ELLs can be supported by a variety of tech tools. This includes scannable technology like quick response (QR) codes and augmented reality (AR) triggers. Here are a few ways that scannable technology can support ELLs in your classroom:

 - Interactive Word Walls - Word walls in your classroom can be useful resources for students who know where to go when they're figuring out how to spell a frequently-used word.

Scannable Vocabulary Lists - Another way to approach vocabulary support is to create personalized vocabulary lists for students.

Audio vs. Written Directions - Some of your ELLs may be conversationally fluent in English but struggle with reading in this language. In addition to giving them written directions in English, you can provide a QR code on an activity sheet or homework assignment that will link to a URL where they can hear the directions read aloud for them.

 

This resource provides guidelines for selecting technology to be used with ELL students. It recommends that teachers look for ELL-friendly supports in the tools we are already using. For example,  Newsela, ThinkCERCA and Khan Academy.

The resource suggests that teachers build basic online resources and productivity tools into daily routines. From basic translation to productivity tools for consumers, a lot of everyday apps and websites can be great for supporting ELL-centered learning activities. These include VoiceThread, Simple English Wikipedia and Google Translate.

Additionally, it encourages teachers to get creative and repurpose a digital-storytelling tool. Storytelling is an excellent, interactive learning activity for ELLs and bilingual learners of all ages and language abilities. Some supports for storytelling include Kid in Story Book Maker and Shadow Puppet Edu.

This website provides guidelines on how to integrate technology with teaching ELL students.  It puts forward the idea that bringing technology into the classroom clearly has multiple benefits for students, especially when they’re learning a second language. Students learn new vocabulary and develop skills necessary to thrive in the technology-rich 21st century, preparing them for success both in and beyond the classroom. The guidelines include becoming comfortable with technology as the teacher, providing hands on-opportunities, keeping instructions simple, delivering information in small segments and using real-world examples and relevant exercises.

This resource is a piece of research that investigates using technology with English Language Learners

in the classroom. It concludes that integrating technology into the classroom and daily lessons has a direct positive impact on English Language Learners. It also suggests that not only does technology increase students’ motivation to learn, it also allows the teacher to differentiate lessons for every student based on their needs and understanding of specific information. However, in order to properly support all English Language Learners, it is imperative for teachers to be receiving sufficient professional development opportunities, in order to ensure that they know about and understand a variety of technology applications, as well as how to properly navigate through them. With this knowledge, teachers will be able to incorporate iPads, iPods and computer applications into daily lessons.