Promoting Language Acquisitions: Technology and English Language Learners

Childhood Education, Winter 2004/2005 by Lacina, Jan

Tara and Itza work in school districts that provide computer software and training to promote constructivist learning. Such resources and training are needed in all schools, especially those that serve English language learners.

In order for teachers to adequately meet the needs of ELLs, all teachers must be familiar with techniques and resources to facilitate language learning by using technology. A first step to achieving such a goal would be for all teacher educator preparation programs to require a course, or courses, in ESL methodology. This is no longer just a desire of those of us whose academic discipline is in the area of TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages), but such an idea is now a necessity if we truly want to meet the academic needs of all of our students.

References

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Bikowski,D., & Kessler, G. (2002). Making the most of discussion boards in the ESL classroom. TESOL Journal, 11(3), 21-30.

Butler-Pascoe, M. E., & Wiburg, K. M. (2003). Technology and teaching English language learners. Boston: Allyn and Bacon.

Freiermuth, M. R. (2002). Internet chat: Collaborating and learning via E-conversations. TESOL Journal, 11(3), 36-42.

Hativa, N. (1988). Computer-based drill and practice in arithmetic: Widening the gap between high-achieving and low-achieving students. American Editentional Research Journal, 25(3), 366-397.

Healy, D., & Klinghammer, S. J. (2002). Constructing meaning with computers. TESOL Journal, 11(3), 3-4.

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Stevens, V. (1989). A direction for CALL: From behavioristic to humanistic courseware. In Pennington (Ed.), Teaching languages with computers: The state of the art. La Jolla, CA: Athelstan Publishers.

Wenglinsky, H. (1998). Does it compute? The relationship between educational technology and student achievement in mathematics. Princeton, NJ: Educational Testing Service.

Jan Lacina is Assistant Professor and PBIC Coordinator for a Web-based program in the Department of Elementary Education at Stephen F. Austin State University, Nacogdoches, Texas.