CHAPTER 7: WHY USE WEB 2.0 TOOLS WITH ELLs?

                Langer de Ramirez, in chapter seven, discusses that for the ELL student and their needs, technology is a crucial component to help overcome not only their language barriers but the time barriers that are automatically in place because they are attempting to learn a new language at the same time that they are learning new content. She points out that there are many web based tools that students already relate to so they can be used to help connect and motivate these students in the classroom. She gives excellent examples of how the TESOL standards are met by using web tools. Finally, anytime you pair children with technology, you have to consider the safety issues. I think that the author makes a very good point in that schools definitely need to consider safety and make appropriate barriers to protect students, but that completely eradicating use of the web is not the best, most appropriate barrier.

I really liked the ideas that were discussed for use of technology with helping English language learners. I think that giving them a “safe” environment to practice using the new language is critical. Since they are going to a non-English speaking home every night, they need other avenues of reinforcement and well as encouragement. The thought that they can listen to podcasts, view instructional videos as well as practice their language acquisition is fantastic. I would think that many things you do on a computer these days allows you to choose a language, so this would give them the opportunity to read something in English, interpret and then if necessary change languages and refer to what is familiar to check for correct understanding/meaning.