Promoting Language Acquisitions: Technology and English Language Learners

• Lacina, J. (2005). Promoting Language Acquisitions: Technology and English Language Learners. Childhood Education, 81(2), 113-115.
  

Summary: As an ESL certified elementary school teacher, Jan Lacina was having trouble deciding how to integrate technology in ways to help her English language learners. She teaches in a mainstream classroom, but often has ESL students in the class as well. She feels that all teachers should be aware of effective programs and strategies to use with ESL students. Lacina interviewed an ESL Coordinator and an ESL/bilingual teacher from another school in order to learn more about effective computer software. They use programs for all areas of language acquisition: for example a program that corrects mispronunciation when the students speak into a microphone. Technology allows students to control the pace of their learning and offers various avenues for learning. Lacina also gives a brief history of computer-assisted instruction within the realm of ESL, with the conclusion that interactive content-based programs are the most effective for language acquisition. The article also lists several different ways to utilize technology such as internet chat sessions, discussion boards, and web quests.

Reaction: This article was very interesting. The thing I liked the most about it is that Lacina provides detailed descriptions of various ways to use the technology with ESL students. Although I mostly work with adult ESL students, this article is still relevant to me. She gives specific websites and explains the benefits of using the websites in the classroom. Working with ESL students can be a challenge because of the diverse backgrounds and cultures, but utilizing technology in the right ways can really work well with all students because it allows them to express themselves in multiple ways. I think it’s amazing that there are programs that can correct pronunciation and so on. I volunteered at WCC and the students often worked on computers to practice vocabulary and pronunciation. It was nice for them because they could have a word repeated or slowed down as many times as they needed to hear it correctly. Lacina also mentioned that computers are useful because they provide instant feedback. I never really thought about it that way, but that does make sense. I had never really heard of Web Quests before, but they sound like a great idea. The teacher can create a scenario, task, and specific requirements that the students must then complete through visiting different websites etc. I would definitely use a Web Quest as an ESL teacher because it can be created in a way that is relevant to the student, thus increasing their interest and learning.