We're going to the computer lab tomorrow!
They've been working on their first essay of the semester (a tedious process for many). "I HATE essays!" one student shouted aloud last week during a peer-editing session. He needed to vent. We all laughed together and continued on.
Now that they've finally gotten through the final draft, we're going to meet tomorrow at the computer lab to upload the essays to our new class blog! I told this to my husband, a Japanese-Chinese immigrant with a traditional teaching philosophy (and a great mentor for me, by the way), and he asked, "why?" When it's related to technology in the ESL classroom, he doesn't see purpose. I admit, it is frustrating to be asked "why?" but it forces me to examine more closely my purpose.
Personally, I enjoy using technology to supplement lessons but have often questioned the true value. I read an article in the New York Times a few months ago examining this same subject. In a nutshell, there is no hard evidence that connects higher scores/increased comprehension with the use of technology.
But tomorrow we are going to the computer lab. Although our experience may not improve the reading or writing skills of my ELLs, at least one of the following will happen.
The Benefits of ESL Classroom Blogging:
1. Become "published" authors.
2. Share with the world in an instant! Look what I did, mom! It's small but it may spark a little self-pride and confidence.
3. Learn about blogging in English.
4. Supplement the text with images, video and audio.
5. Enhance our community bond.
It's not as valuable as the organic pencil and paper method but as a final treat, I think it's a valid supplement. We'll see what happens tomorrow!
Have you ever had a classroom blog? How did it work out? Did the students love it? What other benefits are there to having a classroom blog?
They've been working on their first essay of the semester (a tedious process for many). "I HATE essays!" one student shouted aloud last week during a peer-editing session. He needed to vent. We all laughed together and continued on.
Now that they've finally gotten through the final draft, we're going to meet tomorrow at the computer lab to upload the essays to our new class blog! I told this to my husband, a Japanese-Chinese immigrant with a traditional teaching philosophy (and a great mentor for me, by the way), and he asked, "why?" When it's related to technology in the ESL classroom, he doesn't see purpose. I admit, it is frustrating to be asked "why?" but it forces me to examine more closely my purpose.
Personally, I enjoy using technology to supplement lessons but have often questioned the true value. I read an article in the New York Times a few months ago examining this same subject. In a nutshell, there is no hard evidence that connects higher scores/increased comprehension with the use of technology.
But tomorrow we are going to the computer lab. Although our experience may not improve the reading or writing skills of my ELLs, at least one of the following will happen.
The Benefits of ESL Classroom Blogging:
1. Become "published" authors.
2. Share with the world in an instant! Look what I did, mom! It's small but it may spark a little self-pride and confidence.
3. Learn about blogging in English.
4. Supplement the text with images, video and audio.
5. Enhance our community bond.
It's not as valuable as the organic pencil and paper method but as a final treat, I think it's a valid supplement. We'll see what happens tomorrow!
Have you ever had a classroom blog? How did it work out? Did the students love it? What other benefits are there to having a classroom blog?
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