mobile devices in elementary esl classrooms
TRANSCRIPT
How Can Mobile Devices Be Used In ESL Instruction?
Jillian WhetstoneESL 5097-12-13
WHAT ARE MOBILE DEVICES? Small handheld computing devices with
a variety of features and capabilities including internet access, mobile apps, camera, video, Bluetooth, and more.
Type of Device Examples
Smart Phones iPhone, Android, Blackberry, Windows
Tablets iPad, Samsung Galaxy, Kindle Fire, Asus Transformer, Microsoft Surface, Google Nexus
E-Readers Kindle, Nook, Kobo, Sony
HOW CAN MOBILE DEVICES BE USED IN SCHOOL?
Podcasts, Blogs Virtual Learning
Reading, Writing, Speaking, Listening Practice
Games to Reinforce Skills
Individualized Lessons WebQuests
BENEFITS TO USING MOBILE DEVICES IN THE CLASSROOM
Portability and ease of use
Increases student engagement and motivation
Provides a rich and more expansive learning environment
Enhances student learning processes, especially writing
Helps students stay organized
TESTIMONIES TO THE BENEFITS OF MOBILE DEVICESA study showed handheld computers affect student learning positively across curricular topics and instructional activities (Swan, van ‘t Hooft, Kratcoski, and Unger, 2005).
Ipad Use in Chicago Schoolshttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EV8M6P9st9Q&list=PL74D1AC3D981D392A
Ipod Use in Baltimore County Elementaryhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GKvi4ERs4_Y&list=PL74D1AC3D981D392A&index=1
CHALLENGES IN USING MOBILE DEVICES IN THE CLASSROOM
Technical Difficulties
• Programs freezing
• Internet access
• Difficulty recharging
Frustrations
• Small screen size
• Losing work
Access To Devices
• Bring your own device policies
• Not all students have devices
CHALLENGES CONTINUED… Using mobile devices in the classroom takes
planning and work Time needs to be spent determining the most
effect ways to use mobile devices If used incorrectly, mobile devices will act as no
more than a babysitter “Other potential drawbacks include limited
nonverbal communications, limited message lengths, a lack of cultural context, and potential limited social interaction” (Chinnery, 2006).
AWESOME IPHONE/IPAD APPS! Vocabulary: Kids’ Vocab – Mind Snacks Grammar: Grammaropolis US History: Ansel and Clair: Paul
Revere’s Ride Figurative Language: Kidioms Writing/Storytelling: Story Patch
Lets look at each one a little bit closer…
Kids’ Vocab- Mind Snacks This app focuses on vocabulary acquisition Appropriate for upper elementary learners Teaches topic related words and definitions Includes a variety of games for vocab
practice
Grammaropolis This app focuses on parts of speech Each part of speech has character and
town Learners work their way across the
towns through songs, videos, books and quizzes
Ansel and Clair: Paul Revere’s Ride
This is a narrative app of the American Revolution.
Students watch, listen, read, and travel through the events of 1775 America
Appropriate for upper elementary grades
Kidioms This app is appropriate for grades3-5 Focuses on the meaning of idioms Idioms are presented with graphics Students play games to reinforce concepts
Story Patch This app teaches storytelling Photos can be uploaded or there are
over 800 pictures in the library Allows students to create a book
Kids Say Yes to Mobile Devices 2,350 Students were polled in a Student
Mobile Device Survey for Pearson 92% of students feel mobile devices will
change the future of learning 90% say mobile devices make learning more
fun 69% want more mobile devices in school Elementary and middle school students
expressed more interest in mobile devices than high school and college students
In grades 4-12, tablets were used equally across all content areas
CONCLUDING THOUGHTS The benefits of technology and mobile
devices outweigh the challenges ESL students can really benefit from
technology in the classroom because there are so many programs and apps that support all aspects of language development
“Technology in itself won’t make the difference; it’s what students do with it that does” (Swan, van ‘t Hooft, Kratcoski, & Unger, 2005).
ReferencesBooker, E. (2013, May 6). Students want more mobile devices in the classroom. Retrieved from http://www.informationweek.com/education/mobility/students-want-more-mobile-devices-in-cla/240154188
Chinnery, G. M. (2006). Emerging technologies going to the MALL: Mobile assisted language learning. Langauge Learning and Technology, 10(1), 9-16.
Swan, K., van ‘t Hooft, M., Kratcoski, A., & Unger, D. (2005). Uses and effects of mobile computing devices in k-8 classrooms. Journal of Research on Technology in Education, 38(1), 99-112.