I have observed the use of videoconferencing in the classroom and seen firsthand how it created a fun, interactive, and positive learning experience for the students. Monthly, the teacher arranged for the class to Skype with a class from an English-speaking country. The students were encouraged to create questions prior to the video conference and ask their questions to the other school. This activity was especially helpful for ELLs to improve their listening and speaking skills. 

 

 

Through my classroom experience I have seen how technology can inspire students to learn because technologies can add fun, excitement and interest to the learning experience.  They generally are interactive and provide instant feedback.  They allow for practice in interesting and challenging ways.  They are flexible and can be adapted to different learning styles and interests.  They also provide a certain independence to students for their learning.  All of these attributes mean that technology can improve students’ motivation and confidence, which often need attention in the case of ELLs.

 Technology can help to ease the transition to a new language and environment. In my experience, I have found that ELLs benefit from the reinforcement of concepts and vocabulary through images and videos. They also benefit from using technology to express themselves and discover their own voice. 

2.     Collaborating on a project with a class in another province

3.     Taking a virtual field trip

4.     Interviewing a scientist