Two pieces of technology that may be used to assist teachers in connecting with foreign language students are Google Translate and Rosetta Stone. Google Translate allows for the input of data into a text field, in any language, and will translate to any other language, providing a link to listen to the spoken translated text, allowing for individuals to be able to more effectively understand what is being said and communicate more easily with each other. Rosetta Stone allows for individuals to learn another language through the use of language immersion, associating words with pictures and phrases in order to allow another individual to become immersed in the new language. Students and teachers would be able to use both of these programs in order to more effectively assist foreign language students in not only learning the new language, but gaining comprehension in a manner that allows them to remain on par with their learning level without having to decrease that to a lower level in order to better understand the language first.
The three strategies for the use of technology in ELL/FL instruction that are recommended are interactive software to assist in language skills practice, such as the use of Rosetta Stone as previously mentioned; images downloaded from the internet to assist in illustrating language concepts; and presentation aids in order to assist in scaffolding the students’ language use (Roblyer & Doering, 2010). The software use will assist students in language comprehension, as mentioned in the discussion of Rosetta Stone and Google Translate. Images will work to illustrate concepts, providing a grasp of the concept, and thereby allowing students to be able to translate the concept into their preexisting schema. Finally, presentation aids work to allow students to demonstrate their understanding in a non-traditional manner, providing them with the tools they need to convey their understanding without causing undue frustration.
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"Technology Integration Strategies for ELL and FL Learners".
Part 2: Technology in Mathematics and Science Instruction
I do not believe that calculators mean the end of memorizing facts. Calculators are more readily accessible than ever, given their inclusion on all phones, tablets, laptops, and computers, however there are still instances where calculators are not available. I still subscribe to the traditional belief that individuals should be able to perform math without the use of a calculator before they are allowed the use of a calculator. Mathematical memorization allows for quicker processing, but all individuals use math on a daily basis, whether or not they realize it consciously, and in order for a student to be able to be truly successful, they must have the knowledge of how to answer problems without the use of technology before they should be able to use technologies to assist them in arriving at the answer quicker.
Wolfram Alpha is a search site allowing for the ability to calculate mathematical results or learn about specific facts. Filament Games is a learning game site which allows for individuals to utilize their knowledge of various subjects in order to play and complete games successfully. Gizmos utilizes interactive online simulations in order to allow children in grades 3-12 to understand the practical applications of math and science. Wolfram Alpha is a free site to use, however to unlock all of the information that is available on any subject, a full paid account must be obtained. Filament Games requires the purchase of each game you wish to play individually, and Gizmos requires a subscription to their site in order to be able to continuously participate in their simulations. While many of the games that are present on these sites are quite interesting looking, they do not appear to be worth the price, and there is not a trial on Filament Games to allow that determination to be made. Gizmos has a 30 day free trial, but considering that all three sites require payment to be able to utilize them to the fullest, it does not seem like any of these three would be used in a classroom setting, given that the teacher would most likely have to pay out of pocket, and there are more important learning tools that can be purchased with a longer lifespan, making them more worthwhile than these three.
- Explore Learning. (2013). Gizmos online. Retrieved from http://www.explorelearning.com/
- Filament Games. (2013). Filament games. Retrieved from https://www.filamentgames.com/
- Google. (2013). Google translate. Retrieved from http://translate.google.com/
- Roblyer, M., & Doering, A. (2010, July 20). Top ten strategies for technology in ell/foreign language instruction. Retrieved from http://www.education.com
- Rosetta Stone. (2013). Rosetta stone. Retrieved from http://www.rosettastone.com/
