Helping English language learners (ELL's) to successfully use technology tools will assist them in the development of their English and research skills as well as help them to be feel fully included in the learning process. By carefully planning the research project requirements and assigning ELL's to different groups, teachers can provide their students with appropriate supports that will encourage successful results. Dividing the students into groups of four and assigning each student a specific role to perform will enable ELL's to be fully included in the project and provide greater opportunities for group interaction in English. The ELL's will have opportunities to interact socially and negotiate meaning. Through the use of e-mail students will be able to interview individuals to gather information, check their data, and jointly analyze interpretations of events. The students will be able to participate in an electronic discussion list as a resource tool. Students can gain greater success in their project by successfully using the Web by publishing documents for comment and by developing PowerPoint presentations for other learners to use. Authentic audiences in the classroom can be created using these tools. By making the nature of the research project one that can have purpose outside of the classroom, it will instill in the students the desire that these skills are necessary to have in their lives. By working in this manner, students realize that they need multiple forms of input and a variety of ways to express themselves as they try on different cultures and languages. By encouraging students to independently contact outside experts using email, discussion forums, etc., can reduce the teachers requirement to provide students feedback. Students are able to progress independently at their own pace and choose what tasks to do and when.
1. How can teachers and parents help ELL students gain more knowledge about the technology available to them?
Students and parents can attend after school programs for ELL adult learning to successfully learn the vocabulary words and the spoken language practice. Some districts offer this as a weekend "college" for parents and students. Sometimes this is called a literacy program for families. The following are some interesting websites which will help provide information to parents on how to help their children.
http://www.esl.com/
http://www.bnkst.edu/literacyguide/ell.html
http://www.wested.org/policy/pubs/fostering/
http://highered.mcgraw-hill.com/sites/0072326182/student_view0/english-spanish_vocabulary.html
2, Are there resources available to help ELL students to complete their research projects?
The students are able to research on the Internet and find great websites where they can gather information. These are available in both English and Spanish. After gathering their information they will be able to collaborate with their respective groups to complete their assignments. The following websites would be of great assistance to students. http://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=English+Language+Learning+Research+Projects&hl=en&um=1&ie=UTF-8&oi=scholart
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