Leveraging Technology to Prepare Teachers of English Learners

• In Event: Moscone Center West Roundtable Session 13
  In Roundtable Session: Professional Development for English Language Teachers in U.S., International, and Online Contexts

Abstract

Technology can be leveraged to expand access to teacher professional development about working with English learners (ELs), but little is known about teacher learning in online platforms. This study looks at the use of Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) to support teachers in working with ELs. The MOOC in this study focused on teachers’ use of student conversation in the classroom. The research study utilized a multiple case study approach to identify trends in participant experiences as well as compare experiences by differing roles and contexts. Findings indicate that although incentives and in-person support for online learning may be useful, other key elements are an existing culture of collaboration and an institutional interest in academic language for ELs.

Author

• Rebecca Bergey, American Institutes for Research