Great FREE Academic Support Sites for ELLs and other Struggling Students!

 

Welcome to April!  Isn’t it difficult to believe that the end school year is just around the corner? 

So with that fun thought in mind (and 10 more weeks to go), what can be done to support those few English language learners who are doing poorly though they seem to put their best efforts forward regularly in class?  What can a teacher do to address the needs of those students who just arrived in the middle of the school year (very common with ELLs)?  How can their fellow classmates help these students without neglecting their own studies?  There are many solutions here and this newsletter will focus on many of them.

Technology-In planning any lesson for a class, some special consideration must come into play in preparing ELLs to do well.  SHOWME is an app that allows a teacher to develop videos, power points, white board activities, etc. for free!  Get the app and use some of the lessons already on file.  This is a great tool to use for ELLs who need to go through the content again or for students who were absent for the lesson.  This app helps the teacher keep her/his sanityJ

How about providing students with virtual tours of historical sites?  These tours would be available online 24 hours a day and accessible through iPads, smart phones, laptops, etc.  When students have the option to revisit material at home without peer pressure (and more L1 support), they are more likely than not going to understand more and that builds self-confidence.  The Statue of Liberty tour is exceptionally well done.

Knowmia provides over 30,000 video lessons from great teachers (you may also submit one of your own that you are particularly proud of as well).  Just imagine how this might alleviate a student’s anxiety in not fully understanding a lesson.  Here, a teacher would provide the link to both student and parent to make the lesson more accessible.

Organized Small Group Activities are a must for not just ELLs, but for students in general.  Asking students to make their own groups is essentially a train wreck in the making (humor intended).  Teachers need to create the groups with a healthy mix of students and talents.  Students must be clear that every person in the group (and that there is not only a group grade but an individual one as well) must work. Each person in the group has an assigned task for which she/he will receive a grade as well as a grade for the group as a whole.  With clear expectations laid out, teacher going from group to group to randomly call on persons in the group for information on group’s progress, and time constraints (to keep them on track), everyone benefits. 

Alternative assessments are only limited by a teacher’s imagination.  ELLs (as well as students with special needs) may require other approaches to demonstrate their understanding of a topic.  This link provides many tools that would offer such students a way to say to the teacher and the class that they have the same understanding of a given topic that all the others have.  Great self-esteem and self-confidence builder guaranteed!

Have a great spring break!

Denise, Marnie, Cheryl

ELL TEACHER PROS

TEACHING SUCCESSES WITH ELLS – over 91,000 views

Pinterest (@dmcyberteacher) almost 5,000 followers (all academic topics)

Twitter @ell_teacherpros (over 4,000 followers)

Facebook

Fabulous Use Of Student Cell Phones in ANY Classroom:)

Well, after a fabulous vacation, we are back in the classroom fully energized and ready to continue to build an enthusiasm for learning within our students:)

Students love technology so what better place than that to start off the new year!  After all, the BYOD movement (Bring Your Own Device) is radically transforming the classroom to one where almost every student can access the internet through a wide variety of tools.  With this as the focus of this newsletter, we will explore a site that is building quite a strong following among educators and it is FREE!  That site is INFUSED LEARNING.

We will start off with a quick introduction through a video.   Immediate feedback to the teacher is crucial so that strugglers can be quickly identified and supported.  This site also allows different ways for students to demonstrate mastery.  Students may draw responses for example.  For English learners especially this choice opens up a chance to demonstrate grasp of a concept without being hampered by a language that they may not yet be very familiar with.  For classes not involving language development, being able to draw would allow these students to transfer knowledge from their home language to the teacher with ease (think math for example).  After all, a picture is worth 1,000 words they say.  For older students who are literate in their home languages, they may use a translation tool on the site.  For such students, this site permits them to earn the grades they deserve-grades based on actual content knowledge and not on full understanding of English. 

Here are some simple guidelines to get started:

1. Teachers need to set up a class.  Teachers can manually input all the names or use some tips from this site on using a Microsoft Excel template. 

2.  Types of assessments are varied.  We have the traditional such as True/False and Multiple Choice as well as short answer, sort and order, drawing, numeric, and likert scales.  Let us look at how to create a quiz for students first. 

3.  Interactive tools video lays out the process for using all of the interactives in any class setting.

4.  Quick assessments can now be easily interwoven throughout any lesson so teachers can keep a finger on the pulse with a snap.

I intend to kick the new year off with this since I believe that cell phones can serve a higher purpose.  After all, students will bring them so I might as well put them to good use:)

Happy New Year!

Denise, Marnie, and Cheryl

ELL TEACHER PROS

Pinterest DMCYBERTEACHER (pinner name)-3500 followers

Twitter @ell_teacherpros (3000 followers)

Teaching Successes With ELLs blog (72,00 page views)

Common Core and Technology--a Powerful Duo!

For teachers, summer vacation is here--time to recharge their batteries:).  Some of them will be reading, others traveling, while others working.  Yet, over this short break, teachers might want to explore some new approaches to building lessons with technology woven throughout.  For such an approach to be successful, the teacher must first become an expert in using these tech tools.  To achieve this, time must be spent exploring the program or playing with it.  The teacher must become proficient in its use if the lesson is to proceed smoothly with minimal to no classroom behavior issues.

Active engagement is a key to academic success for students.  They must be involved throughout is activities that stimulate academic discussion, thinking, discovery, etc.  To assist students in this exciting journey of self-discovery, technology should be built into activities whenever possible.  If they are to become life-long learners, they must be allowed to stumble along the way, learn from their mistakes, make the needed corrections, and then move on with new confidence to handle similar situations on their own.

So how does technology fit in the picture here?  Think about those powerful mini-computers all the students carry in their backpacks everyday--cell phones!  Since most students from every socioeconomic group carries them, teachers might wish to consider bringing them into classroom instruction. 

How can they be used with little to no classroom instruction?  Establish clear rules for their use and even clearer consequences for breaking them (ex. third offense-take phone and hold til end of day OR call parents from confiscated phone about the infraction, etc.).  Once the class fully understands what IS and IS NOT acceptable use of cell phones, teachers can now proceed with educational apps which stimulate learning.

Here are apps that teachers enjoy using.  They can be used to administer quick assessments, take polls, chart class growth as well as individual student growth, inform parents of their child's progress, provide approved content related internet resources for students to work with in class or at home, provide students with subject related games to reinforce instruction, and more.

1.  SOCRATIVE--For a quick overview, teachers should view the quick video.  This tool is one where quick quizzes on subject material just learned can be presented to students as a quiz which they can solve on their own or with partners.  The results can be tabulated on the teacher's phone and then presented to the class as a graph with each of the columns representing one of the 4 choices (for example).  If the majority of the students have the right answer, the teacher can proceed to the next level of the lesson.  If not, the teacher knows which material has to be retaught.  Since this might be an exit ticket, there is no grade so students are less anxious.  Quick quizzes build student self-confidence for the REAL exam:)

2.  EDMODO--An app that over 35 million students and teachers are using all over the world.  Some of its features are similar to SOCRATIVE, but there are some additional components that teachers will be impressed with.  After a teacher joins, s/he can join educational communities around the world in any subject area.  Within theses groups, teachers can ask for help in a given subject area OR assist someone asking for support.  Also, any quiz given is saved.  This comes in handy when students were absent.  Quizzes/tests can also be timed.  Adults have time limits in completing their job assignments so why shouldn't students? :)  Another teacher plus is that assignments can be differentiated with ease.  This allows a teacher to stay on the lesson's theme while allowing every student to complete assigned tasks on a level that they can handle. One awesome new feature is that common core standards based quickie quizzes for ELA and Math have been added.  Impressive!

3.  POLL EVERYWHERE--If a teacher would like immediate feedback on a concept taught, s/he would have students pull out their phones, and text their feedback to a number provided by the teacher.  Students could also have fellow students provide feedback on their presentations right after they have finished (no grade--just feedback).  This type of active involvement stimulates instruction and motivates students to want to learn (as well as demonstrate what they understand and how well).

Note:  With students all using cell phones, teachers may need to buy some power strips so students can keep their phones charged.  Small price to pay to maintain student excitement:)

Denise
ELL TEACHER PROS
TWITTER @ell_teacherpros --  2,403 followers to date.
PINTEREST pinner name "dmcyberteacher" 2, 070 followers (48 academic boards).


I will be addressing ways to keep a paperless classroom over the next 7 days:)

How to Support Teachers Who Are Uncomfortable With Technology

Though tablets, iPads, smart phones, and laptops are everywhere, not all teachers feel comfortable with their use in the classroom.  Some may believe that it is the older generation who is most resistant, but that is not always the case. So what raises anxiety for these educators?

For some teachers, it is the fear of not being the "expert" in the room.  They are concerned that the students will be more skillful with the tech than they are.  Instead of allowing students to assist from time to time when those tech glitches arise, teachers elect to bypass the use of tech and resort to the familiar.

Another fear is that they may be reluctant to step out of their comfort zone.  After all, they taught a certain way for years and everything was fine so why change course?  Well, the students in today's classrooms are the adults of tomorrow.  They will need to be able to successfully incorporate all forms of technology (including tech tools not yet invented) in their future professions (some of which have not been created yet).  If they don't start familiarizing themselves with it early, they will be at a definite disadvantage for college and beyond.  For inner-city children,  it will be very unlikely that they have access to the internet at home due to limited parental income so if they are not exposed to it at school, they won't have any access at all.

Suggestions to restore confidence in tackling the unknown?  There are many. 

1.  Take for example the simple action of asking students for assistance (I do it regularly and let them know that I appreciate their helping me).  Students jump at the chance to teach something to teachers that they like.  There will be no risk of embarrassment here.  

2.  Turn to colleagues for help.  Teachers who feel comfortable with tech enjoy assisting those who don't.  There is never any shame in sending out an "SOS":) 

3.   Look for free digital resources.  There are many out there (ELL TEACHER PROS--we have MANY and all are free).  Find ones that meet your needs without overwhelming you. 

4.  Set aside a small block of time at home to explore your device.  Play, yes I said PLAY, with it.  That is probably one of the best ways to overcome any fear with the unknown.

Denise

ELL TEACHER PROS
TWITTER @ell_teacherpros (2090 followers)
Pinterest dmcyberteacher/Denise Stewart/denise@ellteacherpros (1K1 followers)

Here Are Some Great Apps for Your Classes:)

If teachers are to maintain the interest of students from the digital age, they need to rethink how to deliver content in new ways.  Some of these tools may take some planning since often times teachers are not as proficient in the use of technology as their students:)  That being said this can become a learning opportunity for teachers since they have much to learn from their charges.  I am in that scenario often, but no matter what app I use, I always have at least 2 or 3 students who come to my rescue when I ask for assistance.  No matter how well I plan the use of technology within the lesson, there is always a glitch which surfaces.  Such glitches show students working as a team to solve problems also includes the teacher. Here are some great FREE tools to make your job a bit easier.

DOJO (classroom management app)-This is a fun app to deal with classroom management.  Students are represented by various avatars.  Their behavior is recognized by a series of checks and minuses, but presented in a format that motivates students to stay on task.  Teachers can monitor behavior with iPads, iPhones, smart phones, laptops, tablets, etc.  It is also free.  Elementary through high school students like it as well.

Remind 101-If you do not wish to risk calling a student's home using your own cell phone, you need to use REMIND101.  With this tool, you create your classes first. Students will be instructed to call a phone number created by the system.  This number can also be given to parents as well as students.  You may send out reminder notices to the entire class or to just one student or two who missed an assignment.  Your private number is never used.  Here is a short video on it (it is also free).

Teacher kit-This is a free electronic grading system.  Though it will not replace your district mandated one, it does make it easy to keep track of points or grades throughout the class period without running to your laptop or desktop.  I have used it for 3 years in keeping track of grades in my university adjunct position as well as during my regular ELD classes in my high school.  Once I record a week or two of grades, I email them to myself in an EXCEL format. 

Groovy grader-Tired of pulling out a calculator to figure out grades?  Worry no longer.  This app will convert ANY amount of points into letter grades for you with ease.  I use it regularly when administering test with odd configurations (ex.  73 is a perfect score--student has 59.5--What is the percentage?  Groovy Grader has the answer instantly.)

I hope these tools make you day a little easier for you--they did for me:)

Denise

ELL TEACHER PROS
Follow us on Twitter @ell_teacherpros (2, 055 followers and growing).
Pinterest dmcyberteacher OR denise@ellteacherpros.com

Edmodo----Like Facebook But For Teachers and Their Students:)

Wouldn't it be wonderful if teachers could incorporate social media tools directly into their classroom instruction with the approval of administration and parents?  Imagine students checking their cell phones throughout the day to see if either the teacher or fellow classmates have posted some wonderful bit of historical trivia or strategies to solve a difficult math problem or additional insight into group project.  Now, take this a step further and picture ELLs interacting with fellow students within this medium.  Here, embarrassment over limited English abilities is a non-issue since collaboration is the goal so no bell curve is present to intimidate.  In fact, though there is an academic focus behind it, students will see it as a fun "version" of FACEBOOK:)

 EDMODO has a layout very much like Facebook.  There are group post sections where teachers (or students if it is an assignment) post topics for students to respond to.  The post would of course have an academic focus since the teacher's goal is to assist students in developing a deeper knowledge of the topic.  There is a calendar where teachers can post due dates for tests, examinations, projects, papers, etc.  Parents will definitely appreciate this feature. 

There is also an option for the teacher to post quizzes either on the site directly or by uploading them.  I would only make such quizzes practice ones for the real test; however, for the ELL or struggling learner, this type of practice with in class feedback would greatly increase the odds of passing the real test.  After all, as such students become more confident in their knowledge of the topic, they greatly increase the odds of earning a good grade on the formal assessment.

Another tool is the poll taker.  Students may create their own as part of a class project or take ones that the teacher has created or both:)  I just created one for my students to take on their whether they prefer the new bell schedule (block scheduling) or the old one (traditional 55 minute periods).  Once they take the poll, we will discuss the results using sentence frames and academic vocabulary to make their point.

One other tool I am looking forward to using is the library which I will contribute to (weblinks) as well as students (I must approve potential submissions of course).  Now, when students have projects, they have a place to start.  This type of support is a must for ELLs.

Edmodo also contains a wide range of academic links ready for students to use with ease.  I joined several academic communities with the needs of my students in mind (math, science, history, English).  Now, if students need further clarification on content issues, they can do some research here and hopefully find their answers.

Try the site with your students.  Bring in fellow colleagues.  Your students will truly enjoy EDMODO:)

Denise

ELL TEACHER PROS
Twitter @ell_teacherpros (1965 followers).
Pinterest denise@ellteacherpros (985 followers -- all academic boards).

100 Best Videos for Teachers to Use as Part of Classroom Instruction

Since it is summer, I have not been blogging daily, but with the return to school for me in 2 weeks (yes, that's right), I will be back on a daily basis soon:)

In preparing for the upcoming school year, many teachers will be searching for video support to add vital context to meaning for their students.  English language learners will especially require extra measures to ensure both their access to content along with language development.  Often times, locating non-Hollywood video instructional tools can often times be a very time consuming process. 

In 100 BEST VIDEOS, teachers are provided with a wide range of tech tools to bring life to any content lesson.  With common core, such a resource will enable more students to "see the big picture" and this should lead to a stronger grasp of content.  Further, students may revisit them at home since they are free video sources. 

The academic categories covered are history, science, language, and arts.  General topics as well as specific ones are addressed here and most are no more than a few minutes in length.  This is long enough to build student interest as the teacher prepares them to tackle the academic topic of the lesson.

There are also videos that might assist teachers in honing their teaching skills:)  Clips on classroom management, inspiration, how-tos, technology, and humor are also found.  Check them out for some ideas on new approaches to running classes. 

Hope you like the site:)

Denise

ELL TEACHER PROS

Please friend us on Facebook as ELL TEACHER PROS and follow us on Twitter @ell_teacherpros (1,495 followers world wide and growing). 

7 Habits of Highly Effective Teachers Who Use Technology

In this century, the use of technology should play an integral part of any classroom, in any content area, and at any grade level. Teachers should be including its use throughout the day regardless of the subject taught because students are already quite familiar with it, and, in many cases,  they may be more proficient in its use than some teachers are.  This scenario should not intimidate a teacher.  In fact, teachers will be empowering students by validating student expertise in this area and involving them in the class activities as "assistants" :) 

So how does a teacher handle the use of technology in a classroom?  How does a teacher keep students focused without wasting time?  Well, such a setting still calls into play the usual classroom management routines just with a technology segment:) 

Teachers use technology to enhance learning.  It should never distract.  The lesson plans are clearly followed with allowances made for  those occasional times when tech glitches surface.  Teachers comfortable with tech think on their feet and tend to student needs with ease. In fact, such teachers are pros at adapting without disrupting class routines.  To be fully prepared, such teachers are always two steps ahead of students.  They have fully prepared for a wide range of possible tech/internet site problems and in so doing, have already planned out various ways to solve almost any tech issue that arises in the class.

The infographic offers more descriptions of what effective teachers do with technology.  Enjoy:)

Denise

ELL TEACHER PROS

Friend us on FACEBOOK as ELL TEACHER PROS and follow us on TWITTER at @ell_teacherpros.

Teachers--Are You Getting the Most Out of Your iPad? Here Are 23 Things You Need To Know:)

Apple has created a gem of a tech tool which offers a great deal of potential in revolutionizing the typical classroom and the ways lessons are delivered to students.  The latest invention, the iPad, offers a world of information presented along with a wide range of applications most of which are FREE or almost FREE (ex. $.99 on average).  Education apps permit struggling students to actually have more time to process information in non-traditional ways.  They often times monitor student progress or lack thereof.  Teachers can access the results with ease almost immediately. 

So, once the iPad is in a teacher's hands, what happens next?  After all, before these learning tools are turned over to students, teachers have to become almost instant experts in the basic operational features of the device.  It seems obvious, but to have instruction run smoothly, teachers have to be prepared for the many questions students will have.  An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. 

This is a site that every educator will appreciate.  It truly supplies a new iPad owner all the basics in its use.  With the basics fully understood, teachers can move on to mobile power points, whiteboards, etc. with ease.  The quicker the teacher becomes confident in its use, the quicker the technology will be in the hands of students with a master of its use guiding them:)

Denise

ELL TEACHER PROS

Please follow us on FACEBOOK as ELL TEACHER PROS and on TWITTER @ell_teacherpros.
We are also on PINTEREST (search denise@ellteacherpros.com).

10 MUST-Have Apps for Secondary Students

With so many students now having smart phones, schools should consider allowing their use in the classroom (with rules of course).   With the wealth of academic apps on the market, students could have at their fingertips support for most of the major non-elective courses required in high school.  Such ready access would be especially beneficial for students who need just a little more time to process demanding course lesson content.

Here is a list of the apps:

1.  Chemistry with wikipedia links for in-depth explanations of topics students may need more information on.
2.  Essentials by AccelaStudy -- study tool for learning foreign languages.
3.  Evernote Peek--create study flash cards for any subject area.
4.  Frog Dissection-vivid 3d virtual dissection of frogs for those who feel uncomfortable with working with living ones.
5.  Graphing Calculator-such calculators are very expensive, but not this APP:)
6.  Math Formulas-over 100 math formulas for all levels of high school math including statistics.
7.  Easel SAT Prep Lite-lower SAT anxiety with this one.
8.  Shakespeare-41 plays, 154 sonnets, 6 poems, and much more.
9.  Studious-a great digital organizer to keep track of due dates for assignments, exams, etc.
10.World Atlas-the app in this article is not available in the US, but National Geographic has two.  See photo below:

Denise

ELL TEACHER PROS
Follow us on Twitter @ell_teacherpros and on FACEBOOK.

iPad mini Wi-Fi 32GB Black (Google Affiliate Ad)
iPad with Retina display 128GB White w/ Wi-Fi and Cellular Verizon (Google Affiliate Ad)
Samsung Galaxy Note WiFi 32GB, Gray GTN8013EAVXA (Google Affiliate Ad)

Want Your Students to Enjoy Writing? Bring GOOGLE Into the Classroom:)

With tablets, iPads, smart phones, and cursive writing fast becoming a thing of the past, teachers should have students use different writing tools for essays, projects, newsletters, research projects, etc.  When the handwriting issue is removed, the creativity levels rise:)

The first step here is to have them generate email accounts to access many of the incredible features of Google.   Since many students struggle with writing, teachers need to find more creative ways to bring it into the classroom.  Blogging, websites, Google Drive, Picasa, Google Earth, Panoramic, Google maps, etc. are just a few of the tools available here for free.  A gmail account takes only a few minutes to generate and is the access key to many of the other features that Google offers--gmail account

After students have created gmail accounts, teachers can keep both students and parents informed on assignments, tests, etc.  Further, teachers can generate class "websites" (actually blogs but often times referred to as websites) where class lectures, powerpoints, videos, assignments, test schedules, project due dates, etc. can be maintained.  Such support is vital with students who need more time to process information.  English language learners and those with special needs would benefit from having access to such materials on a 24 hour basis.  Imagine how much more secure they would feel knowing that if they could not follow the power point in class, they could access the material in a tutoring center or with a classmate after school who was more proficient in English or academic reading skills. Teachers can also add GOOGLE TRANSLATE as a language support for students on the blog/website.  It is free and quite accurate.  It is added to the blog/website as a widget --

For class projects, teachers can have students create documents which teams of students create and edit using GOOGLE DOCS.  Finished products can be uploaded to group blogs so no paperwork is lost.  Parents will be impressed with them especially for back to school night.  Teachers would also be able to provide feedback to students on their assignments more quickly since they would not have to labor over poor handwriting and spelling.

If students are anxious to create actual websites to demonstrate mastery of content, GOOGLE has that feature also.  The directions are fairly simple, but for those who need assistance, the teacher could easily step in (or the more tech savvy students can provide assistance). 

Another powerful tool is GOOGLE DRIVE.  Students can save work in the cloud.  No longer will teachers hear that the homework was "lost."  In this tech age, teachers must integrate technology at every turn.  Students are not only open to it, but often times more proficient in than many of their teachers:)

Google Blogspot is easy to use.  Teachers should demonstrate how to create a blog by developing a class one for students by students.  This is a wonderful way to engage everyone.  As they proceed through the process by way of trial and error, they are developing the skills to do their own blog down the road. 

As the year winds down, this might be a fun way to end the year on a great project.  As per common core based lessons, provide the lesson and then let them explore ways to demonstrate mastery using technology.


All of Google's rich features are here GOOGLE choices .

Denise

ELL TEACHER PROS

Follow us on TWITTER @ell_teacherpros

National Science Digital Library--Materials for STEM Grades K-12!

Common core embraces S.T.E.M (Science Technology Engineering Mathematics).  If students are to be fully prepared to compete equally on a global scale in a world increasingly dominated by technology, they will need to be actively engaged in exciting science projects at every grade level.  Within such a learning environment, teachers will be able to plant and nurture that innate curiosity even the youngest have when they enter school.  This desire to explore will now be built upon and expanded throughout those 12 years of school.  Not all will enter careers in science, but using this approach, all students will truly have an option to seriously consider it.

The National Science Digital Library NSDL has incredible resources which can easily be incorporated into any lesson in science or math.  To get started, take a look at the STRAND MAPS.  Here all the content is clearly laid out along with videos on HOW TO USE the literacy maps.  Further, if teacher prefer text versions in lieu of hyperlinks, they can take advantage of the text component.

Another great feature of the site is that its COLLECTIONS section provides teachers with an extensive list of every organization that has contributed to the collection.

Your students will be amazed at the contents:)

Denise

ELL TEACHER PROS

Follow us also on TWITTER @ell_teacherpros

What Does It Mean To TEACH in the 21st Century?

With common core lessons now showing up in 45 states, teachers are facing more choices in teaching their disciplines than ever.  Such freedom should be welcomed if not embraced:) 

With so many possibilities, the use of technology becomes a must.  To prepare students for the world awaiting them after high school and beyond, schools will need to employ tech tools,  search engines, social media, smartphones, etc. within the classroom.  These items will not be used to entertain, but rather to engage.  Students will need to become problem solvers adept at using such items to solve problems.

This power point (PREZI) addresses the wide range of resources available at one's fingertips today and suggestions on how best to guide students in their use.  Incredibly well done!

ENGAGE NOT ENTERTAIN STUDENTS

Denise

ELL TEACHER PROS

Follow us on TWITTER @ell_teacherpros

EMBRACE THE DIGITAL AGE-Be a Model to Students:)

This article rings true for probably every school in the country.  There are those teachers who enthusiastically embrace everything related to technology on one end of the scale, those who avoid it like the plague on the other end, and everyone else falling somewhere in the middle.  What makes this amusing is that it if students are to be prepared for jobs in the 21st century, they must have teachers in the here and now who at least are open to exploring the benefits of technology in their classrooms.  After all, students are already using it for just about everything of importance to them so why not use this skill to an educator's advantage in classroom instruction?  Students should never hear teachers say that they just don't do technology.  Such an approach would weaken their argument with students when students say that they just can't do geometry for example.  If teachers are to lead by example, they need to be willing to try and if they fail, get the help they need to master the task.  In fact, more likely than not, students could probably help if asked to do so.  Demonstrating to students a teacher's desire to master the tech task  sends a clear message to students that with determination anything can be accomplished.

I really enjoyed the quotes used at the start of the article.  These are quotes which I am sure surface in just about every classroom at every grade level--both the student ones and those of teachers.  See if the same is true at your sites.  If you are comfortable with tech, lend a hand to your colleagues who are not:)

DIGITAL RESISTORS

Denise

ELL TEACHER PROS

21st Century Education--What Does It Look Like?

This photo for this video goes back to classrooms at the turn of the 20th century.  For some schools, whiteboards have replaced chalkboards, but traditional instructional tools are still being used.  This is not due to lack of interest on the part of teachers, but more times than not, it is a problem of limited school budgets, and little time to be fully trained in the use of the latest technology. 

Students tend to be quite proficient in social media.  They live and breathe technology.  One could almost call the older ones experts in it:)  So what can be done to better prepare students for success in school and beyond?  Encourage the use of the tech skills that they are already proficient in and tie those skills to common core standards based lessons.  The challenge is real since the rest of the world is not standing still while Americans try to catch up.  Competition on a global scale is more competitive than 100 years ago. 

Teachers should continue to find more ways to weave in technology into classrooms.  This does not mean that teachers use it to lecture with exclusively, but rather teachers should set up tasks for students to encourage them to tap into their creativity.  Once students are excited about the projects, teachers should be there to guide and support in assisting students in meeting challenging tasks.  Team work with international members will be what today's students will be encountering in the business world after graduating from college or technical schools.  The best place to prepare them for this new world is in school with student friendly tech tools to work with such as tablets, iPads, smart phones, laptops, smart boards, etc.

Further, teachers should collaborate across disciplines to show students how the knowledge of more than one discipline is required to solve problems.  For example, if students set out to design a high school fifty years from now, they would need to know a bit about architecture, mathematics, environmental science, language communication skills (to effectively collaborate with partners in planning and in writing),  nutrition, etc.  With each decision, students must provide facts, figures, and justification for ideas. 

Preparing students for careers that don't even exist yet sounds like a challenge, but if teachers build learning environments which support and nurture the naturally inquisitive nature of students in using technology, they will be preparing students to be able to successfully enter the expanding competitive global work force with confidence:)

Denise

ELL TEACHER PROS

COMMON CORE STANDARDS HAVE THE POTENTIAL TO RADICALLY TRANSFORM 21ST CENTURY CLASSROOMS:)

A major shift is coming to the classroom with common core standards.  The teacher will take on more of a role of facilitator rather than lecturer.  This change will actively engage students in problem solving, thinking, challenging, justifying, debating, researching, and much more.  Project based learning will energize kids about exploring subjects that truly interest them while teachers guide student through the selection process of resources.  This way students will be able to distinguish reputable sources from disreputable ones.   This is the ideal way to attach world knowledge to the content classes.  Textbooks will still be around, but they will not control the delivery of curriculum as they sometimes do currently. 

TEACHING IN 21ST CENTURY 
This prez power point offers a new look at learning in the 21st century.  It offers a thorough overview of the changing roles of teachers, how instruction will occur, how students will excitedly take on responsibility for their own learning, how technology and social media will be accepted as legitimate research tools to problem solve, etc. 

PREZI  This is the tool used to do deliver TEACHING IN 21ST CENTURY.  It is free unless a teacher wishes to download the power points s/he created.  With just the right layout, teachers can release information to students by zooming in/out, spinning, enlarging dots over the letter i, etc.  In fact, many students are using PREZI and would probably be more than willing to support a teacher trying to use it.  Further, many educators have already shared their prezis so teachers should feel free to browse and use ones that fit their instructional needs.

ENGAGE ME  A "plea" from elementary school children in England to more fully engage them in learning using tools that they are already proficient in:  blogging, wikis, iPods, twitter, podcasts,  etc.

Take it one tool at a time.  Allow students to offer insight in how to use the selected tool.  Once you feel comfortable, bring in another tool.  Most importantly, have fun in doing it:)

Denise

ELL TEACHER PROS

P.S.  We are also on FACEBOOK under ELL TEACHER PROS.  Please visit us and click the LIKE US icon:)

Acer A200 Iconia Tablet, 16 GB, Titanium Gray XE.H8QPN.001 (Google Affiliate Ad)
Boardwalk Butcher Paper, 15 x 900', White (Google Affiliate Ad)Binney & Smith Crayola Classic Colors Markers - Craft Pens & Pencils (Google Affiliate Ad)

TOP 10 REASONS TO BRING TECHNOLOGY INTO YOUR CLASSROOM:)

How does the use of technology transform a classroom?  It pulls this off by tapping into natural student interest in tech and uses this to deliver instruction! 

This site shows the top 10 reasons to use the latest greatest gadget to excite kids about learning.  The top one is that kids love it.  This is an incentive to learn.  All learning styles benefit from it (visual, auditory, kinesthetic).  Differentiation is accomplished with ease and that means less stress for the teacher in trying to meet the needs of a diverse student population including special ed, ELLs, GATE, and others.  Mixed cooperative learning groups can tackle academic projects with ease as they take full advantage of Google, Wiki, YouTube, Twitter, news stations, government agencies such as NASA,  Google Earth, museums around the world, SKYPE, etc. using smart phones, iPads, tablets, laptops, and desktops. 

Students also should be encouraged to try out webinars on how to learn tech skills online.  Online professional development is quite common nowadays and many of the lessons are free.  So, for example, they might try a YOUTUBE video on using iMOVIE.  After all, teachers do this frequently when they want to explore learning a new tech skill. There is a lot to be said for "trial and error" so students should not be discouraged if they don't succeed on the first try.  In fact, that is where collaboration comes in as students with more experience in this area offer assistance to those for whom it is new.

Teachers can also assign video lectures for homework and then pick up the next day with addressing questions students had in viewing the lesson at home.  Parents can also see everything their child is learning as well.  This approach provides a more in depth look at what is expected of their child in class.

TOP REASONS TO USE TECHNOLOGY

Embrace technology!  It is fun and very effective in delivering instructional support for teachers.  In fact, at most teacher job interviews, some interview question topics that now pop up are "How comfortable are you with technology?  What have you used in your classes OR what would you like to use if  you have never taught before?" 

Denise

ELL TEACHER PROS


Acer A200 Iconia Tablet, 16 GB, Titanium Gray XE.H8QPN.001 (Google Affiliate Ad)
HP g6-1d60us Notebook PC (Google Affiliate Ad)

Design Websites For Your Classes--Great Instructional Support Tools For ELLs:)

With more ELLs entering mainstream classrooms, teachers might want to think about creating class websites.  Websites here could hold the lesson materials used in class by the teacher.  Imagine how such a tool would boost an ELL's (or any other student who was experiencing difficulty with the classwork) self-confidence in tackling academic materials.

Here, the ELL would have that much needed additional time to review the day's work without the time pressures of the school bell schedule.  Using the website, the ELL would also be free to identify the areas of the lesson that were unclear.  Equipped with notes on issues which were unclear, the student would be able to share specific problems experienced in trying to fully grasp the content of the lesson.  Such details would give the teacher the information needed to offer mini in-class "tutorials" to bring the ELL up to speed with the lesson content. 

Another use of class created websites is through project based learning assignments.  Pick a subject, any subject, and offer students the opportunity to create a website.  Here language is a wonderful byproduct as kids work as a team using what they all enjoy--technology.  In the process of meeting their goal, the ELLs are becoming increasingly fluent in English.  Further, this is an opportunity for students to use their creativity to "think outside the box."  ELLs would be working with peers in designing the site.  When the ELL encounters a language issue, his/her peers would assist him/her.  After all, the entire group would earn one grade so it pays off to make sure that every member of the group stays on task. The new common core standards will expect to see more of project based learning activities in classes as well as active involvement on the part of all students including ELLs.

Here is a YOUTUBE video from Google on how to create a website through Google.  It is just under 3 minutes in length and easy to follow:  HOW TO CREATE A GOOGLE WEBSITE

This link takes you directly to the link where the creation process begins:)  GOOGLE SITES

 If any problems are encountered in creating your class website, just ask your students to help.  I bet that they already feel comfortable in working with them regardless of whether or not they speak English:)

Denise

ELL TEACHER PROS

ASUS Transformer Pad TF300T, Black TF300T-B1-BL (Google Affiliate Ad)
HP g6-1d60us Notebook PC (Google Affiliate Ad)
HP Touchsmart All-in-One 320-1030 (Google Affiliate Ad)

Blended Learning--Re-Inventing the Traditional Classroom For ELLs and Others:)

Technology is slowly transforming the ways in which students learn and how teachers interact with them.  Though the whiteboard will still be in the classroom, it will take second place to the smart board, document camera, laptops, iPads, kindle fires, project-based learning, etc.  Students now come to school with far more experience in using technology than many of their teachers.  They are also quite skilled in using social media while many teachers are not.  So students enter their classrooms with 21st century knowledge, but use 20th century tools to learn.  There is a gap here which teachers are working hard to bridge.  Though there are opportunities for professional development in technology in many districts, many teachers tend to talk to colleagues who are quite comfortable with using the latest piece of technology available for ideas (I do this regularly).  After all, every school has a few teachers who seem to be tethered to the internet and all the wonders it holds so they should be the first contact when a teacher wants to try something different:)

So what are some changes that are coming your way? 

Imagine students putting their own math videos online for others to use?  How about the same math lesson being offered in different languages for newly arrived ELLs?  What about students studying top online lectures in content that the teacher will use in class as a basis for project-based learning activities?  Then there are the students who struggle.  With this approach, teachers would be able to spend time with students who still need additional support while the others go deeper into the topics with practical application to the real world.  When the weaker ones catch up with the other students, they would then join the various projects and approach them on an equal footing with the other students. 

How about adding educational games to class time?  ELLs are just like other kids.  They have preferred learning activities just as the mainstream kids do.  Bring in options for them to master academic content.  With the use of educational games either for the individual or for small groups, ELLs will not only become proficient at learning the content, but also grow in their English skills.  Another plus is that you may find some students who can develop their own educational games for others to use:)


BLENDED LEARNING  Here is another site you may wish to bookmark:)

Denise
ELL TEACHER PROS

RESEARCH AND TEAM WORK PAY OFF IN SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING, AND MATHEMATICS!

Would you like to see your students exhibit excitement at the thought of entering careers which require high degrees of technical expertise in challenging content areas?  Of course the answer is yes:)  Common Core will touch on that natural curiosity kids exhibit in those early years and nurture it.  As the century progresses, scientists and mathematicians will be needed to continue to address the needs of both the planet and its inhabitants.

S.T.E.M. is an educational movement whose goal is to rekindle the excitement the U.S. had when President Kennedy inspired America to reach for the moon.  This program is showing up in all levels of education from elementary through high school.  Go into classes using strategies from S.T.E.M. and you will find young "scientists, engineers, mathematicians" using technology to create robots,  solve environmental problems, plan trips to other worlds, etc.  It is amazing to watch.  See the overall description of the program in this link:  S.T.E.M. -- REAL WORLD APPLICATIONS 

Now, see a middle school class turn into scientists and engineers working as teams chart ideas, identify problems, discuss solutions, plot progress, and revise plans taking a team approach (which is how such matters are handled in the real world of business).  Common core has identified this approach as a goal of these new national standards--to prepare students for the careers of the 21st century.  S.T.E.M. (SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING, AND MATH)

Denise

ELL TEACHER PROS

Follow us on TWITTER @ell_teacherpros and on FACEBOOK at ELL TEACHERPROS:)


Lenovo G570 Notebook 4334DBU
Asus TF300T-B1-BL Tablet PC