Preparing ELLs to be 21st-Century Learners | Colorín Colorado - 0 views
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ELL technology strategies practice vocabulary group goals source
shared by Rosa Polo on 21 Oct 15
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"In the 21st Century, the century our children will
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live in (the century they will, in fact, shape), media
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literacy will not be a luxury; it will be a necessity."
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or ELL stude
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nts learning technology, it is especially important to focus on effective teaching strategies that are commonly used in other content areas, such as academic language development and meaningful interaction with the content.
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Computer tutorials should be organized by tasks: the things most students want to do with the program.
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For each task, concise, step-by-step instructions should be provided.
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Each step should be illustrated with a computer screen shot that shows exactly what to do. The bigger the illustration, the better.
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At the end of each important task, stand-alone exercises should be included to give students an opportunity to practice the tasks. Including multiple exercises will ensure that students who work quickly will remain occupied.
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Build vocabulary
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Find out what students know:
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Review the basics:
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Use props and demonstrations:
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Check comprehension:
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Use handouts
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Try giving ELLs handouts with visuals of the computer screen so that they can follow along.
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Create simple assignments for beginners
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students learning how to use the Word program to create documents should write about something with which they are familiar, rather than having to research a new topic while learning how to use the program.
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Extended practice time
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need to find ways to extend the practice time for ELLs.
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ELL students are making meaning of the instructions given in a second language, while also figuring out how to use the technology.
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. This also may be an opportunity to pair a tech-savvy mainstream student with an ELL student who is developing computer skills.
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Use pair and group work
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If students use the new information, vocabulary, and technology to build something together or to solve a problem, they will learn it and remember it as they discuss different approaches to a problem, activate their knowledge, and learn from each other.
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Establish meaningful goals
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it is important to introduce the technology with very basic, well-known information so all students can understand it
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It is possible to give general guidelines to ensure the quality of the project while still allowing students some options for individuality.
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Teach students to consider the source
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ELL students may be particularly susceptible to believing information they receive electronically because they may come from a culture where very little information is printed, and so written information is usually considered reliable.
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Teachers can also help their students by leading them through a discussion and investigation as to the origin of news, and by teaching them how to determine if information is accurate and relevant to their needs. This also supports the development of good online research skills.
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Teaching technology is challenging in any environment, but when teachers are trying to eliminate the gap between ELL and mainstream students, it is even more challenging. I hope these strategies will give you some ideas of where to start and what kind of support will be helpful to your students. While ELL students are often at a disadvantage when it comes to learning technology, they are also extremely motivated and enthusiastic about technology when they have meaningful access to the instruction. By taking a moment to observe and reflect on your ELL students' learning needs, you will be able to help them successfully transition to a "high-tech" society and a successful future.
