How Do ESL Teachers
Use Technology?

When ESL teachers in public schools turn to technology, they are far more likely to turn to products designed for native rather than non-native speakers. According to the preliminary results of a recent survey, ninety-five percent favor this "mainstream" software, as opposed to the five percent who turn to software specifically designed for those for whom English is not the primary language.

With beginning ESL learners, teachers tend to use an array of basic skills language arts software for letter recognition, basic vocabulary, and spelling. They report that some of the advantages of the software include the ability for children to advance at their own pace. Additionally, students tend to stick with the computer program longer than they would other materials, and, for those who are shy, they report that the computer offers a nonthreatening way of interacting with each other -- without the inhibiting presence of teachers, aides, and translators.

For students who have already mastered the basics, native-speaker reading and writing programs are very popular. Especially popular are programs that "read" stories aloud while showing the text highlighted on the screen. Writing programs allow students to compose and share their writing with others, complete with graphics they select from visuals provided.

Many teachers reported bringing content from social studies, science, and math into ESL instruction, using programs like The San Diego Zoo, which offer students content information for projects.

Teachers also reported liking the computer as a way of sharing student work with parents.

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The survey was conducted in collaboration with the New York State Education Department as part of the Center's ongoing concern with school age children's contact with electronic literature and how interactions with these texts affects English language and literacy development. For more information about the survey or results, contact researchers Carla Meskill or Jonathan Mossop at their respective email addresses (meskill@cnsvax.albany.edu; mossopj@crisny.org) or by writing to them at CELA, University at Albany, ED-B9, 1400 Washington Ave., Albany, NY 12222.