INSTRUCTIONAL TECHNOLOGY TOOLS IN ESL CLASSROOM

By : Erwina Tri Astuti

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What do you thing about instructional technology tools for teaching ESL classroom ?

        As a teacher, we can’t separate with instructional technology in teaching learning process.Before prepare all of thing to enter class, one of important thing is about instructional technology. In teaching learning of ESL, using instructional technology is very usefull and easier for teacher. They can modify some technology based on student’s need.

         Instructional technology tools can reshape our curriculum, or they can be a way to

reinforce concepts and address gaps in language skills. According to Jeff Wiseman’s presentation, “English Language Learners as Digital Natives: 21st Century Tools for Sheltered ESL Classrooms,” there are many benefits to integrating technology in an ESL setting:

1. They can individualize and customize curriculum.

2. They can promote cooperative group work.

3. They can impart English skills while also providing technology skills essential for 21st century learners.

4.  They can increase the percentage of time students stay on task during independent practice.

      Instructional materials are no longer limited to static text as with the advent of multimedia technology, presentation are being transformed from text-based to multimedia to capture learner attention and interest. Herron and Hanley (1992) asserted that the use of video facilitates English as a Second Language (ESL) comprehension and retention by rendering the information more meaningful to students. In addition, previous research have shown that the use of videos can enhance the teaching of vocabulary or a second language (Silverman & Hines, 2009, Verhallen & Bus, 2009; Verhallen, Bus & De Jong, 2006). Armstrong and Retterer (2008), Bloch (2007), Noytim (2010), and Sun (2009) asserted that using blogs in language instruction can help language learners develop English writing skills. Students learn to write as they write to learn, and blogging enables students to communicate with an authentic audience. Grami (2012), Mynard (2007), and Noytim (2010) also pointed to blogs as tools that can augment students’ higher-order thinking skills. McLeod (2001) stated that blogs “help students explore and assimilate new ideas, create links between the familiar and unfamiliar, mull over possibilities, and explain things to the self before explaining them to others” (p. 152). According to Renee Ybarra and Tim Green’s “Using Technology to Help ESL/EFL Students Develop Language Skills,” published in The Internet TESL Journal, teachers in ELL classrooms can use computers to enhance listening skills and verbal interaction, and to support a variety of language functions. When using technology in the classroom, consider that this is the generation of “digital natives,” students who have grown up with the Internet and who are familiar with technology for entertainment. An ESL or EFL educator’s job is to guide students to use high-quality instructional tools for learning or practicing English skills.

               Based on that instances, the teacher might be choose one of instructional technology

tool in teaching learning process, specially ESL classroom.

References :

Armstrong, K., & Retterer, O. (2008). Blogging as L2 writing: A case study. AACE Journal,

16(3), 233-251.

Bloch, J. (2007). Abdullah’s blogging: A generation 1.5 student enters the

blogosphere. Language Learning & Technology, 11(2), 128-141.

Di Gregorio,D., & Featro, S.M. (2016). “Blogging as an Instructional Tool in the ESL

Classroom”. TESC-EJ. Vol. 20. No. 1

Makofsky, S. Instructional Technology Tools In The ESL Classroom. Retrieved from the

Masters in ESL.org.On Oct.9, 2013