At the risk of bringing the wrath of the list down on myself, I have to
suggest that part of the issue is students. Our organization has been
relatively proactive in using technology for ESOL instruction, but the
majority of students consistently say "We have access to computers outside
of class, When we're here, we want to spend our time with real people." All
our teachers are trained to use the software they have; we have an extensive
webliography of online resources for instruction; and many if not all of our
teachers are enthusiastic, skilled, and creative in using technology, but
the response is the same. We still use computers, and we also sometimes use
cell phones, which students don't mind so much. I wonder if anyone else on
the list has had a similar experience?

Debra Morris Smith
St. Louis County, MO




>

>

>  *From:* englishlanguage-bounces at nifl.gov [mailto:

> englishlanguage-bounces at nifl.gov] *On Behalf Of *Paul Rogers

> *Sent:* Tuesday, October 13, 2009 9:01 AM

> *To:* The Adult English Language Acquisition Discussion List

> *Subject:* [EnglishLanguage 5059] grants and technology

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

> *From:* englishlanguage-bounces at nifl.gov [mailto:

> englishlanguage-bounces at nifl.gov] *On Behalf Of *Paul Rogers

> *Sent:* Tuesday, October 13, 2009 7:39 AM

> *To:* The Adult English Language Learners Discussion List

> *Subject:* [EnglishLanguage 5058] importance of technology

>

>

>

> Computer based instruction helps students learn English faster and should

> increase interest in class and probably also should increase retention bu

> decreasing the drop out rate.

>

> But at a CATESOL conference that I attended over the week-end, I foud out

> that a lot of teachers are still not using computer based learning in their

> classes. There are a few reasons for this:

>

> 1. fear and trepidation

>

> 2. lack of information and knowledge

>

> 3. miscellaneus

>

> The only thing I can say about point #1 is, to paraphrase someone I met, it

> is a good thing to put the shoe on the other foot.

>

> Point #2 could be remedied by setting up a clearing house.

>

> Miscellaneus is a little tricky.

>

> As part of using technology, I also recommend that everyone consider

> methods of providing students and families with low cost or free computers.

> Some cities are even providing free internet access to low income households

> (San Francisco, I think).

>

> As they used to say in the old days: "The future is now."

>

> Paul Rogers

> 805-258-3310

> pumarosa21 at yahoo.com

> PUMAROSA.COM <http://pumarosa.com/>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

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