Empower English Language Learners with Tools from the Web

by Lori Langer de Ramirez (Editor)

Overview

Discover how Web 2.0 tools can advance English language learning!

Today’s interactive Web tools offer teachers of English language learners a wealth of opportunities to inspire and motivate their students. Aligned with national TESOL standards, this user-friendly, research-based guide shows how Web 2.0 tools can improve English language proficiency and build 21st-century skills. Readers will find:

• Relevant descriptions of a wide range of Web tools, from blogs and podcasts to social networking and more
• Classroom-ready projects and tips for elementary, middle, and high school students
• Guidelines to support safe and appropriate Internet use

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781412972437
Publisher:	SAGE Publications
Publication date:	12/10/2009
Pages:	163
Product dimensions:	8.60(w) x 11.10(h) x 0.50(d)
Age Range:	3 Months

About the Author

Lori Langer de Ramirez began her career as a teacher of Spanish, French, and ESL. She is currently the chairperson of the ESL and World Language Department for Herricks Public Schools.

Langer de Ramirez is the author of Take Action: Lesson Plans for the Multicultural Classroom and Voices of Diversity: Stories, Activities and Resources for the Multicultural Classroom (Pearson), as well as several Spanish-language books and texts (Cuéntame – Folklore y Fábulas and Mi abuela ya no está). She has contributed to many textbooks and written numerous articles about second-language pedagogy and methodology. Her interactive Web site (www.miscositas.com) offers teachers over 40 virtual picturebooks, videos, wiki and blog links, and other curricular materials for teaching Chinese, English, French, Indonesian, Italian, Spanish, and Thai.

In the past decade, Langer de Ramirez has presented over 50 workshops, staff development trainings, and addresses at local, regional, and national conferences and in schools throughout the United States (Connecticut, Illinois, Iowa, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington DC) and abroad (Puerto Rico, Thailand, Venezuela).

She is the recipient of the Nelson Brooks Award for Excellence in the Teaching of Culture; several National Endowment for the Humanities grants for study in Mexico, Colombia, and Senegal; and a Fulbright Award to India and Nepal. Her areas of research and curriculum development are multicultural and diversity education, folktales in the language classroom, and technology in language teaching. She holds a master's degree in applied linguistics and a doctorate in curriculum and teaching from Teachers College, Columbia University.

Table of Contents

Preface
Acknowledgments
About the Author
1. Why Use Web 2.0 Tools With ELLs?
Introduction
ELLs in Schools: Some Challenges to Consider
Why Web 2.0 With ELLs?
Preparing ELLs for the 21st Century
Web 2.0 and the TESOL Standards
Safety Concerns and the Web
References
Suggested Readings
Helpful Web Sites
2. Blogs: Virtual Language Portfolios
What Is a Blog?
Why Read and Write a Blog With ELLs?
How to Use Blogs With ELLs: A Sample Blog Project
When to Use Blogs With ELLs
Who Is Using Blogs With ELLs?
Make Your Own Blog
Where to Find More Information About Blogs
References
Suggested Readings
Helpful Web Sites
3. Wikis: Collaboration in a Virtual Space
What Is a Wiki?
Why Read or Write a Wiki With ELLs?
How to Use Wikis With ELLs: A Sample Wiki Project
When to Use Wikis With ELLs
Who Is Using Wikis With ELLs?
Make Your Own Wiki
Where to Find More Information About Wikis
Suggested Readings
Helpful Websites
4. Podcasts: Get them Talking!
What Is a Podcast?
Why Listen to and Create Podcasts With ELLs?
How to Use Podcasts With ELLs: A Sample Podcast Project
When to Use Podcasts With ELLs
Who is Using Podcasts With ELLs?
Make Your Own Podcast
Where to Find More Information About Podcasts
References
Suggested Readings
Helpful Web Sites
5. Viewing, Creating, and Sharing Video: You Tube and Teacher Tube
What Are You Tube and Teacher Tube?
Why View, Create, and Share Videos With ELLs?
How to Use You Tube or Teacher Tube With ELLs: Sample You Tube Activities
When to Use You Tube and Teacher Tube With ELLs
Who is Using You Tube and Teacher Tube With ELLs?
Make Your Own Video
Where to Find More Information About You Tube and Teacher Tube
Suggested Readings
Helpful Web Sites
6. Sharing Visual Media: Voice Thread and Flickr
What is Visual Media?
Why Create and Share Visual Media With ELLs?
How to Use Voice Thread and Flickr With ELLs: Digital Storytelling With Voice Thread
When to Use Voice Thread and Flickr With ELLs
Who is Using Voice Thread With ELLs?
Make Your Own Voice Thread
Where to Find More Information About Voice Thread and Flickr
References
Suggested Readings
Helpful Web Sites
7. Social Networking: Facebook, My Space, and Twitter
What Is Social Networking?
Why Participate in Social Networking With ELLs?
How to Use Social Networking Sites With ELLs: A Sample Facebook Lesson
When to Use Social Networking With ELLs
Who is Using Social Networking With ELLs?
Join a Social Networking Site
Where to Find More Information About Social Networking
Suggested Readings
Helpful Web Sites
8. Social Bookmarking: Diigo and Del.icio.us
What is Social Bookmarking?
Why Participate in Social Bookmarking With ELLs?
How to Use Social Bookmarking With ELLs: The Best Social Bookmarking Applications
When to Use Social Bookmarking With ELLs
Who is Using Social Bookmarking With ELLs?
Make Your Own Social Bookmarking Page
Where to Find More Information About Social Bookmarking
Suggested Readings
Helpful Web Sites
9. Virtual Worlds: Panwapa and Teen Second Life
What Is a Virtual World?
Why Participate in Virtual Worlds With ELLs?
How to Use Virtual Worlds With ELLs: Sample Virtual Worlds Lesson
When to Visit Virtual Worlds With ELLs
Who is Visiting Virtual Worlds With ELLs?
Join the Virtual World
Where to Find More Information About Virtual Worlds
Suggested Readings
Helpful Web Sites
Index

Editorial Reviews

"I thought the examples and stories that are presented throughout the text were great. Showing how people have used these technologies successfully with ELL students is very motivating and encouraging for the reader. "

Faith Chaney Grant

"Fills a niche for technology rich communities striving to meet the instructional and social needs of ELL students. "

Library Media Connection Magazine

"An excellent overview of the potential of Web 2.0 for ESL and other language teachers or administrators who are new to using Web tools. This book offers concrete suggestions, addresses concerns about using certain tools with younger learners, and provides alternatives for the K-12 setting when appropriate. If you want a resource that will help you determine which of the powerful Web 2.0 tools are best for your setting, then this book is for you! "

Elizabeth Scaduto

"This book provides great examples for teachers looking to enhance their practice through technology. These strategies can help not only English language learners, but ALL students! "

Jacie Maslyk

"This timely, user-friendly book provides inservice and preservice ESL teachers with the background and tools needed to implement Web 2.0 technologies in their classes today. The ELLs in these classrooms will benefit from learning English (and content) through rich and motivating technologies such as blogs, wikis, podcasts, visual media, social networking, and Second Life. Designed for teachers who need some guidance in using technology as a teaching tool, this handbook is very easy to follow and provides step-by-step instructions for even the most inexperienced ‘digital (non)natives’! "

Holly Hansen-Thomas

"Teachers and students are increasingly separated by a technological divide. This quick read will bridge that divide. Nineteenth-century schools cannot effectively prepare 21st-century students. After this quick read, teachers will be ready to jump into Web 2.0 technology with skills every student will envy. "

Denise Lewis Harlos

"Fills a niche for technology rich communities striving to meet the instructional and social needs of ELL students. "

Library Media Connection