Chapter Seven – Why Use Web 2.0 Tools With ELLs?

Chapter Seven – Why Use Web 2.0 Tools With ELLs?

Summary of Chapter

            The number of students in our schools who are English language learners has been increasing dramatically over the past several decades. It typically takes two years for these students to develop social language (just enough to understand and communicate on a basic level with others). It takes a child 5 to 7 years to develop academic language. It is extremely challenging for these students to be expected to master concepts taught in a language that is not their native tongue. Teachers working with these students need to work quickly to assist them with language acquisition. Enabling English language learners to utilize technology aids greatly in this process. Web-based tools and platforms help these students practice learning English in the privacy of their own homes. In addition, using Web-based tools make them active rather than passive learners.

Reaction to Chapter

            I have not yet had the opportunity to work with a child who is an English language learner, but I can understand how using web-based tools would assist them in learning more quickly. This semester I will actually be working for 30 minutes each week with an ELL student in an elementary school in Norman as a requirement for my Parent Involvement and Education class. One of our projects is to create an activity for the student that will help him or her progress in an academic area suggested by their teachers. After reading this chapter, I am going to try to incorporate the use of a web-based tool into my activity.