The Critical Use Of Technology To Teach 5th-Grade ELLs
The use of technology while teaching English Language Learners (ELLs) is critical during this time, particularly as we navigate an increasingly digital world. With the rapid advancements in technology and the widespread availability of various digital tools, educators have the unique opportunity to enhance the learning experience for ELLs in unimaginable ways. Therefore, English Language teachers should try to improve their ability to teach with the use of technology. According to the article "Technology-enhanced English language learning and teaching," Language teachers should improve their capabilities with training on the use of technology, including multimedia, computers, and smart boards in the classroom. Viewed in conditions of teaching, many recommend that teachers should have fundamental technology art and be able to:
Use technology for individual productivity.
Use technology to allow learning in a subject area.
Adapt technology-supported learning tools.
Provide student-centered, technology-supported activities.
Develop student capabilities within the framework of technology-supported activities.
(D. Sultanova & D. Maksudova March 2019)
Technology facilitates access to a wealth of resources. Technology also allows the implementation of interactive and engaging learning methods that cater to the diverse needs of students acquiring the English language. For example, language learning apps and online platforms can provide personalized learning experiences tailored to individual proficiency levels, enabling ELLs to progress at their own pace. Additionally, multimedia resources such as videos, podcasts, and interactive games can make language acquisition more enjoyable and relevant, helping students to connect with the material on a deeper level. Furthermore, technology can bridge the gap between students and teachers, allowing for real-time feedback and communication. Real-time feedback and communication are essential for building confidence and competence in a new language. Additionally, the Integration of technology in the classroom can foster collaboration among ELLs, encouraging them to work together on projects and assignments using digital tools. For example, teachers can place students in groups or pairs to offer students the ability to work together. This collaborative approach enhances their language skills and promotes social interaction and cultural exchange. The social interaction and cultural exchange are vital components of language learning. In this way, technology has become a powerful ally in the educational journey of ELLs, providing them with the resources and support they need to thrive academically and socially in an increasingly digital world.
The Influence Of Technology On ELLs
In the upper elementary grades, mainly grades four through six, the complexity of reading in various content areas such as science, social studies, and mathematics increases significantly. At this stage, students are expected to engage with texts that are not only longer but also more intricate in vocabulary and concepts. This transition from learning to read to reading to learn can pose substantial challenges for many students. Those who may have previously excelled in their reading skills can find themselves struggling to comprehend the specialized language and structure of content-area texts. Without appropriate guidance and support, these difficulties can lead to frustration and a sense of failure, which can, in turn, diminish their motivation and confidence in their academic abilities. This is precisely why the integration of technology into the learning environment becomes essential during this critical period of development. Technology offers a myriad of resources and tools that can enhance comprehension and engagement. For instance, interactive e-books and educational software can provide students with multimedia content that reinforces their understanding of complex subjects through visuals, audio, and interactive elements. Additionally, online platforms can facilitate collaborative learning experiences where students can work together on projects, share insights, and support one another in overcoming reading challenges. Furthermore, technology can also assist in differentiating instruction to meet the diverse needs of learners. Tools such as text-to-speech software can help struggling readers by allowing them to hear the text read aloud, while vocabulary-building apps can help expand their understanding of challenging words found in content area texts. The use of these technological tools not only aids in comprehension but also fosters a more inclusive learning environment where all students have the opportunity to succeed. The dissertation "Influence of Technology on English Language Learners' Vocabulary, Reading, and Comprehension" by Catherine Elizabeth Crum. She did a study and she said that "the purpose was to explore the issue of reading comprehension when taught through presentation software, online historical photographs and data, and graphic representations including movie clips to ELLs in 5th grade in the content area of social studies. The study examined the use of technology-supported instruction as an influence on the reading comprehension performance of 5th-grade ELLs." (Walden University 2017)
She concluded that technology-supported instruction in the ELL classroom was crucial and should be implemented at every elementary grade level. She also talked about how technology-supported instruction makes a significant difference in the content area comprehension of vocabulary terms for 5th-grade ELLs In summary, as students progress through the upper elementary grades, the demands of reading in content areas can become significantly more challenging. Without the right support, many students may struggle and face setbacks in their educational journey. Therefore, the strategic use of technology during this time is not just beneficial but crucial, as it empowers students to navigate these challenges effectively, enhances their learning experience, and ultimately supports their growth as confident, capable readers and learners.
The Criticalness of I-Ready For Effective and Personalized Learning Assessments
I-Ready is beneficial for students because it supports personalized learning, which is essential in today's diverse educational landscape. This platform tailors its instructional content to meet the individual learning styles and paces of each student. By assessing students' strengths and weaknesses through diagnostic tests, I-Ready can create a customized learning path that addresses specific areas where a student may need improvement. This personalized approach not only enhances student engagement but also fosters a sense of ownership over their learning journey, allowing them to progress at a rate that is comfortable yet challenging for them.
Furthermore, I-Ready recognizes each student's unique needs by providing targeted resources and interventions that cater to different learning abilities. It takes into account various factors such as prior knowledge, learning preferences, and even socio-emotional aspects that may affect a student's academic performance. This level of differentiation ensures that all students, regardless of their starting point, have the opportunity to succeed and thrive in their educational pursuits. Teachers can also utilize the data generated by I-Ready to better understand their students' progress and to adjust their instructional strategies accordingly, thereby creating a more responsive and effective learning environment.
Moreover, I-Ready promotes equity in schools by ensuring that every student has access to high-quality educational resources and support. In many traditional classroom settings, disparities in learning opportunities can arise due to varying levels of teacher experience, resource availability, or student background. I-Ready helps to bridge these gaps by providing consistent, evidence-based instruction that is accessible to all students. This commitment to equity not only helps to level the playing field but also empowers underrepresented and disadvantaged students to achieve their full potential, ultimately contributing to a more inclusive and fair educational system. According to the article "Why Is i-Ready Good for Students" by Kristen Braatz, she points out a few reasons why i-Ready is good and beneficial for students. She talks about its assessment abilities and how it charts an individual course for each student. She talks about the data tools and their usefulness. (Braatz, 2024)
Why i-Ready Is Good for Students by Kristen Braatz, Ph.D.
The Influence Of Technology on English Language Learners' Vocabulary, Reading, and Comprehension by Catherine Elizabeth Crum of Walden University https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=4393&context=dissertations
Technology-Enhanced English Language Learning and Teaching by D. Sultanova & D. Maksudova
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