Using Educational Technology with English Learners

This course is designed for early career teachers to learn about evaluating and incorporating technology into the classroom to engage students, especially English learners (ELs). Teachers face the challenging expectation of helping ELs achieve grade-level standards and to develop additional 21st century skills, including citizenship, collaboration, creativity, communication, character, and critical thinking. Selecting and utilizing appropriate, high-quality educational technology as part of the learning process can motivate students and facilitate academic success. Throughout the course, we will raise awareness of special linguistic, cultural, and pedagogical considerations for using educational technology with English learners. Teachers will apply best practices to select and use educational technology effectively, and evaluate online educational tools and resources for classroom adoption. Course participants will watch interviews with highly-experienced English as a Second Language (ESL) teachers who will share their personal experiences of utilizing technology to teach 21st century skills to English learners. Teachers will interact with peers in the educational field to discuss how to apply course concepts in their own teaching environment. Finally, course participants will receive practical, classroom-ready recommendations for helping ELs develop 21st century skills using technology. By participating in this course, teachers will increase their own digital literacy skills and be better prepared to serve the English learners in their classrooms through educational technology.