Tech Tools
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.
This page highlights some digital tools to help make content more comprehensible.
Google Tools
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.
Immersive Reader and Microsoft Translator
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.
Copy of Immersive Reader and Microsoft Translator.mp4Copy of Using Dictation and Immersive Reader on MS Word Online.webmClosed Captioning
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"]
Copy of Using the Closed Caption and Transcript Feature on YouTube.mp4AI Tools
Along with the host of tools mentioned above, there are some emerging AI technologies that can be used to support language. View WAB Learns compilation of AI for Inclusion and Multilingual Learners below or use the link here
By taking a piece of text (1000 words for the free version), adding learning outcomes and changing the language, QuestionWell will generate a series of questions that you can add to, filter and edit.
These questions can then be exported to various interactive platforms like Kahoot, Quizlet, Quizziz or Canvas.