Technology for ESL classrooms
- 2. As teachers in the modern classroom, we have the most advanced means of instruction through technology the world has ever seen. The options available to us are constantly evolving, which makes them both increasingly useful and difficult to master.
- 3. Voice recording where students record their own voice responding to prompts or an assignment offers another space for students to talk their way into learning, remembering or clarifying. Like a. Brainstorming b. Refining voice c. Practice & Revision d. Self-assessment
- 4. Another creative technology used by successful teachers is video and film. The use of film has long been part of the ESL classroom. Watching clips to discuss dialogue or specialty subjects can be useful. Using smartphones, students can create their own video content, or steam directly into the classroom. Smart boards, tablets, and other screen devices make video one of the most accessible technologies for teachers.
- 5. One of the easiest and most fun ways to integrate technology into your ESL classroom is to create a class blog. Your students will be able to post and share articles, images, their proudest work and more. Along with boosting your students’ English writing practice, a classroom ESL blog brings the entire class together. They’ll be collaborating to create English language articles and build a blog everyone wants to share.
- 6. If you’re looking for something more personalized than classroom wide events like virtual lectures, apps are a great choice. To engage students both inside and outside the classroom, there are a number of application styles I recommend. Recorders, timers, and note makers can help keep students on task and motivated.
- 7. Utilizing podcasts as a way to integrate technology into the ESL classroom gives your students access to the outside world of English. Listening skills are of course at the forefront with this classroom technology, but there are also other skills you can incorporate into your ESL podcast lesson plan.
- 8. The innovative technology available for your classroom should certainly extend to translation apps and online platforms. Translation apps and online translation tools you can integrate include: a. Google Translate b. Day Translations free online translator c. Way go translation app d. Microsoft Translator
- 9. Skype is a great way to let your students take the reins in an English conversation. Connecting your ESL class with native English speakers around the world will help students hone listening skills, build confidence and boost engagement.
- 10. Gamification is becoming a very popular learning tool for students. In fact, 70 percent of teachers said that students were more engaged when using educational video games. However, there are a number of games that have learning value for the ESL classroom.