Technology in the English as a Second Language Classroom 1

Technology in the English as a Second Language Classroom

Jacquelyn Serra
Bloomsburg University

Commented [JES1]: English Dept Outcomes 4. To

produce graduates who use/understand a variety of
media and can evaluate quality of material produced.
Clearly by the title you can see that I am talking about
technology. This is important because technology is
something that is becoming part of the everyday
classroom. While working towards my ESL certification
we needed to think how technology is helpful in the
classroom and how it has benefited us as well.

Technology in the English as a Second Language Classroom 2

I think that technology should be used within the English as a Second Language (ESL)
classroom to help students enhance second language acquisition. Using technology helps ESL
students put their knowledge to work without just having the teacher lecture to the students.
Teaching students English is something that they need a lot of practice with and using

Commented [JES2]: INTASC Standards 3. Diverse

Learners the teacher understands how students differ
in their approaches to learning and creates instructional
opportunities that are adapted to diverse learners.
ESL students are clearly diverse learners, they are
trying to learn the language that everyone speaks
around them. I think that it is important to use
approaches, such as technology to help them along
with their journey,

technology is one way to give them that practice. There are many websites that allow ESL
students to play games while learning at the same time. The websites that I have found have a lot
of games that will really help ESL students while having fun at the same time. One website that I
have come across has been eslgamesplus.com, this websites has so many games for ESL students
to choose from. This is helpful because if you have students who are at different levels they can
all be at this website at the same time and still be learning as well.
Along with this website, I have found multiple others that I think would be beneficial for

Commented [JES3]: NCTE Standard 4.6 Foster

critical analysis of media and tech.
I believe that this meets this standard because while
the ELL is learning English while they are playing these
games, they are also learning how to use technology in
many new ways. For some ELLs this would be their
first time on a computer and it would be a great way to
allow students to foster critical thinking about
technology and media

ESL students to use within the classroom or even when they are at home. Another website that I
have found is vocabulary.co.il. One this website there are so many games that ESL students can
use. The one that I found that stood out to me was Vocabulary Ninja. The player needs to shoot
arrows at the nouns, adjectives, and verbs. It pops up what you need to shoot the arrows and
acounts down how many you have left. This is a website and game that I had fun playing so I
know an ESL student would have just as much, while they are learning the different parts of
speech. This website can allow students to achieve second language acquisition and have fun at
the same time, which is a win-win in any classroom. Technology in the classroom of ESL
students is something that is helpful because so many teachers have access to computers now.
Rosenthal (2000) states that many ESL programs have their own computer facilities or access to
them on their campuses. Instructors are using the many capabilities of technology in their

Commented [JES4]: NCTE Standard 3.1 know skills

of English language.
This website alone shows understanding of the English
language and it will also help ESL students know skills
of the English language as well. It will allow students to
learn the skills of English without having the teacher
lecture the entire time.

Technology in the English as a Second Language Classroom 3

classroom as a tool for language teaching. (p. 82). This is important because without access to
these computers technology in the ESL classroom wouldnt exist.
I have had many experiences when I myself have used technology within the classroom
or a teacher has used technology in the classroom that I was a part of. Every time that I have
been in a situation where technology has been used in the classroom, I have flourished and I have
seen students doing the same. Using technology in small was, using a prezi presentation, or
showing a YouTube clip allows the work to be relevant to students because they are always
surrounded by technology so it makes sense to bring it into the classroom.

Commented [JES5]: INTASC Standard 9. Reflective

practice; professional development the teacher is a
reflective practitioner who continually evaluates the
effects of his or her choices and actions on others and
who actively seek out opportunities to grow
professionally.
This shows me reflecting on my own experiences
when I was a teacher and a student. This is important
because when you use technology you want to make
sure you use it effectively.

Technology in the English as a Second Language Classroom 4

References
Rosenthal, J. W. (Ed.). (2000). Handbook of Undergraduate Second Language Education. New
York, NY:Taylor and Francis Group.