with built-in supports for differentiation
◦ http://udleditions.cast.org/
Great built-in features for audio (read the screen), playback speed, embedded dictionaries, highlighting
Language Experience ApproachPromotes reading and writing through the use of personal experiences and oral language
Steps:◦ Choose, organize and conduct an experience
◦ Discuss the experience
◦ Develop a written account
◦ Read (and re-read) the account
◦ Extend the experience
An explanation featuring adult learners: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zAMdcyL1RRU
Can’t conduct an experience? Go virtual!
The 10 Best Virtual Field Trips: http://www.eschoolnews.com/2013/04/07/ten-of-the-best-virtual-field-trips/
Realia and Total Physical ResponseBoth of these frames utilize objects and experiences to provide a context for language development
Teachers can access online picture dictionaries to help students associate images with words
Some sites even have pronunciation features and translation features to help students identify initial sounds and words spoken by different people.
https://www.pdictionary.com/ words and pictures-interactive flash cards
Vidtionary: http://www.vidtionary.com/ pictures, sounds, multiple pronunciations by male and female speakers with different accents, short clips *
http://www.tprsource.com/asher.htm
Categories of AppsTranslation and pronunciation
Dictionaries and vocabulary
General language learning
Study aids and fluency
Benefits of iPads Built in features
Spoken Text◦ Speak Selection and Speak Screen will read highlighted text aloud with proper pronunciation
Dictation◦ Talking helps practice enunciating and saying words correctly or dictate in native language and translate;
doesn’t need Internet connection
Safari Reader◦ View a webpage in one page, without ads, adjustable font and background color
Communication tools◦ Facetime, text chats, video
Handouts from Apple
Content creationKeynote
◦ Visual vocabulary cards with images, animations and video
Pages◦ Built-in templates for reports with video and text
Numbers◦ Use individual sheets for pre-writing, writing, revision
GarageBand◦ Record reading for improved fluency or sing songs to learn language and patterns
iMovie◦ Create video versions using titles, images, voiceovers and sound effects
Process for selecting appsRecommendations from users
Recommendations from “best of” site reviews
Visit the app site
Look at independent reviews◦ All of the suggested apps have strong reviews (4/5 stars or better) with generally positive comments
Note:
Not all apps have equal functionality on all devices. Some are geared for iPhones, Android, iPads, Kindles, Apple watches, etc.
Most are free downloads from the iTunes store, but check!
Translation and pronunciationPronunciation Power: exercises to practice Stress, Timing, Articulation, Intonation & Rhythm S.T.A.I.R.) in 12 languages https://itunes.apple.com/app/pronunciation-power/id368753108?mt=8
Speak English Like an American: idioms and expressions https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/english-at-work/id398332055?mt=8
iTranslate: translates text, websites or voice-to-voice, includes a dictionary http://www.itranslate.com/
http://mastersinesl.com/essential-esl-app-guide/#translation *
Dictionaries and vocabularyDictionary.com with English Learner’s Dictionary: idioms, phrases, spelling suggestions https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.dictionary
Vocopedia Lite: flashcard based vocabulary builder. Over 3900 words, geared toward academic English, competitive exams https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.akdroid.vocopedialite
WordWeb Dictionary: dictionary and thesaurus with one-click look up http://wordweb.info/free/
http://mastersinesl.com/essential-esl-app-guide/#tools
General language learningSpeaking Pal: Short dialogues with a video character, advanced speech recognition to get feedback on pronunciation. Video lessons and quizzes. Tracks student progress. https://www.speakingpal.com/
English-Learn English: interactive and conversational practice app https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/hello-hello-english/id387137277?mt=8
Duolingo: opportunities to read, listen and speak. Uses gamification to make more interactive. Create a profile through Google or Facebook
https://www.duolingo.com/
http://mastersinesl.com/essential-esl-app-guide/#general
Study aids and fluencyConsider these strategies for increasing the opportunities to speak and communicate
Research shows that English Learners are engaged in actual conversation using academic language only about 4% of class time!
◦ Using social media
◦ Using pictures and photos as prompts
◦ Using digital media for storytelling
Using Social MediaBenefits:
Provides an opportunity for reflection by students and their teacher, Opens up student writing to a wider audience, Provides an opportunity to practice writing and communication skills, Builds a learning support community, Empowers student voice, Provides a platform for peer feedback, Motivates and engages students in higher-level communicative learning
Platforms:◦ Kidblog, Edublogs, Blogger, Write About
Purposes/Uses: ◦ Discussions, Responses, Reflections, Sharing images, links, and resources, Vocabulary and grammar
activities, Paragraph writing, Commentary, Storytelling
https://www.edutopia.org/blog/blogging-for-english-language-learners-rusul-alrubail
Photos and picture prompts“A picture is worth a thousand words.”-unknown
The Rosetta Stone: Search by Creative Commons http://search.creativecommons.org/
Images:◦ Flickr
◦ Google Images
◦ Open ClipArt Library
◦ Pixabay: https://pixabay.com/ high quality photos, vectors, video
◦ Pics 4 Learning: http://www.pics4learning.com/ Photos, search or collections *
◦ EduPics: https://www.edupics.com/ Categories, B&W or color cartoons and photos *
◦ Free Foto: http://www.freefoto.com/index.jsp Searchable photographs
◦ Free Digital Photo: http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/ Search or categories
Digital Media and Story-tellingA strategy to practice speaking English without the stress of being “on-stage”
Tell About This: somewhat elementary. Provides photos or prompts for students to talk about and record stories to narrate pictures https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/tell-about-this-free/id781847911?mt=8
Shadow Puppet Edu: organized by projects/presentations. Students can pull images from various embedded libraries and students add the narration http://www.educationalappstore.com/app/shadow-puppet-edu
Explain Everything: a bit more sophisticated but has a small cost ($5.99-$7.99). Students can manipulate images on a whiteboard and add text and narration https://explaineverything.com/
https://ww2.kqed.org/mindshift/2015/08/31/6-storytelling-apps-that-get-english-language-learners-talking/
The Power of Digital ToolsStudents will need to utilize digital tools to develop college and career ready digital literacies
Support students by introducing skills and tools into classroom instruction
Learn with your students as necessary to model problem-solving and risk-taking
Use whatever tools are accessible to students:◦ Hardware including Smartphones, tablets, iPads, laptops
◦ Software including apps
◦ Internet/cloud-based resources including blogs for getting content
For more informationSue Domanico, Ed.D.
EdAdvance/ EdAdvance Adult Training and Development Network (ATDN)
355 Goshen Rd., Litchfield, CT 06756
860-567-0863 (phone); [email protected]
