Improving Outcomes for English Learners Through Technology: A Randomized Controlled Trial

• In Event: AERA Poster Session 1
  In Poster Session: Technology as an Agent of Change in Teaching and Learning SIG Poster Session

Abstract

English Learners (ELs) in K-12 schools must acquire English while simultaneously mastering content knowledge. Educational technology may support students’ learning through individualized language practice. The current randomized controlled trial examined the efficacy of a commercial software program that affords students the opportunity to speak English and receive automated feedback. Research took place in grades 6-8 of a U.S. urban school district (N=221). Treatment group students used the intervention software during an English instruction block; control students continued with the district’s standard curriculum. Predictors of interest included: time of testing (pretest vs posttest) and amount of software usage. Multilevel models indicated that treatment group students showed larger gains than control group students on oral/aural outcomes.

Authors

• Anita R Bowles, Rosetta Stone

• David Harper, Rosetta Stone

• Lauren Amer, Rosetta Stone

• Nick Pandža, University of Maryland - College Park

• Jared A Linck, University of Maryland - College Park