Technology Tools for ESL Students

There are many technology tools that would greatly benefit ESL students that would enable them to become more proficient in their target language and increase their comprehensible input. While the following technology tools would be great for ESL students, they would be great for all learners in the classroom.

• Video conferencing (to help students with their listening and speaking domains)
• Blogging (to help students in their reading and writing by partaking in important online discussions)
• Computer Software (to practice skills and build background knowledge)
• Podcasts (to help with oral language and listening skills)
• PowerPoint (a great tool for students to create and share information; also a great way for teachers to blend visual cues with words and create background knowledge)
• Digital Stories (again, students can use it as a tool to share information; teachers can create movies specifically designed with the students in mind)
• Online games (provides practice for skills and builds background knowledge)
• General online resources (this mainly provides teachers with the ideas and materials needed to successfully provide for the needs of ESL students)