Computers and Language Learning

This article discussed the role of active communication in language learning. Often, ELLs arrive at school not knowing the discourse for that particular situation. That results in mistreatment from other students and teachers because the language learner appears unmotivated lazy when in fact they truly do not understand or have the language skills to understand the task at hand.

The author states that through the use of computers teachers can assist students in gaining the language skills necessary to help them become successful students and to help them become part of the social structure of school. Through the use of computers students can become more involved in their learning. They can also make choices about how to use the programs and what to do if the computer fails to work properly.

This article discussed the role of active communication in language learning. Often, ELLs arrive at school not knowing the discourse for that particular situation. That results in mistreatment from other students and teachers because the language learner appears unmotivated lazy when in fact they truly do not understand or have the language skills to understand the task at hand.

The author states that through the use of computers teachers can assist students in gaining the language skills necessary to help them become successful students and to help them become part of the social structure of school. Through the use of computers students can become more involved in their learning. They can also make choices about how to use the programs and what to do if the computer fails to work properly.

The teacher can also use computers to help students acquire the necessary language to overcome the power relationships that exists within schools. When students know the lanague they can participate int eh larger school communities effectively.

This article made me think about all the English Laguage Learners I have worked with throughout the years. Often, I hear that students can’t or won’t be able to do certain things. I think back to when I was student teaching and there was one boy in my class. Everyday he would come into English class and within seconds his head was down on his desk and it remained there for the rest of the class hour. My cooperating teacher told me that the student had a history of nonparticipatroy behavior and that his behavior was nothing new and that he wouldn’t ever participate in class. Looking back on the situation I am amazed at how unaware I was of this kid’s situation. I wonder now about what I could have done to have made school better for him and how I could have tapped into his funds of knowledge and how I could have connected to him better.

Meskill, C. (2005). Triadic Scaffolds: Tools For Teaching English Language Learners With Computers. Language Learning & Technology. 9 (1). (pp.46-59).