What do ESL students need to be able to do with technology?

TESOL Technology Standards 

for Language Learners

Goal 1. Language learners demonstrate foundational knowledge and skills in technology for a multilingual world.

• Standard 1: Language learners demonstrate basic operational skills in using various technological tools and Internet browsers.
• Examples: Using Google to find information, Microsoft Word to write essays, Microsoft Publisher to create a brochure, Microsoft Excel to organize, display, and analyze data.
• Standard 2: Language learners are able to use available input and output devices (e.g., keyboard, mouse, printer, headset, microphone, media player, electronic whiteboard).
• Examples: Using headsets & microphones to create podcasts, record  newscasts, create student presentations on interactive electronic whiteboards.
• Standard 3: Language learners exercise appropriate caution when using online sources and when engaging in electronic communication.
• Examples: Brainstorming & developing classroom guidelines for safe use of Web 2.0 tools, including keeping personal information safe
• Standard 4: Language learners demonstrate basic competence as users of technology.
• Examples: Knowing how to find information or answers to questions on Google

Goal 2. Language learners use technology in socially and culturally appropriate, legal, and ethical ways.

• Standard 1: Language learners understand that communication conventions differ across cultures, communities, and contexts.
• Examples: Comparing & contrasting texting language from different parts of the world and using Skype to understand different cultural gestures and greetings
• Standard 2: Language learners demonstrate respect for others in their use of private and public information.
• Examples: Not revealing addresses or other sensitive private information in emails or on Facebook.

Goal 3. Language learners effectively use and critically evaluate technology-based tools as aids in the development of their language learning competence as part of formal instruction and for further learning.

• Standard 1: Language learners effectively use and evaluate available technology-based productivity tools.
• Examples: Using Microsoft Word to write, using Excel for spreadsheets, and posting files to GoogleDocs.
• Standard 2: Language learners appropriately use and evaluate available technology-based language skill-building tools.
• Examples: Using podcasts like EnglishPod to practice pronunciation, and watching videos on YouTube to observe verbal and non-verbal communication.
• Standard 3: Language learners appropriately use and evaluate available technology-based tools for communication and collaboration.
• Examples: Using wikis to do group projects, posting comments on blogs, and Skyping with classmates to practice for a classroom presentation.
• Standard 4: Language learners use and evaluate available technology-based research tools appropriately.
• Examples: Using wikipedia to find initial information on a topic and determining validity of the information.
• Standard 5: Language learners recognize the value of technology to support autonomy, lifelong learning, creativity, metacognition, collaboration, personal pursuits, and productivity.
• Examples: Using a variety of Web 2.0 tools to create and share information. 

Resources:
Langer de Ramirez, Lori. (2010). Empowering English Language Learners with Tools from the Web. Corwin: Thousand Oaks, California.