Having technology in a classroom has many benefits but in an ESL classroom those benefits are multiplied since the students are able to practice what they learn in the classroom. For an ESL student this class initiated blog could provide an outlet for sharing their experiences with a community that is unique to them and to also explore what else it out there in the new culture they are immersed in. It provides a voyeuristic point of view into the new culture they are exposed to by reading the opinions and experiences of others outside of their community and possibly interacting with them through responses to these blogs.
Students who engage in a blog can help meet many of the ACTFL standards. Primarily, the communication standard 1.1: "Students engage in conversations, provide and obtain information, express feelings and emotions, and exchange opinions." This is easier for an ESL student who is usually shy in a traditional classroom since the blog setting provides some anonymity aspect. This can aid the student to write a little more freely about themselves and their views as well as learn about others without feeling awkward or overwhelmed.
Another standard that is directly met is the communities standard 5.1: "Students use the language both within and beyond the school setting." Blogging helps to reinforce what they are learning in the classroom. By participating in a blog they are connecting to a community they are getting comfortable with. Making a blog a requirement of a class provides the student to connect and to practice what they are learning.
Most of all a blog provides the outlet to express and to connect with others. It also chronicles progress made by the student by keeping a running record of all of their work. It is something they can look back on and be proud of.
As a graduate student this is what I hope to take away from this experience.
Viv I really liked when you said that blogging "provides a voyeuristic point of view into the new culture they are exposed" I really believe that blogging creates a whole different learning atmosphere for students. Especially ESL students, it gives them a chance to express themselves in a different way then they would from the classroom atmosphere and it some ways students might be a little more honest or creative since they know their work is in some way "published"
ReplyDeleteI like that you included the idea of a blog as an e-portfolio. ESL students often progress very quickly but are not aware of the advances they have made. For them as well as for their teachers and parents, it can be a valuable experience to see how far they have come in their English development.
ReplyDeleteYou made a good point when you said online discussion is: "easier for an ESL student who is usually shy in a traditional classroom since the blog setting provides some anonymity aspect." To add to that, I'll point out that some language learners are slow to speak in a classroom setting because of concerns about making mistakes. The blog format allows them time to compose a careful response, hopefully helping them build their confidence.
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