Inquiry Qu #1 & answers (English Language Learners and Literacy)

Charlotte Wesley-Musonda

Inquiry Group Essential Question & 1 source

Qu.: What are effective uses of educational technology in English as a Second Language instruction?

In beginning the exploration of my inquiry question, I found an online article in the Educational Technology and Change Journal entitled “ESL/EFL Teachers and How they Use Technology”.  The article author interviewed several teachers to discover their best practices and caveats regarding technology use in the ESL/EFL.  First of all, however, it is important to draw the distinction between ESL (English as a Second Language) and EFL (English as a Foreign Language) instruction, because the distinction determines the type and amount of technology available.  ESL is the teaching of English in an immersion environment, in a country where the primary language is English and non-native speakers are learning.  EFL is English language instruction in a non-immersion environment, i.e. in a country where English is not the primary language.

In an immersion (ESL) environment, many teachers incorporate English instruction with computer skills training in a computer lab setting.  Other effective uses of computer labs in ESL instruction include grammar, reading and listening comprehension exercises. Monitored use of “Pronunciation Power” software was found to be effective as well. It was further noted that computer lab use can be especially helpful for reading comprehension. 

In the ESL or EFL classroom (as opposed to a computer lab setting), many teachers found the use of computers with projector to use for DVDs and PowerPoint presentations effective. Teachers also use camera to provide photo and video enhancement of lessons. Cameras are also used with projectors to share student work and other documents, eliminating the need for an overhead projector and making transparencies. To increase the ESL /EFL classrooms interactivity, the use of interactive whiteboards and clickers (Student Response System) was suggested. Outside of class, many teachers use email, wikis, blogs and social networks such as “Ning” (online platform for people to create their own social networks) and even Skype with chat function to augment instruction.

Bibliography:

Zimmerman, Lynn. “ESL/EFL Teachers and How They Use Technology”, Educational Technology & Change (etc) Journal, June 3, 2009. (http://etcjournal.com/2009/06/03/esleft-teachers-and-how-they-use-technology )