Language Acquisition and Technology

Teaching diverse students has been the object of many studies for the past decades. According to Echevarria and Graves, teachers frequently report that they struggle to accommodate the diversity of skills and abilities of the students in their classes (2007). However making content comprehensible for English learners has become more efficient with scientifically based models such as the SIOP (Sheltered Instruction Observation Protocol, 2008). The need for comprehensible input has clearly been emphasized by research in second language acquisition. It is mainly the ESL instructor who plays an important role in providing this intensive input; and in traditional settings instructors heavily rely on the use of pictures, realia and gestures to convey meaning to beginning language learners as shown in the SIOP model.

Nonetheless, the computer with the use of the internet and new technologies for education has served as a powerful and innovative resource for second language acquisition. For Butler-Pascoe and Wiburg (2003), multimedia provides the multiples modalities needed to meet the need of students with different learning styles. As students perform diverse tasks, with the computer, they broaden their repertoire of metacognitive, cognitive and effective learning strategies (Bickel and Truscello, 1996). Research by Ludwig and Daniel indicates that the use of computer based multimedia leads to enhanced learning on criteria such as acquisition of content, development of skills, efficiency of learning and satisfaction with the instruction.
What's more; Cummins and Sayers 15 years ago had anticipated and demonstrated the power of the Internet to build not only technological literacy but also cultural and critical literacy (1997).

The benefits of computer based technology for ESL instruction are compelling! And in the light of this ambitious and promising presentation of language learning using new technologies; I will thrive through my e-portfolio to utilize the different educational tools such as
Audacity for pod-casting, Google document, Power point, and Skype among others to support the different aspect of language learning including speaking, listening, writing and reading. Technology will also provide students with different language experiences as they move through the various stages of language acquisition.

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