I don't find this true at all with the population we serve.  At the beginning of last school year, one of 30 students in my day class had a computer at home.  They were excited to learn about computers, learn to use the computers, and learn English (and work skills) on the computers.  Our clients are primarily low income individuals, but by then end of the school year, half of my class had invested in a computer for their home.  I think the key is integrating the technology into the classroom.  Computer AIDED language learning is not, and in my opinion, should not be a substitute for classroom instruction and interaction.  
 

 

Grace and Peace!
Glenda Lynn Rose, PhD

EL Civics Instructor
Austin Learning Academy
(512) 789-5131 - mobile
 

--- On Wed, 10/14/09, Debra Smith <dlmsmith at sbcglobal.net> wrote:


From: Debra Smith <dlmsmith at sbcglobal.net>
Subject: [EnglishLanguage 5064] Re: grants for hi tech
To: "The Adult English Language Acquisition Discussion List" <englishlanguage at nifl.gov>
Date: Wednesday, October 14, 2009, 12:19 PM



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
  




















 





















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