Februrary 2024 EL MONTHLY NEWSLETTER
EL Classroom
Supports:
technology
WHAT ROLE DOES
TECHNOLOGY PLAY
IN THE EDUCATION
OF EL STUDENTS?
antha Hatcher
& .
With all the everyday challenges
educators face, we know that the use of
technology is just one of many
learning tools teachers must manage.
Whether technology is mandated by
the state or local school, preferred or
unwelcomed, we cannot avoid its
presence in our daily lives and
classrooms. It can be easy for
technology to be used as a “crutch” for
teaching, particularly with ELs,
because of the ease of access and its
general ability to keep students
seemingly engaged and occupied.
Vol 1 Issue 01
WHAT'S IN THIS
MONTH'S ISSUE:
Assistive technology for ELs
Tips on implementing
Upcoming PD opportunities
“THE USE OF TECHNOLOGY IN
THE CLASSROOM IS NOT THE
GOAL IN AND OF ITSELF.”
(Parris, Estrada & Hongsfeld, 2017)
Similarly, it can be met with resistance by
some teachers who are not comfortable with
experimenting with new technologies and
who are confident in more traditional
teaching methods. With the science of
reading in mind, we know that technology
can be a powerful tool in the classroom, and
there can be a balance to using it. A teacher’s
technology integration should be mindful of
the child’s age, language proficiency, and the
purpose for which it’s used.
According to Colorín Colorado, EL
experience with technology can vary greatly
across the board, just like with teachers! We
recommend stepping out of your comfort
zone to incorporate technology into your
instruction, student practice, and assessment
of ELs. First, be sure to learn the language
development levels of the ELs in your room,
then you can choose technology that
matches both the language and academic
needs of your students. Be sure to choose
technology & assignments carefully that will
increase student interaction because sitting
at a computer alone is not going to promote
English language or academic growth like
collaborative activities can. Finally, be sure
to monitor for support, and remember to
use technology to strengthen learning, not
just because it’s readily available (Herrell &
Jordan, 2020)!
“Tech Support” for Teachers!
TIPS ON
IMPLEMENTING
Consider background knowledge
gaps and limited access to
technology in EL’s past
Explicitly teach computer
vocabulary
Give visual handout explaining steps
and processes of the computer
Provide extended practice time
Allow pair and group work
Establish meaningful goals and
“Because these students will be at a disadvantage
in acquiring basic skills in English like reading, assignments
writing, listening, speaking, and learning
mathematics, technology can be a great benefit in
providing specific practice in these skills.”
(Herrell & Jordan, 2020)

ASSISTIVE
TECHNOLOGY
Simple Examples: graphic
organizers, highlighters, timers,
manipulatives, bilingual dictionaries
and thesauri
Digital Examples: text to speech,
UPCOMING PD
word prediction technology,
OPPORTUNITIES
translators
Mobile devices & computers have Wednesday, March 6, 2024
built-in assistive technology 3:30-4:30 PM
Using Google Suite, Seesaw, Reading A-Z,
EPIC! & Flashlight 360 with EL students

Preproduction:
Fluent:
Direct correlation
Speech Emergence: The sky’s the limit as
between visuals, Expand use of different long as the students
spoken words and apps and programs that have received
text. Use with a require verbal or written instruction in the use of
fluent English Early Production: responses. the chosen technology.
Intermediate Fluency:
partner. Technology to improve
Technology pronunciation and basic
Expand choices for
students at this level.
Appropriate reading and keyboarding
Choices should include
skills. Use with a fluent
for Levels of English partner to
partners as well as
software.
increase verbal
Els:
interactions.

FOR MORE VISIT:colorincolorado.org