Technology has become commonplace in classrooms across the
world. From computers, to interactive whiteboards, to smartphones, technology
is augmenting learning in increasingly complex ways. From the new Digital
Technologies curriculum from the Ministry of Education, to blended and online
learning initiatives in tertiary institutions, technology also has the capacity
to significantly impact the manner in which ESOL teachers do their jobs.
However, there are significant barriers when adopting
technology. For example, equipment can be costly, many online services have
associated charges, and appropriate professional development can be elusive.
That being said, technology has the capacity to allow for personalized
learning, enhanced collaboration, and more time on the provision of feedback.
In order to ensure that technology affects learning in a
positive manner, it is critical that educators have a strong understanding of
the many ways in which it can alter the teaching and learning process.
Thankfully there are a range of frameworks which can be used to guide and
understand the implementation of tech tools.
One such framework is the SAMR framework[1],
by Ruben Puentedura. SAMR stands for Substitution, Augmentation, Modification,
Redefinition. Essentially, this framework helps teachers identify the outcome
of employing any particular tech tool. Technology may act as a direct
substitute, with no functional change. Conversely, technology may allow for
extensive redefinition of a task; allowing for previously unavailable pathways
of learning. When employing technology in the classroom, it is important that
we are adding value.
In Yong Zhao’s 2015 article [2]on
the need for a paradigm shift to cultivate 21st century learners, he
pointed to several ways in which technology could be of benefit. These included
personalized learning, ownership of the learning process, and enhanced
collaboration.
Fortunately, there are a number of tools available that
allow us to achieve these types of benefit, while modifying or redefining ESOL
learning. This article introduces a
web-based reading platform as well as a collaborative tool.
Readtheory.org
[3]is
an online platform which allows teachers to form classes and have students
complete level-appropriate reading comprehension tasks. The tasks are
computer-adaptive; as students get more answers correct, the reading will
become more challenging. Student level is based on an initial reading
comprehension task. As a teacher, the real power of this tool comes through in
the progress reports which teachers can access. Teachers can see how many tasks
students have completed, how many tasks were above the pre-test level, as well
as the students lexile level. In addition, teachers can see which question
types students have struggled with (e.g. key ideas, details, structure, or
integration of knowledge). All in all, this provides some powerful insight into
our students’ reading abilities.
Padlet [4]is
a collaborative tool which can be accessed via a computer or smartphone app.
Padlet promotes itself as “paper for your screen,” and it very much is. One way
to think of it is like ‘sticky notes’ which can be posted on a wall. I’ve used
Padlet to provide grammar practice. I ask students to post examples of correct
usage of a given tense. Students then write these into Padlet. The power of
Padlet as a tool, however, is that students post in real-time. Students see
others’ contributions as they are making their own and can offer feedback on
incorrect language (or notice errors in their own post). This makes for a truly
collaborative, engaging experience.
That being
said, technology does have potential drawbacks. Many of these are barriers to
implementation. For example, the cost of equipment or online services. In
addition, finding the right tool for the job can be a challenge given the
abundance of available tools. In order to navigate these barriers and overcome
the potential pitfalls, online communities are a great help. On Facebook, there
are groups such as #AusELT. In addition, there are blogs such as “Nik’s QuickShout.”
By using
technology in an intelligent way, we can truly redefine the classroom
experience.
