Giovannangelo: Blog Post # 3
Blog Post # 3:
This week I explored the article about 10 ways to use modern
technology in the ELL classroom. It caught my eye, because of the word
“modern”. Just because we are incorporating technology into our classrooms, it
does not mean we are using up to date technology that our students are familiar
with. I think it’s important for us to try to use up to date technology and
features with our students, since they are always (for the most part) up to
date themselves.
The first suggestion that Zakhareuski makes is the use of
cell phone applications with the students. Since most students will have Smart
phones, and are fairly skilled with navigating them, these apps are a great way
to engage students, help support them, and keep them on the learning app and
off Snap Chat. One app they mention is “Grammar Up”. I haven’t explored this
app, but the article describes it as an app for practicing grammar skills and
keeps track of student progress so they can see what skills they’ve mastered
and what skills they need to continue working on. In the past, I have used
other forms of applications with my students, such as the Remind App, but this
seems like another great way for ELL students to learn specific grammar skills.
Another suggestion, and one I haven’t used but would definitely
be interested in using are the use digital field trips within the classroom.
The article explains that digital field trips are a great way to provide an
immersive and authentic experience to learn about new information. ELL students
are able to use this activity at any age, and it could significantly help with
their vocabulary development. Some recommended virtual tour sites are 4-H
Virtual Farm and Middle School Net.
Another resource that stuck out to me, that I think would be
a great addition is the use of podcasts. Students can listen to podcasts in
order to work on their listening comprehension skills, as well as hear proper
pronunciation of words. From there, they can move on to creating their own
podcasts, which can help them work on their pronunciation and speaking skills.
Overall, I think both listening to and creating podcasts would be a great
addition to the ELL classroom.
The article mentioned various other tools such as blogging,
web quests, pen pals, and Skype, but the above three were the ones that stuck
out most to me. I think all of these ideas would be great to include in the ELL
classroom, and would help meet the students where they are comfortable, and
would also engage them, making the learning process a more exciting one.
I love the idea of digital field trips. Schools do not always have the fund or opportunities to go on actual field trips, so virtual field trips are a great alternative. One year our students took a trip to the national aquarium, but before we went, we took a tour on their website. They were able to get an idea of what they were going to see. But, that tour was a great field trip inside itself!
ReplyDeleteAnother way to achieve the virtual field trip that really interests me is through virtual reality goggles. My aunt is a middle school social studies teacher and one of here favorite things to do with her students is use the VR goggles to visit historical sites throughout the world!