Why is technology such a powerful tool for our ELLs? It can provide them with even more ways to access instructional materials and acquire new language skills. Students can access information and demonstrate understanding using a variety of modalities. It can also help teachers offer more personalized support. Technology can give all students the tools they need to have equitable access to instructional activities and therefore more agency.  

When it comes to technology, knowing what is out there that will help your students can be very overwhelming. It seems like everyday a new website or app is created and it can be hard to sort through everything. So, how can you go about determining what tools and resources to use and when? First, you need to consider the individual needs and technological comfort level of your students. Every student we have in our classroom is unique and comes to us with different experiences regarding their use of technology. For instance, I have had students in my classroom who have only had experience with touch-enabled devices, and were unaware how to navigate a laptop. These are important things to be aware of so you can provide the best support possible! 

Adapting to new technology

Next, become familiar with different types of technology available. This includes tools that assist students in communicating ideas and understanding academic content as well as productivity tools that can help them record and organize thoughts and ideas. As you are selecting technology to introduce to students, determine how easily they can find and use the tools of and specific features of that technology. Develop a plan for introducing technology to students and prepare instructional activities to highlight how they can use them to work independently. Additionally, you should determine when and how students can use these tools, and if they should have access to them at all times, or only during specific periods. 

Lastly, it is always important to consider students’ privacy and how their data is protected. If you’re unsure, it is always best to check with your school or district’s technology coordinator and/or administrators. Here’s 4 versatile tools to support ELLs

1) Microsoft Immersive Reader

Immersive Reader is a powerful tool! It includes a variety of features, such as picture and word dictionaries, the ability to highlight parts of speech and syllables, access to individual word or whole document translations, read alouds, reading coaches, and more! All of which are excellent supports for all students, and especially ELLs. Immersive Reader can be found in Microsoft 365 online or downloaded as software.The other amazing thing about Immersive Reader is that there are over 25 websites, including PowerSchool, Canvas, Pear Deck, and more, who have partnered with Microsoft to offer Immersive Reader in their platforms. Just look for the Immersive Reader logo and students can use this tool to help them navigate through the information on these sites! To bring Immersive Reader to your Chrome, Edge, Firefox or Safari browser, try the Helperbird Extension. A subscription is required for school-wide use, but it is free for teachers!

2) Piktochart

Piktochart is a digital tool creation website. It is an easy resource to use to make visual infographics, diagrams, charts, and more. This makes it easier for students to share their understanding of material, or for you to introduce or reinforce content for students. Whether you are using a premade template, or starting from scratch, you can quickly make visuals for ELLs. Other similar sites we recommend include Canva and Adobe Express. 

3) Wakelet

Wakelet is a free site you can use to make and share curated content for your students in a visually appealing format. You can use it to share everyday content, resources, digital word walls, etc. Your students can also use it to communicate their understanding by adding notes, sources, and other information. This is a great way for ELLs to access and organize information to make it more accessible. Not only do we love it for the visually appealing format, but Wakelet is also an Immersive Reader partner, so students can use them together! 

4) Read&Write Chrome Extension

The Read&Write Chrome Extension works with Google Drive files, websites, and more to help students with both pre-existing content or content they are creating. Similar to Immersive Reader, Read&Write has text-to speech, picture and word dictionaries, Google Docs voice notes, text summary, and more, so it’s a great way for ELLs to access and understand content. Anyone can access basic features, as teachers have free access, but for district wide access, a paid plan is necessary. 

For more applications and website recommendations, check out the Supporting ELLs Through Technology course on our OTIS website.

For more tips, tricks, and tools for teaching in and out of the classroom, check out more content on the Teq Talk blog or our YouTube channels OTIS for educators and Tequipment.

We also offer virtual professional development, training, and support with OTIS for educators. Explore the technology and strategies that spark student success — no matter where teaching or learning are happening!

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