Language Learning Tools
Unlike other tools discussed in this website, Language Learning Tools refer to a variety of resources which were specifically created to assist English Language Learners in language acquisition. These tools often come in the form of software, and utilize sounds, images, animations, video, and a variety of interactive instructional strategies to develop ELL students’ reading, writing, and speaking skills (Waters, 2007). These programs would typically be for the use of ELL students alone, while the rest of the class participated in a different task or activity.
Rosetta Stone
Rosetta Stone is one of the most popular language acquisition programs, not just for English, but a multitude of languages worldwide. Rosetta Stone uses an immersion approach to teach language skills, featuring no text or prompts in the student’s native language, but instead visuals and sounds in order to teach language skills (Daniel, 2008). The purported concept behind Rosetta Stone is to simulate the conditions which are present when language skills are developed for the first time, encouraging the brain to learn the new language through a similar process (Waters, 2007). A study by Malinda Daniel found Rosetta Stone can be an immensely useful resource to use in the classroom to help English Language Learners. In her study, co done in four schools, ELL students had a specified period of the day to work with Rosetta Stone to improve their language skills. The study concludes that through the use of the program, ELL students showed a measurable improvement in their language skills which were at least as significant as those from other students taught using traditional methods (Daniel, 2008). Therefore, Rosetta Stone could be an immensely valuable resource in assisting ELL students with language acquisition without direct teacher instruction, freeing up the instructor’s time to work with other students, while still giving ELL students the specific language instruction which they need. Rosetta Stone is not a whole solution for the needs of ELL students, however. Studies have reported the program to be repetitive and at times unengaging for students, so prolonged use during the day is not recommended (Daniel, 2008). Teachers might be best to have a specific amount of time set aside for ELL students to use Rosetta Stone, but at the same time incorporate a number of other strategies and technologies to aid language acquisition (Waters, 2007).
ELLIS
Similar to Rosetta Stone, ELLIS (English Language Learning Instructional System) is a software designed by Pearson, specifically aimed at promoting language proficiency for English Language Learners. ELLIS uses a variety of videos, images, sounds, and animations to communicate informations, while allowing users to interact with the program through a variety of means, ranging from point and click functions to digital voice recording (Waters, 2007). Pearson states that “the programs offer interactive role-playing, context-sensitive translation, grammar, vocabulary, cultural insight, pronunciation and comparison tools, mastery tests, and skills-tracking features”, to help language learners master English (Waters, 2007). A major benefit of ELLIS and similar programs is that students can work at their own pace, allowing them to take the time they need to master the new language in a safe environment. They can do lessons over if necessary, or quickly move onto the next one depending on their learning needs. In addition, teachers can closely monitor students’ progress, and share such results with parents (Waters, 2007). ELLIS offers three different programs directed for young children, adolescents, and adults (Waters, 2007).
Mobile Apps
The increased number of smart phones has encouraged a number of developers to create free or low cost apps to assist specifically with language acquisition. Though there are too many apps to individually review, it is important for teachers to know that there are a variety of specific language acquisition resources available to ELL students, providing “interactive lessons, pronunciation dictionaries, voice recognition transcriptions, audio-enhanced illustrated books”, among other specific language learning applications (White & Gillard, 2011). One of the best ones is called DuoLingo, which is a free application, and uses a variety of methods such as image and sound recognition, as well as text and voice recording in order to assist language learners. DuoLingo uses a game type of format to make lessons more engaging for students, and as it is a mobile app, can allow users to take language learning beyond the classroom. Other apps could include Forvo which is a pronunciation dictionary, or Meegenius, which is based around illustrated books with audio and text highlights (White & Gillard, 2011). There are many more possibilities, so teachers are encouraged to search through app stores to find applications which can work best for their students’ needs. The following website: http://languageholic.com/the-best-language-learning-apps-youll-ever-find/ reviews a few of the many possible apps out there the help English Language Learners.