Module Eight

Focal Areas

Rationale for Integrating Technology w/ELLs

The intentional integration of technology leverages the unique affordances of digital tools to support the language acquisition, academic achievement, and overall learning experiences of English Language Learners. The use of technology with English Language Learners (ELLs) has several key rationales:

1. Language Learning and Practice: Technology provides ELLs with engaging, interactive, and individualized opportunities to practice language skills such as listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Multimedia resources, language learning apps, and virtual communication tools allow ELLs to repeatedly engage with English in authentic contexts.

2. Differentiation and Personalization: Technology enables teachers to differentiate literacy instruction and provide personalized learning experiences for ELLs based on their proficiency levels, learning styles, and needs. Adaptive software, text-to-speech, and translation tools can scaffold content and language support.

3. Multimodal Learning: Many technology tools leverage multimodal approaches that combine visual, auditory, and kinesthetic elements. This multimodal access to content and language supports ELLs' comprehension and engagement.

4. Linguistic and Cultural Connections: Technology facilitates connections between ELLs' native languages/cultures and the target language/culture. Video conferencing, virtual field trips, and online collaboration enable ELLs to interact with diverse communities and build cross-cultural understanding.

5. Motivation and Engagement: The interactive, game-based, and multimedia nature of many educational technologies can increase ELLs' motivation and engagement in learning English. This heightened engagement leads to more time on task and language practice.

6. Feedback and Assessment: Technology provides immediate, targeted feedback to ELLs on their language development. Online assessments, digital portfolios, and learning management systems also enable teachers to continuously monitor ELLs' progress and adjust instruction accordingly.

7. Accessibility and Equity: Assistive technologies and digital resources can improve access and equity for ELLs, including those with special needs or limited access to educational resources outside of school.

Return to the Top

Supporting English Language Learners (ELLs) with Technology

• What can teachers use for support? See http://www.scholastic.com/teachers/article/supporting-english-language-learners-technology 

• Read Preparing ELLs to be 21st Century Learners

• Read Empowering English Language Learners with Tools from the Web 

• Read Technology Usage with ELLs in the Writing Strand