I found in my own studies that reading websites in the target language is a really great way to become better at the language. Of course, this wouldn't be for beginning students, but once a student can somewhat understand and read in the second language, I think that using the internet as a tool for reading is a good idea.
The issue comes about with the type of material the student would read and have access to. I came across a program called WebQuest that helps in this area. Usually this is done in a Word Document or a small website is created on a computer for the students to access the content from.
WebQuest is a learning tool that allows the teacher to create links to websites for the student to visit as well as goals for the student to accomplish at these sites. A teacher could link to English websites for the student to read and in a group they could analyze and discuss what they have learned. This could also help students see how English is used in a real world example.
http://webquest.org/
-Kaylynne
Active Engagement in Learning!
Role playing, storytelling, drama
I cannot totally agree that reading online "wouldn't be for beginning students." There is a variety of websites for ESL learners that offer reading lessons for different levels. I had a beginner student with whom I read stories offered on a website. He learned with me how to do the comprehension exercises (vocabulary, crossword puzzle, cloze, etc.) for the reading passage. Everything is really at the click of your finger tip and we both enjoyed the lessons, using our own ipads! He was gone for the winter break and when he came back, I realized that his reading was one level up. He practiced one story a day during the break as I had suggested him, and did the exercises all by himself (his family members do not purposely use English at home). His instrumental motivation together with the practice "reading online" just got him an amazing result in reading.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with you that any student can use the internet to aid in their second language studies. After re-reading over my post, I realized that I made a few rather broad statements. (Which I do not like doing, sorry about that.)
DeleteFor a beginning student who is just starting to learn how to read, a teacher would have to be very involved in helping the student on the computer. Your example is a great one on this. WebQuest, on the other hand, has very small involvement from the teacher and is more student group focused. I think that a beginning student would have a really difficult time learning in this type of way. However, if the websites provided text-to-speech options that were actually done by humans and not the computer, then these type of websites could be used for a student who is just beginning to learn how to read.
-Kaylynne
Using technology in the classroom, especially educational programs that are available online is a great tool in preparing our students for success. Our students are now literate in technology because of the availability and convenience of technology devices. For majority of our students, technology is part of their everyday life. Because students are knowledgeable of basic computer operations, it is important that we integrate technology use in our classrooms. I think the ESL students will greatly benefit from technology because they will be using websites or other similar programs that would allow them to become accustomed to the Englsh language as well as use their prior knowledge to complete assignments.
ReplyDeleteThis generation is all about technology and it is vital that we integrate technology with our classroom instruction. There are tons of websites out there for ELLs and many of them are fun and engaging. I just wish that all students would be able to have computer access in the classroom, but unfortunately, there is not enough funding.
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