Using Technology to Facilitate Language Acquisition of English Language Learners

• In Event: 29.083 - Poster Session 4
  In Poster Session: 29.083-9 - Division K Section 9 Poster Session 1

Abstract

American schools are becoming increasingly diverse, with an estimated nine million refugee and immigrant children currently residing in the United States, and projections nearly doubling by 2020. Classroom teachers nationwide are looking for engaging ways to meet the needs of their students, despite resource and budget deficiencies. The purpose of this research was to help facilitate language acquisition through technological tools, such as student-created vodcasts.
The sample consisted of a teacher, and a student of Haitian descent. Data collection lasted for one instructional unit, during which recorded teacher and student interviews were conducted approximately weekly. These interviews focused upon technology as a tool for native language-supported instruction in order to examine themes concerning its effectiveness for language acquisition.

Authors

• Sarah Thomas, Prince George's County Public Schools

• Nicol R. Howard, University of Redlands