TESOL+Technology+Standards

> Web 2.0 tools can also connect directly and deeply to the TESOL (Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages) national standards. Below is a list of the national TESOL standards, followed by examples of Web 2.0 tools and activities that correspond to each one.
 * 1) WEB 2.0 AND THE TESOL STANDARDS

To use English to communicate in social settings: Students will use English to participate in social interactions. Example: Blogging to share information about favorite music, families, interests

To use English to communicate in social settings: Students will interact in, through, and with spoken and written English for personal expression and enjoyment. Example: Posting information about themselves in Facebook or MySpace accounts

To use English to communicate in social settings: Students will use learning strategies to extend their communicative competence. Example: Commenting on friends’ photos on VoiceThread or on blogs To use English to achieve academically in all content areas: Students will use English to interact in the classroom. Example: Creating a class/group podcast on a particular content area topic

WHY USE WEB 2.0 TOOLS WITH ELL’S? To use English to achieve academically in all content areas: Students will use English to obtain, process, construct, and pro- vide subject matter information in spoken and written form. Example: Researching a topic and sharing relevant Web sites on a social bookmarking site

To use English to achieve academically in all content areas: Students will use appropriate learning strategies to construct and apply academic knowledge. Example: Cocreating a group wiki on a particular content area topic

To use English in socially and culturally appropriate ways: Students will use the appropriate language variety, register, and genre according to audience, purpose, and setting. Example: Creating a podcast to be broadcast on school radio or posted to the school Web site

To use English in socially and culturally appropriate ways: Students will use nonverbal communication appropriate to audience, purpose, and setting. Example: Filming a video for posting to YouTube or to show in school

To use English in socially and culturally appropriate ways: Students will use appropriate learning strategies to extend their sociolinguistic and sociocultural competence. Example: Sharing comments on a blog or wiki, adding comments to a photo on VoiceThread

Source: Adapted from Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages (2006). TESOL has also developed technology standards—both for students and for teachers. The technology standards for students are listed below, along with examples of student work or projects that connect to each one. Goal 1: Language learners demonstrate foundational knowledge and skills in technology for a multilingual world Language learners demonstrate basic operational skills in using various technological tools and Internet browsers. Example: Using Microsoft Word to write essays, Microsoft Publisher to create a brochure or book, Microsoft Excel to organize and analyze data, or Google to find information Language learners are able to use available input and output devices (e.g., keyboard, mouse, printer, headset, microphone, media player, electronic whiteboard).

EMPOWER ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNERS Example: Using headsets and microphones to record newscasts and to create podcasts, printing work, creating student presenta- tions on interactive electronic whiteboards Language learners exercise appropriate caution when using online sources and when engaging in electronic communication. Example: Brainstorming and developing classroom guidelines for safe use of Web 2.0 tools, keeping personal information safe while sending e-mails Language learners demonstrate basic competence as users of technology. Example: Knowing how to find information on Google or answers to questions on WikiHow

Goal 2: Language learners use technology in socially and culturally appropriate, legal, and ethical ways Language learners understand that communication con- ventions differ across cultures, communities, and contexts. Example: Comparing and contrasting texting language from dif- ferent parts of the world, using Skype to understand different cul- tural gestures and greetings Language learners demonstrate respect for others in their use of private and public information. Example: Developing Voki avatars to serve as virtual identities, not revealing addresses or other sensitive private information in e-mails 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 Language learners effectively use and evaluate available technology-based productivity tools. Example: Using Microsoft Word to write prose or poetry, using Excel for spreadsheets, posting files to GoogleDocs, finding and saving bookmarks on Diigo Language learners appropriately use and evaluate available technology-based language skill-building tools. Example: Using podcasts like EnglishPod to practice pronunciation, watching videos on YouTube to observe nonverbal communication WHY USE WEB 2.0 TOOLS WITH ELL’S? Language learners appropriately use and evaluate available technology-based tools for communication and collaboration.

Example: Using wikis to do group projects, posting comments on blogs, Skyping with classmates to practice for a class presentation Language learners use and evaluate available technology- based research tools appropriately. Example: Using Wikipedia to find intial information on a topic, vetting websites to determine validity Language learners recognize the value of technology to support autonomy, lifelong learning, creativity, metacogni- tion, collaboration, personal pursuits, and productivity. Example: Using a variety of Web 2.0 tools to create and share school and personal information

Source: Adapted from Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages (1996–2007). The integration of Web 2.0 tools into ESL and mainstream curricula will create natural connections to these TESOL technology standards both for the students and for ESL teachers. Web 2.0 tools can help teachers develop and maintain technological skills while also learning ways to enhance student learning. These tools also allow teachers to provide more frequent and meaningful feedback and assessments while facilitating record keeping and communication with students.