Peter Horton - Educator

Unit 2: Technology in the Classroom
Leading to Fantastic Rewards

 

The Benefits of Using Technology in a 7th Grade English Arts and ESL Classroom

Introduction
In today’s educational landscape, technology plays a pivotal role in enhancing the learning experience for students. Specifically, in a 7th Grade English Arts and ESL classroom, the integration of technology can significantly contribute to the improvement of students’ language skills, engagement, and overall academic success. Therefore, this document will explore the benefits of using technology before, during, and after instruction, as well as its impact on various aspects of language learning.

Pre-Assessment

To begin with, technology can be used for pre-assessment to understand students’ existing knowledge, skills, and abilities. For example, online quizzes and surveys provide immediate feedback and help identify areas where students need further support.

During Instruction
Moreover, technology enhances instruction by providing interactive and engaging tools. Smartboards, tablets, and educational apps allow for dynamic presentations and student participation. For instance, apps like Quizlet can be used for vocabulary building through interactive flashcards, while Grammarly can assist with grammar development. Additionally, digital storytelling tools such as Storybird can foster creativity in writing assignments.

After Class

Furthermore, post-lesson activities can be significantly enriched with technology. Homework assignments can be submitted and graded online, providing timely feedback. Using my LMS, we can assess student needs, skills, and abilities to create excellent lessons and learning experiences.

State and National Exams
In addition, technology aids in preparing students for state and national exams by offering practice tests and study resources. Over the years, my students have had excellent success on state and national exams, such as NWEA, IELTS, and TOEFL.

Vocabulary Building

Digital tools make vocabulary learning more engaging and effective. Based on my many years of experience, building students’ vocabulary skills involves reading alouds, copying, text-to-speech, and speech-to-text during our online classes. We have a word list of over 4,500 words that students can use. Moreover, I will be incorporating Quizlet for interactive vocabulary building and plan to develop an interactive picture dictionary.

Grammar Development

Similarly, the website is loaded with resources, interactive grammar exercises, and tutorials. It features Flipbooks, audiobooks, and various methods of reading and copying that will make a major difference in a student’s grammar skills and abilities.

Writing

Technology also supports writing instruction through various applications. Tools like Google Docs allow for real-time collaboration and feedback, while writing aids like Hemingway Editor help students enhance their writing clarity and style. Additionally, I have used Grammarly, NoRedInk, Readability, and other tools. I have created numerous resources to improve students’ vocabulary, grammar, and other skills that complement technology to strengthen writing abilities.

Reading for Information

Digital libraries and online articles provide a vast array of reading materials. For example, websites like Newsela offer articles at different reading levels, catering to the diverse needs of students. E-books and audiobooks also make literature more accessible. Consequently, I have created Flipbooks and will be developing E-pubs and audiobooks.

Literature Review and Analysis

Technology further facilitates literature review and analysis by providing access to literary databases and online discussion forums. Through platforms like Goodreads, students can explore different interpretations and engage in critical analysis.

Speaking and Listening

Moreover, I have many methods and tools to improve students’ speaking and listening skills. We will work to enhance these skills through interactive exercises and real-life scenarios. Video conferencing tools like Zoom enable virtual speaking practice and listening comprehension activities.

15 Benefits of Using Technology in an English and ESL Classroom

Increases student engagement and motivation.

Provides personalized learning experiences.
Facilitates real-time feedback and assessment.
Enhances collaboration and communication.
Offers access to a wide range of resources and materials.
Improves digital literacy skills.
Enables differentiated instruction.
Supports diverse learning styles and needs.
Encourages creativity and innovation.
Promotes self-paced learning.
Facilitates formative and summative assessments.
Provides opportunities for remote learning.
Helps track and analyze student progress.
Enhances teacher-student interaction.
Prepares students for future academic and career success.

Conclusion

In conclusion, incorporating technology in a 7th Grade English Arts and ESL classroom offers a multitude of benefits that can greatly enhance the learning experience. From pre-assessment to vocabulary building, grammar development, writing, reading, literature review, and speaking and listening, technology provides valuable tools and resources to support student success. By leveraging these technological advancements, educators can create a more engaging, interactive, and effective learning environment for their students.

Because this is a website and you will be studying and learning from it, we need to discuss the tools and methods we have for communicating and learning. Below are some of the technology, strategies, methods, or ways we will learn:

Strategy

Explanation

Scaffold/Model/Example

Interactive Whiteboards
Use touch-sensitive screens to display and interact with lessons.

Model how to drag and drop words into correct sentence order.

Educational Apps
Incorporate apps designed for language learning.

Scaffold with an app like Duolingo, providing daily practice exercises.

Online Forums
Engage students in written discussions online.

Example: Set up a class forum for book discussions.

Digital Storytelling
Create stories using digital tools.

Model creating a story on Storyboard, then let students create their own.

Podcasting
Students record and edit their own podcasts.

Scaffold by first analyzing a professional podcast, then creating a script.

Blogging
Maintain a class blog for writing practice.

Example: Each student writes a weekly post on the class blog.

Virtual Reality (VR)
Use VR to immerse in English-speaking environments.

Model a VR trip to a museum and discuss the experience in English.

Language Learning Websites
Utilize websites with English exercises.

Scaffold with sites like BBC Learning English for structured lessons. I have used over 35 websites to help my students learn. Plus, there are many YouTube channels.

Video Conferencing
Connect with English speakers globally.

Example: Organize a Skype session with a class from another country.

Online Quizzes
Test knowledge with interactive quizzes.

Model by creating a quiz on Kahoot and playing it as a class. I plan on having online quizzes. I have been very busy building different grade-level resources and learning materials.

E-books
Read and analyze literature digitally.

Scaffold by highlighting and annotating an e-book passage together. I use many e-books for learning English, Social Studies, History, Science, Business, Website Design, Cooking, and other interests.

Grammar Checkers
Use tools like Grammarly for writing assistance.

Model by showing how Grammarly can suggest grammar corrections. I have been using Grammarly for years.

Social Media
Practice language skills through social media platforms.

Example: Create a class Twitter account to tweet about daily learnings.

Multimedia Presentations
Create presentations with text, audio, and video.

Scaffold by designing a PowerPoint on a grammar topic, then have students create their own. I had my students in Saudi Arabia create PowerPoint presentations and present them. In fact, one class put them on YouTube, and they are still there today.

Language Games Online
Play games that reinforce grammar and vocabulary.

Example: Use Quizlet to study and play games with new vocabulary. I have been using Quizlet for more than 10 years. It is an excellent tool to build different types of vocabulary.

Online Dictionaries
Reference digital dictionaries for definitions and synonyms.

Model how to use Merriam-Webster, Longman, and Dictionary.com online to look up new words. I have used all three dictionary websites, and my students have used them. They are great!

Email Exchanges
Correspond with English-speaking pen pals.

Scaffold by drafting an email template and having students personalize it.

YouTube Channels
Learn from educational English language videos.

Example: Watch an “English With Me” video once I get videos on YouTube and discuss the lesson. I don’t have any on YouTube yet, but I plan to.

Web-based Projects
Collaborate on projects using web tools.

Scaffold with Google Docs to write a group project.

Online Assessments
Use digital platforms for assessments.