This page highlights some of the tech tools available but by no means is this an exhaustive list nor are they being endorsed by APLC. Some may incur a fee.
Students adding English to the languages they know come into our classrooms with a wide variety of specific and unique needs for English language acquisition. While some students may come with experience using technology for their learning, others may not. It is important to remember that technology is a tool, not a crutch, and is there to further language and learning.
Data Privacy: Understand what data is collected and ensure compliance with privacy regulations (like FERPA or GDPR) to protect student information.
Bias and Fairness: Be aware that AI tools can reflect biases in their training data. Check algorithms for fairness and choose resources that help reduce bias.
Dependency Risks: Avoid over-reliance on technology, which can impede students' critical thinking. Encourage a mix of traditional and tech-based teaching methods.
Digital Divide: Ensure all students have equal access to technology. Unequal access can lead to learning disparities.
Intellectual Property: Know the rules around AI-generated content. Clearly define authorship and ownership to prevent plagiarism and copyright issues.
Ethical Use: Teach students about the ethics of AI tools, including issues like misinformation and the need for critical evaluation.
Continuous Learning: Stay updated on technological advancements and adjust teaching methods to remain effective and relevant.
By being mindful of these points, educators can use AI and technology effectively while fostering a balanced learning environment.
Google Translate is not just an app on your phone, but is also embedded into Google Docs and Google Forms. Translation add-ons are available for Google Slides.
The article below outlines some other Google Tools, such as the Read&Write extension, screen record and summarization tools.
Microsoft has developed some unique tools to overcome language barriers. Microsoft Translator offers real-time translated conversations across devices, for one-on-one chats and for larger group interactions. Immersive Reader provides tools such as text-to-speech, syllable and phonetic breakdown, and translations which can help users to better understand and engage with the text.
The two videos below show how Immersive Reader can be used with articles from Wonderopolis and with the dictation feature in Microsoft Word, as well as an example of Microsoft Translator.
Using closed captioning can be beneficial for EAL students who are literate in their home language. Having the opportunity to view the video prior to the learning episode can provide learners with time to process the information presented and perhaps discuss it with parents or guardians in their home language for better understanding.
This video shows how to access closed captioning in other languages and the transcript feature. Using ChatGPT, you can copy and paste the YouTube transcript along with the prompt: "Remove the timestamps from the following YouTube transcript and add proper punctuation: ["paste in transcript"]