Kelly Romero - Using the Internet and Technology to Support Diverse Learners

Using Technology to Support Diverse Learners
http://www.wested.org/cs/tdl/view/tdl_tip/52
This website presents text on the benefits of using technology and the internet to support diverse learners, and English language learners in particular. The website gives several examples of how these tools can be used to enhance the learning experiences of ELL students. One suggestion is to use different websites to give background to students about the topic or lesson that is being presented. By allowing students the opportunity to explore these websites either as a group or an individual, they will be fortified with background knowledge and information of the subject.
The website also suggests that the internet can “create a positive learning environment” for English Language Learners because of the “non-judgmental nature of the computer”. The use of spell check or tutorials can give confidence to ELL students whether they are doing assignments or even participating in e-mail or chat rooms with native English Speakers. The suggestions that the website gives for using the internet with ELL students can be used with other diverse learners and also typical learners as well.

-Kelly Romero